Homecoming
Homecoming is an annual celebration held by the Spring Court, commemorating the escape of every Freehold member from the clutches of slavery in Faerie. The festivities commence with a vibrant parade led by beautifully adorned floats and hedge steeds, all embellished with an abundance of flowers. The parade begins at the Hedge and culminates at the Spring Grove, where a grand bash awaits the guests.
During the Homecoming, the Spring Court takes great care to fulfill at least one desire of every attendee, no matter how small, before they depart. This gesture ensures that each participant feels valued and cherished as they revel in the joyous occasion. The Homecoming is an all-inclusive event, welcoming everyone associated with the Freehold and encouraging all guests to "let loose." Remarkably, most attendees embrace the spirit of merriment, immersing themselves in the festivities.
Furthermore, the Homecoming serves as the official recognition of new Spring courtiers. As part of the ceremony, the new candidates are presented before the Spring Monarch or Knight, pledging their oaths of loyalty to the Court. Each new member is then gifted a flower taken from the elaborately decorated floats, marking them as official members of the Spring Court. The remainder of the evening is dedicated to revelry and jubilation, celebrating the unity and strength of the Freehold.
While the festivities are filled with joy and laughter, the Spring Court also acknowledges the weight of their past. To honor those still trapped in Faerie, an empty table is set, symbolizing the ones left behind. In a solemn moment at the end of the celebrations, a heartfelt toast is raised, expressing the hope that one day those still in Arcadia may find their way home to join the Freehold.
Homecoming is a cherished tradition that not only unites the Spring Court but also serves as a poignant reminder of their shared history, resilience, and ongoing commitment to support and uplift one another in their newfound freedom.
History
The tradition of Homecoming in the Spring Court has its roots in a poignant history of escape and defiance. Many years ago, when the first changelings managed to break free from their captors, the True Fae, they found themselves in the mortal world, forever marked by their traumatic experiences in Faerie. These brave escapees formed the early foundations of what would later become the Spring Court's Freehold.
As the years passed and more changelings found their way to freedom, they sought safety and understanding by coming together in their newfound Freehold. The Spring Court emerged as a bastion of hope, unity, and celebration, embracing the concept of rebirth and new beginnings that spring symbolizes.
The idea of Homecoming took shape as an annual event, initially a simple gathering of those who had managed to escape from Faerie. Over time, it evolved into a grand celebration, a reminder of their shared past and their continued struggle for freedom. The parade from the Hedge to the Spring Grove became a symbolic journey, signifying their escape from the clutches of the Faerie realm and their return to the mortal world.
As new members joined the Freehold, the tradition of officially recognizing and welcoming them during Homecoming emerged. The Spring Monarch or Knight presided over the ceremony, acknowledging each new courtier's pledge of fealty and marking their membership with a flower from the floats.
The spirit of joy and revelry during Homecoming represents the triumph of the human spirit over adversity. Despite the trauma they endured in Faerie, the changelings find solace and strength in their unity and shared experiences. Granting the desires of the guests before they depart reflects the Spring Court's commitment to supporting one another and ensuring that each member feels valued and celebrated.
In the midst of the jubilant festivities, the solemn toast and the empty table serve as poignant reminders of those still trapped in Faerie. The changelings express their hope that one day, all who remain in Arcadia will find their way back to the Freehold and join them in their celebration of freedom and defiance.
The tradition of Homecoming continues to endure, passed down through generations of changelings, serving as a testament to their resilience, unity, and unwavering commitment to reclaiming their lives from the clutches of the True Fae.
Execution
The Homecoming tradition in the Spring Court follows a well-established formulaic system, meticulously planned and carried out each year. The preparations begin well in advance, with the Spring Court members working together to organize the event. Elaborate floats and hedge steeds are intricately decorated with an abundance of flowers, symbolizing the celebration of spring and renewal.
On the designated day, the Homecoming parade commences from the Hedge, the boundary that separates the mortal world from the Faerie realm. The procession, led by the beautifully adorned floats and hedge steeds, makes its way through the mortal world towards the Spring Grove, the heart of the Spring Court's Freehold. This symbolic journey represents the escape of the changelings from Faerie's enslavement and their return to freedom in the human world.
As the participants reach the Spring Grove, the festivities begin with joyous revelry. The Spring Court takes great care to ensure that every guest's desire, no matter how small, is met before they depart. This gesture of granting wishes exemplifies the Court's commitment to fostering a sense of belonging and appreciation among its members.
During Homecoming, the tradition also serves as the official recognition of new Spring courtiers. The candidates are presented before the Spring Monarch or Knight, where they pledge their oaths of fealty to the Court. Each new courtier is bestowed with a flower taken from the beautifully adorned floats, symbolizing their official membership within the Spring Court.
In the midst of the celebration, the solemn moment arrives when a single table is set and left empty. This represents those still trapped in Faerie, serving as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggle faced by the changelings and their commitment to support and hope for the return of those who remain in Arcadia.
Components and tools
The rituals of the Homecoming tradition in the Spring Court are enriched by the use of various physical items, each carrying symbolic significance. Elaborate floats and hedge steeds play a central role in the celebration, adorned with an abundance of vibrant flowers that represent the essence of spring and renewal. These beautifully decorated vehicles lead the procession from the Hedge to the Spring Grove, signifying the changelings' escape from Faerie and their return to the mortal world.
During the official recognition of new Spring courtiers, each candidate is presented with a flower taken from the floats. This simple yet meaningful act marks their initiation into the Spring Court, symbolizing their commitment and loyalty to the Freehold. The flowers also serve as wearable tokens, adorning the new courtiers as they partake in the festivities, proudly announcing their newfound membership within the community.
As the evening culminates in revelry and celebration, the participants are often adorned with various accessories and clothing, reflecting the spirit of joy and letting loose. The vibrant and colorful attire adds to the festive atmosphere, encouraging a sense of unity and camaraderie among the changelings.
Amidst the merriment, the somber touch of an empty table holds deep symbolic significance. This table is set aside to represent those who remain trapped in Faerie, unable to join in the Homecoming festivities. It serves as a constant reminder of the ongoing struggle faced by the changelings and their unwavering hope for the eventual return of those still held captive in Arcadia.
Participants
In the Homecoming tradition of the Spring Court, a diverse array of participants come together to play essential roles in the celebration. The warm and willing bodies of the Freehold members form the heart of the event, representing the collective spirit of unity and defiance against their shared past of enslavement in Faerie.
Key roles within the Homecoming tradition include the Spring Monarch or Knight, who presides over the festivities and officiates the official recognition of new Spring courtiers. They play a crucial role in welcoming and accepting new members into the Court, ensuring that the oaths of loyalty are sworn, and the symbolic flowers are bestowed upon the newcomers.
The organizers of the Homecoming, drawn from the Spring Court members, play a pivotal role in planning and coordinating the event. They oversee the preparations, which include decorating the floats and hedge steeds with an abundance of flowers, as well as arranging the parade route from the Hedge to the Spring Grove.
The new Spring courtiers themselves hold a significant role in the celebration. They stand before the Spring Monarch or Knight, pledging their oaths of fealty, and are presented with flowers from the floats, marking their initiation into the Spring Court. These new members represent the ongoing growth and strength of the Freehold, embodying the hope for a brighter future for all changelings.
Every participant is invited to partake in the revelry and joy of Homecoming, contributing to the spirit of celebration and unity. As the guests "let loose," they create an atmosphere of camaraderie and support, strengthening the bonds among the Freehold members.
Additionally, the symbolic touch of the empty table serves as a poignant reminder of those still trapped in Faerie. Every participant holds a solemn responsibility to remember and hope for the eventual return of their kin, fueling their determination to protect and support one another in their journey toward freedom.
Observance
Marche 27
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