Howl for The Lost
Also referred to as the Gathering for the Departed (as a homage to their Garou roots), this holiday is a ritualistic gathering to honor the sacrifice of the now lost Lupus and Metis, and to keep their spirits alive.
Execution
In the earlier part of the day, all are welcome, anyone who wishes to share their loss or grief. The day begins with a raucous wake - drink, food and stories of those past flow freely. Laughter and tawdry tales of those gone beyond the veil are encouraged. The daylight is a time for the happy memories of those who have passed through to the Twilight.
As the day wears on, anyone who is not Wolf-blooded or Uratha (or very rarely, very close allies) are encouraged to depart to their homes. The stories shift to tales of the Wild, old spirits and the history of the Uratha. At the nights darkest, the party winds down and the mood sombers. The Uratha shift down to their near wolf form - Urshul. The Wolf-Blooded stand with their families and amongst the Uratha, then all in unison they raise their voices in a howl to Luna. This harmonious cry is a powerful invocation, a way of channeling their connection to the spirits of Lupus and Metis, and an offering to the celestial forces that oversee the natural world. The howl represents their unity, their shared purpose, and their determination to keep the legacy of Lupus and Metis alive.
With the howl still reverberating through the night, the Uratha then embark on a sacred hunt. They spread out across the landscape, their senses heightened by the ritual, their bodies infused with a supernatural vigor. Their mission is to patrol and protect their territories, searching for any lurking monsters, formidable foes, or daring trespassers that might threaten their lands. As they move through the darkness, they become the guardian spirits of the wild, embodying the legacy of Lupus and Metis, who were known for their fierce protectiveness of the natural world.
The Uratha's presence alone acts as a potent deterrent for those who might venture into their territories unwisely. The hunt continues until the first light of dawn breaks the night's grip, and the participants return to the ritual's central fire. By then, any threats to their lands have been vanquished, and the collective spirit of the Uratha is renewed, invigorated by their shared vigilance and the memory of Lupus and Metis.
As the sun rises, the Uratha participants return to their settlements, their territories safe and their connection to the wild reaffirmed. Meanwhile, word spreads to other settlements in the region, warning them to stay out of the wild places on the night of the Winter Solstice, for the Uratha will be on their sacred vigil, and they will protect their lands with an unwavering devotion that echoes the ancient spirits of Lupus and Metis. The Winter Solstice ritual not only honors the past but also serves as a powerful testament to the Uratha's commitment to preserving the delicate balance of the natural world.
Participants
The festivities are initiated by the current Alpha, Evan Bloodmane, and his family and pack. They make a point of cooking and serving their entire community. One of the Alpha's group will start the storytelling and give the word to kick off the music.
The rest of the Alpha's pack and family with keep the timetable of the day, the festivities going, and sharing all that they have with the people of Wolfhaven and their friends.
Observance
Observed over the Day of and over the Longest Night (Decembre 21st)
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