Under Her Watchful Gaze
Under Her Watchful Gaze is a (generally) semi-annual festival celebrated along the Northeastern coast of Suntier, most notably in the country of Anshiak. It is held on the both as a celebration of freedom and cultural pride, and as a token of deep reverence and gratitude toward the tropical forces of nature - particularly the moon. It occurs on days of the perigean king tide, when the moon is both full and at it's closest point to the planet.
History
The origin of the festival dates back nearly a century, following the Peren Mango Invasion, in which the now-defunct territory (located on modern Okana) attempted an attack on the country's shores, hoping to wrest power and gain influence over the region's then-unstable government to lay claim to its natural resources, including fruit and precious metals. At the time, Peren's own country was suffering from mass erosion as a result of heavy rainfall that its people were woefully unprepared for, experiencing hardship and poverty as a result. They shared an oceanic waterway with Anshiak, which they used to justify the assault, presenting it as a desire to introduce stability into the nation.
They invaded on Common Folk Calendar 12 Perchdas 472Yellowtail, during the year's perigean king tide. They intended to use the bright light of the moon to make their way across the waters with ease, landing just after low tide to take advantage of the rising waters in utilizing reinforcements and resupply. Unfortunately for Peren, the tides rose at an usually rapid rate that morning and reached near record breaking heights in a matter of minutes, which spelled disaster for the invaders. Men were washed away and the restless waves wreaked havoc on their ships, dooming the vast majority to a watery death. It also did unspeakable damage to the communities nearest the coast, but most of the villagers had been evacuated beforehand, expecting a drawn out, bloody battle and leaving for the safety of themselves and their families.
The torn country had not been prepared for the invasion whatsoever, and having no unified military unit or agreed leader to answer to, militias had instead split closer to the inland in order to defend their own individual territories. Many men had lost their morale, weary from the nation's own constant internal struggles. The invading fleet's spectacular failure at the hands of nature brought a new hope and inspired the country's leaders to overcome their differences and unite as one once again.
They saw the economic damage the disaster wrought as a worthy sacrifice for their freedom and unification. The next year's king tide, they threw a festival in honor of the event, where they paid respect and homage to the powerful forces of nature that could have spelled their doom that night had things turned out differently, but saved their nation instead.
They invaded on Common Folk Calendar 12 Perchdas 472Yellowtail, during the year's perigean king tide. They intended to use the bright light of the moon to make their way across the waters with ease, landing just after low tide to take advantage of the rising waters in utilizing reinforcements and resupply. Unfortunately for Peren, the tides rose at an usually rapid rate that morning and reached near record breaking heights in a matter of minutes, which spelled disaster for the invaders. Men were washed away and the restless waves wreaked havoc on their ships, dooming the vast majority to a watery death. It also did unspeakable damage to the communities nearest the coast, but most of the villagers had been evacuated beforehand, expecting a drawn out, bloody battle and leaving for the safety of themselves and their families.
The torn country had not been prepared for the invasion whatsoever, and having no unified military unit or agreed leader to answer to, militias had instead split closer to the inland in order to defend their own individual territories. Many men had lost their morale, weary from the nation's own constant internal struggles. The invading fleet's spectacular failure at the hands of nature brought a new hope and inspired the country's leaders to overcome their differences and unite as one once again.
They saw the economic damage the disaster wrought as a worthy sacrifice for their freedom and unification. The next year's king tide, they threw a festival in honor of the event, where they paid respect and homage to the powerful forces of nature that could have spelled their doom that night had things turned out differently, but saved their nation instead.
Execution
This special day is celebrated throughout Anshiak, but most notably along the coast. It is also celebrated in some neighboring coastal countries as its influence and popularity grew. Outside of Anshiak, it is generally considered a day honoring the moon and her tides, and the important roles both play for communities who leave near the ocean. For some, it has even expanded to a celebration of weather in general, a day for honoring the sun and the rain, and how it nourishes their crops and makes their communities thrive.
For Anshiak, however, it is also an day of unification and independence. Colorful festivals take place all throughout the country in various cities, where people express themselves through their culture. The city Mantuik holds a traditional dance competition, while beach cities host surfing and sailing contests. Food stands hawking various tropical cuisines crop up for the festivities, touting unique and delectable dishes from all throughout the country. Money and handcrafted gifts were once thrown into the sea as offerings to nature for its protection, though modern practice usually calls for individual, handpicked produce instead to reduce harm to local aquatic life. For the spiritually inclined, loud, joyous prayers are yelled into the skies far into the evening, a sign of gratitude toward the supermoon herself.
With the honoring of both the moon and the sea has come a deeper respect for the fickle nature of nature itself. The people of the region place a much lower value on material goods and it is widely accepted that every living being is at the complete mercy of nature, and must answer to her whims.
For Anshiak, however, it is also an day of unification and independence. Colorful festivals take place all throughout the country in various cities, where people express themselves through their culture. The city Mantuik holds a traditional dance competition, while beach cities host surfing and sailing contests. Food stands hawking various tropical cuisines crop up for the festivities, touting unique and delectable dishes from all throughout the country. Money and handcrafted gifts were once thrown into the sea as offerings to nature for its protection, though modern practice usually calls for individual, handpicked produce instead to reduce harm to local aquatic life. For the spiritually inclined, loud, joyous prayers are yelled into the skies far into the evening, a sign of gratitude toward the supermoon herself.
With the honoring of both the moon and the sea has come a deeper respect for the fickle nature of nature itself. The people of the region place a much lower value on material goods and it is widely accepted that every living being is at the complete mercy of nature, and must answer to her whims.
by Kerala Beauty
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