Zois' Day of Giving

Observance/Celebrations

• 10 Dekatos
• Celebrated around Kyrias, especially in the Winter Kingdom.

Traditions

• Giftgiving
• Family meals
• Decorating of a pine tree
• Leaving offerings for Zois
• Celebrating life

Description

Also known as Zoismas. A religious celebration that has seen its meaning twist over the years. Once created to celebrate the sacrifice the gods gave for the safety of the mortal races. It is named after the goddess of life, Zois, who was the one who had the idea to grant gifts to the mortal races. Mortals would celebrate the occasion by spending time with one another and giving gifts to each other.

In recent history, the Lord of The Winter Kingdom, Lord Nicholas Klaus has taken the tradition and expanded it. He used his wealth to give gifts to all the orphan children in his kingdom. At first, he hired the most skilled of elves to his workshop. The elves slowly began to return home as their ancestral lands became more and more prosperous. The Lord began to employ gnomes, halflings, and other humans to his workshop as they were the most populous in his region. In the aftermath of the communist takeover of the Halfling government, many found safety in The Winter Kingdom. The Kingdom saw a mass migration of halflings. This sparked a new era in the Kingdom's prosperity. Over the years, the whole set up has become a year long industry. As the Lord expanded his operation first to all children in the Kingdom, then to the children of nearby kingdoms, the time required to craft gifts increased. He converted his home into a workshop as the demand increased. Kept afloat by donations and magical means, the Kingdom is a land of happiness and compassion. The Lord himself, although rumoured to be immortal, is often said to be more of a ceremonial role. Passed from generation to generation. The magic employed each year is always improving. To accommodate for the increased number of deliveries, the Lord has begun to use magical flying deer to pull his slay of presents. Children often stay awake to listen for the jingling bells of the reins as they land on each roof.

The decorating of pine trees seems to have originated as a way to symbolise Zois in Pole. Placing decorations on it is a way to show thanks to her for her gifts.