Lore

Holidays Celebrated Across Imarel - by T.A. Saunders ©2010 v1.2

The following is a list of holidays celebrated across Imarel; some are only celebrated in certain nations, others are celebrated across the world. Notations for such will be marked with each holiday and holidays will be separated by the Terran and Imarelian month they take place on. Since the Asyndi were the first to make many of these holidays, they are noted in their language. Some are Elvish holidays Humans have adopted and still others are exclusively holidays celebrated by certain races.

Jah'ti (March)

Jah'ti 3, Mirshiana Dal-Ryn (Windsong Republic, Grand Duchy of Brookshire and Kingdom of Vyss)

Mirshiana Dal-Ryn is an Elvish and Human holiday that celebrates the arrival of Elves and Humans to Imarel, from Ishaela and those who died to make the voyage possible. This holiday is a somber one that require those who celebrate it to dress in white and wear a simple silver ring or necklace. Silver is Zorah's metal and white is a color of mourning on Imarel. Stories are told by bards in the street, hailing the heroes of Am-Shei and their valiant sacrifice against the vampires and Khavos.

Jah'ti 10, Bahla Riguhn (Windsong Republic)

A holiday celebrated almost exclusively in Tashran, it is a festival of many gods and many decadences. It's said that during the week that Bahla Riguhn takes place, all of Tashran loses its mind in a glorious euphoria of thistleweed, wine, and hard partying. The temples in Tashran put together large parades that citizens attend, where they aim to catch little baubles and sweet foods thrown from the floats. It is as extravagant as it is enthralling, and having the biggest and most extravagant parade is often a point of contention and pride for local churches. The main gods of the holiday are Wijennah, Vanidyr, Cihal, Nahzaheer, Trent, and Jadaia, with the local Kaalian church throwing a big party on the last day of the celebration. However, this is by no means a holiday for just those gods.

Jah'ti 16, Shav Y Churara (Ometta Outpost)

Hosted by Careb Vahella, the owner of the Ometta Outpost, this tournament, a tradition since the founding year of the Caravansary, pits challengers in martial combat.  One contestant may only enter each part of the tournament - the Shav, or unarmed portion of the tourney, or the Churara, or armed portion. Contestants test their martial prowess in one-on-one combat, with the potential to take home the title of Zor Shav or Zor Churara.  Beyond bragging rights, the winners take home a purse, containing a portion of ticket sales, a commemorative ring, and mystery prize provided by Ammir, the blacksmith, who was the first year's Zor Shav.

Jah'ti 21, Lasa Jirune (Imarel-Wide)

This is a celebration of the coming of Lasa, renewed life and warmer weather. Celebrated with green and silver, this holiday is marked with parades, festivals and games of skill across Imarel. Lasa Jirune is also a time for traveling carnivals to come to cities and add to the celebration. Music and general merry-making are both expected and demanded in taverns and pubs everywhere. Elves in particular enjoy this holiday and will often have bonfires on the eve of and the night of this holiday to celebrate. Lasa Jirune is also celebration of life, both literally and as concept. Shei and Humans populations in particular have a small ‘baby-boom' nine months after this particular holiday!