Rularian Solstice Festival
History
The tradition has existed in many forms and many, its present modern day form has existed for about 300 years, coming into begin just before the Draconic Resurgence. The modern form has come about through the combination of the Rularian nations own traditions based around the winter solstice. Taking surrounding yourselves with family and friends from the Polantian custom, to giving offerings to the temples and Gods from Dragontide and Ixmoria. The idea of having a large feast around a hearth from the New Thaltical Republic, sheltering friends and family from the cold and the dark, gifting presents to family and friends coming from Erandule.
This combination of the various traditions came almost accidentally, after the unification of Rularia and the Rularian council economic and informational trade and exchange across Rularia was bosltered, and through this many traditions found their ways across the waters. A prime example of this was the New Thaltical Republic taking the traditions of the other nations during their rebuilding efforts, and the same with Dragontide.
Execution
Each year, beginning on the 14th Ramder the people of Rularia begin a week of celebration and offerings both to the Gods and towards family and friends. Each night people will gather at a temple devoted to a God they follow, or for those who follow no God around a table with family and friends. Each night an offering or gift is present to the Gods or family, from small things like toys and food to offerings significant to a God, Ilmater receives bandages and medical supplies, Umberlee receives carvings of ships. During this time most of the offerings to the temples, that have a physical use, are used by the temple Clerics, Paladins and Priests, whilst more symbolic offerings are placed on a pyre and burnt to offer their spiritual value to the Gods.
Many people gift toys and presents to children during this time, and towards older family or friends will offer food, clothes, a place at their hearth, or money.
Some nations of Rularia give offerings to specific Gods during this time, like Ixmoria offering to Helm God of Protection, to protect them from the cold and the dark, or Erandule offering to Lathander for the birth and renewal that comes with Spring.
Observance
The Solstice Festival takes place across the week that the winter solstice falls, from the 14th-21st of Ramder.
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