Ses’seval

History

The holiday is believed to have its origins in either the late Gold Age or early Iron Age, when the infant Initiaist church assigned holy days to the various gods and saints. Ses'ser's association with harvest and wind made the autumnal equinox a logical choice for his festival day. The autumnal equinox is also, supposedly, the night when the End and the Overworld are at their closest proximinity (see the Observance section.)

Execution

Sessaval is an autumnal celebration of the harvest and the stars. In the Overworld, festivities generally take place in the evening because of tradition; it signalled the end of a long harvest day. The farmers could set down their tools and celebrate a job well done. Harvest feasts are an old and popular tradition, wherein surplus produce would be meted out to those in need. Campfires made from spoiled produce are also popular, especially with accompanied by grandiose fireside stories.
The holiday also symbolises the conquest of fear and horror. Especially among children, it is popular to dress up as something scary. Traditionally, this was to scare away any wayward spirits coming in from the End. In modern times, however, it has evolved into a casual custom. The costumed people will go from door to door asking for treats to reward their work of chasing away demons. If the demand for treats is not met, they will threaten to play tricks on the house's inhabitants.
Modern celebrations of Sessaval tend to be focused on lighthearted partying and pranks. Costume parties and bonfire dances are popular events. Nowadays, it is usually only children who dress up and ask for treats door-to-door. The Initiaist church holds a special service for Sessaval; however, the holiday itself has become largely secularised over the years.

Observance

Sessaval coincides with the autumnal equinox, which usually falls on the 20th, 21st, or 22nd of September each year. According to folklore, that is when the synapse between the Overworld and the End is at its thinnest. Thus, the date of Sessaval depends on the year's lunar activity. Typically, the day's festivities happen in the evening and last long into the night.
According to superstition, a Sessaval that falls on the evening of a full moon is vulnerable to curses. Historically, the full moon has been associated with witch activity and roving spirits. On those such nights, the festivities are carried out with caution or, in the case of very superstitious people, cancelled altogether.