Saint Airgid's Day

"And on the final day of the year, the people would gather under the stars and sing their praises: Oh Airgid, how you have sheltered us, from sun and stone and whipping gale.
Into this new year now we pray, that you shall guide us home again.
By the grace of the Gods, we pray to you for our salvation.
Standard-bearer, Guiding Star, Savior-Saint, we pray to you".

On the final day of the year at the end of the Reed Moon, the people of East Talamh celebrate Saint Airgid's Day. This holiday commemorates the life and doings of Saint Airgid, the holiest among The Seven Saints. The Tiefling Clans place greatest emphasis on the traditions of this day, but their rulership over the East has superseded other, traditional holidays that were typically held around this time. Saint Airgid's day competes with Sauin, the traditional Talish year-end holiday. In recent times, Sauin has been suppressed in favor of the more nationalistic Saint's day.

History and Traditions

The Ringing of the Bells

At dawn on Saint Airgid's day, seven great bells ring out from highest steeple of The Silver Citadel in Domhain and from the top of The Spire itself. These bells ring throughout the morning, mages cooperating to make sure their notes are synced properly. It is said that those standing at the top of the Spire can hear the ringing of Domhain's bells and that those in The Silver Citadel can hear the Spire's, creating a somber yet resolute tune for only the ears of the heavens to hear. Some satellite locations have begun to follow this tradition - there is at least one settlement in each County outfitted with Highclan magicians that are able to cause bells to ring in time as well. It is generally expected to be up on this day fairly early to listen to the first bells' chime, and it is said to bring good luck not to speak while the bells are chiming. When the last bell rings in Domhain, the people are invited to the upper layer of the city to be fed and take part in drink commemorating the Saint.

The White Flower Burn

After the feast antecedent of the bells, white bouquets of flowers are brought to the center of virtually all Tiefling-ruled settlements in the East. In Domhain, thousands of individuals from all around the continent arrive, bringing with them their flowers that have been preserved since Spring. These flowers are all burned, sent to the heavens to be with the Saints and The Gods of Talamh. During this time, onlookers are encouraged to pray for their desires for the following year, trusting in Saint Airgid and the Gods to provide the with the future they desire.
In addition, small material sacrifices are often made into these great fires - objects of significance are thrown into the blaze, inviting a scourge of the old and an evolution to the new. It is customary for children to burn at least one of their childhood playthings when they come of age, symbolizing the move to adulthood.

Regional Traditions

The festivities following the White Flower Burn vary greatly depending on region. Typically, festivities in and around Domhain and Major Clan seats are somber and demure, with emphasis being placed upon self-reflection and introspection. However, these are just the ways that the nobility celebrate - most of the populous spends their days drinking and spending time with family. Even some major nobility have participated in this tradition, known as 'drinking from the Silver Cup'. In his youth, it is said that Lir Domhain would often be found extremely drunk and roving the streets on the nights following the day, passing out gold pieces to the people he met along the way.
At The Spire, traditions like this are strictly forbidden. The Faith encourages individuals to pray to the gods, perhaps favoring one and establishing a connection or particular devotion for the coming year. Castellans and their apprentices alike often give street sermons where they are able, but the farther from Domhain and The Spire you move, the less this is seen.

Observance
30th of the Reed Moon
Related Actors
Saint Airgid
Region
East Talamh

Primary Related Location

Domhain

Related Organizations