Festival of Blossoms

History

This holiday started with one of Havenport’s own adventurers: Angus Skaldison. After failing to find the parents of his wife, Shabell, the couple traveled north to the home country of Angus, Makland. One cloudy night, she was sitting on a cliff overlooking the sea when he brought her a wild bluebell flower. She remarked on how beautiful it is, and he responded, “Aye, but nothing is more beautiful than ye”. Knowing that they symbolize everlasting love, he decided to continue this tradition each year. They continued traveling from town to town, and the people in whatever town they were in when the occasion rolled around loved his story of why he gave his lover a bluebell, and decided to make it their own tradition. Thus, what started as one man giving his wife a flower became a widely spread tradition that eventually became a holiday.

Execution

From its inception, the holiday changed a bit. The day starts with a feast and celebration of friends and family. After a day of celebration, the original tradition begins once the sunsets. Over the years, the tradition changed a bit to include those who are hopeful that someone returns their love. Those who haven’t confessed their love yet give the focus of their affection a Gardenia. Those who have already confessed their love give their loved one either a Bluebell or a red Carnation, depending on how serious their relationship is. The recipient of the flowers can give their answer verbally or with flowers. A bouquet of wilted flowers or a striped carnation means no, and a red chrysanthemum or ambrosia flower means yes.

Observance

The Festival of Blossoms is observed on the first full moon of spring.