Come, Elanthia, and sing praises to your Gods!
Thank them for the harvest, or praise them for the light.

Turn to them for justice or mercy.
Plead for their protection in the darkness of the night.

Sing to them with songs of praise.
Dance and make merry on their feasting day.

Kneel before altars and bow your head in prayer,
But celebrate them all in your own special way.

All things come with the turning of the seasons, and in the very nature of things, each of the Immortals has their own time and place for enjoying the praise and devotion of their followers. Just as each person of Elanthia is drawn to the worship of a certain immortal, for reasons that are as varied as the Gods themselves, each deity is celebrated in very unique ways that stem not only from the nature of the Immortal, but the personalities of those hosting the festivities.

What would a feast of Glythtide be without the finest of wines flowing? Who could think of praising Faenella and having no songs be sung? Each of the Immortals bring us a gift, or even a sorrow, that is necessary to the balance and continuation of life. Their influences over our lives are great and varied, and it is only right that we take time to show our gratitude for their interventions .. or perhaps to plead for their mercy.

Many a person walks the land in search of some way to better understand their chosen immortal. The clerics are spread far and wide, and it is often difficult to find one who can direct the faithful in general worship. While it is not possible for one person to truly know the intricacies that are involved within the veneration of all the Gods of Elanthia, Eluned smiles upon those who seek knowledge and wisdom, and so perhaps she will bless my attempts not only to gain a bit of both, but to share such with all who seek.

The season of winter may seem an odd place to start a discussion of celebrations. With the world caught in an icy grip, and travel often difficult at best, many are tempted to stay locked behind closed doors. However, this time of year is filled with many an opportunity for celebration that not only honor the Gods, but give all of us a chance to bring a little joy to the cold, bleak months. Therefore, let us begin our celebrations of the seasons here, and see where the turning of the months then lead.

Jeolandu (Winter) / Faenella / 30th of Dolefaren

Jeolandu is the first official day of winter and its literal translation from High Gamgweth is "Day of the Ice." Some call this time of year Jeoldor, meaning "Season of the Ice." This is the major feast day in honor of Faenella in hope that her blessings of music and inspiration will stay with all during the dreary months ahead and bring a bit of beauty and comfort into our lives.

Tavern owners and Traders mark well this day and are among the most devout in their observance. Many an Innkeeper will work well into the night on the days preceding the feast to make sure his establishment is in excellent repair and stocked with the finest he has to offer. Rare is the bard who can not find employment on this day, as each tavern seeks to host tourneys and performances of new music that far outshine all others.

Many traders are also busy in their preparations for Jeolandu. Those who refrain from trading during the harsh winter months normally set out with their largest and last caravan of the year on this day, in hopes Faenella will bless them as they travel and keep them safe. For the Traders who brave the ice and cold of the long road year round, many make pilgrimage to Faenella’s Temple in Ratha to participate in holy observance of her day. Others have been known to host bard tourneys and performances in her honor while seeking her protection for the coming year.

Surely many a reveler also seeks Murulla’s blessing on this day of song and celebration, though most are often heard muttering pleading prayers to her on the morning after, in hopes of being bestowed with her tender kiss that is said to be a cure for even the worst of hangovers. Those of the light can only blush and wonder about the details of any gathering held by Idon’s followers on this day. Though most assuredly accompanied by the pulse pounding rhythm of drums, such celebrations are not for the faint of heart.

Shosandu (New Years) / 10 day festival / 36th of Nissa to 5th of Akroeg

Shosandu is the largest and most widely celebrated holiday of the year. The festival lasts for 10 days surrounding the turning of the year. In High Gamgweth Shosandu literally means "New Day." Both religious and secular festivities abound at this time of year, all of them rich with the traditions and influence of the eleven races who make Elanthia their home. As a part of Shosandu, there are four separate holy days which add to the high spirits which flourish during this time.

Tamsine / first day of Shosandu / 36th of Nissa

The holiday begins with the holy day of Tamsine. With winter in full swing, it is an opportune time to thank her for the blessings of home and hearth. On this day she is praised and honored for the gifts of fire and the comforts of civilization. Great feasts are prepared, and many homemakers will display the very finest samples of their labors from the past year, many of them often sold in impromptu fairs that seem to spring up almost overnight. Services in honor of Tamsine can be found in nearly every city in the lands, but many journey to Crossings to participate in the services held at Tamsine's Shrine before partaking in the opportunities for celebration available in the crossroads of culture that is this busiest of cities.

Peri'el / last day of the year / 40th of Nissa

It would take an entire tome dedicated solely to this feast to detail all the varied means of celebrating this holiday. Throughout the world, thanks is given to all of the Immortals for the role they played in subduing the world dragon. Traditionally, services on this day are held late on Shosandu Eve to honor Peri'el's sacrifice. Some of the hymns that accompany the candlelit processions of the faithful are the most enthralling heard all year long.

Kertigen / first day of the year / 1st of Akroeg

After the solemnity of the preceding evening's contemplative devotions, the first day of the new year often starts with an explosion of sight, sound and laughter. On this day Kertigen is honored not only in thanks for the blessings of the past year, but in hopes he will reward all with prosperity in the coming months. In honor of their chief deity, the Dwarven communities throw their biggest party of the year. Quite often these festivities last for several days and involve the consumption of large amounts of succulent food and potent spirits, as well as the display of crafts felt to be worthy of Kertigen's blessing.

Divyaush / eve of last day of festival / 4th of Akroeg

Shosandu draws to a close with the day dear to the heart of every child in Elanthia, the coming of Divyaush. Many young ones leave out dishes of sweets and cream for this most gentle and generous of Gods, in hope he will visit their home and leave them some token. There are few if any formal celebrations on this day; rather it is a time of gift giving and generosity between friends and loved ones.

Lormandu (Spring) / Hodierna / 10th of Ka'len

Spring comes to Elanthia literally on the horn of a unicorn. On the 10th of Ka'len, winter's icy grip is broken and spring blooms throughout the land. Blessed are those who have seen a glorious unicorn appear as if from nowhere to touch the ground with her horn, leaving multicolored arrays of flowers springing as if by magic from ground only moments before frozen solid. Lormandu in High Gamgweth means "Day of the Flower," and Hodierna seems to delight in keeping this translation literal.

Some of the most beautiful religious services of the year are held on Lormandu. Though gatherings are held though out the lands, the most glorious of these is the Rite of Spring held at Hodierna's Solace. Those who have been rescued from the Void often thank the immortals for this blessed miracle on the holy day of the goddess of life. Celebrations include prayers to Berengaria for a bountiful growing season.

All of the color and life long dormant through winter's bleak passage bursts forth on this day with a vengeance. Music and laughter fills the air, people gather in song circles and dance long into the night. It is a celebration of light, life and love. "Happy is the bride Hodierna smiles upon."

Feast of Everild / 12th of Lirisa

At the height of spring in full bloom, the Feast of Everild is a time for gathering together and sharing tales of battle and glory. It is a chance to remember those who have fallen to the swords and arrows of their foes. There are those of extreme skill and valor who have entered battle on this day to find themselves fighting side by side with this wild God of war and the elite band of warriors who attend him. Such a skirmish is one not to be soon forgotten, for the pace set in the frenetic clash of Everild's flashing blade can set a fire in one's soul that would eclipse that of even the most fierce of berserkers.

This is an excellent day for hosting a picnic and partaking in the many contests which show off one's prowess with sword or bow. Foot races and games of strength can be seen taking place wherever several warriors are gathered to toast each other's victories and mourn a friend's defeat. Many a glade across the lands plays host to rangers who come in from their long wanderings to exchange news of the guild and participate in the varied contests of skill. The three altars in honor of Everild in all his aspects that reside in Steel Claw Clan's chapel often groan beneath the weight of offerings made on this day.

Anlandu (Summer) / Truffenyi / 30th of Shorka

On the 30th of Shorka, summer officially begins with the coming of Anlandu. The High Gamgweth translation of Anlandu is "Day of the Sun." This time of year is often called Anlandor, meaning "Season of the Sun." As the grains ripen and crops flourish, Truffenyi is honored and praised for his indulgent caring, which does as much to sustain our lives as the bounty of the fields.

In keeping with the spirit of Truffenyi's indulgent forgiveness and mercy, this is a day for seeking to right the wrongs of the past year. Local governments often pardon criminals on this day. It is a time filled with acts of kindness, as people on pilgrimage to the shrines of their Gods do so in an air of repentant reverence.

With the excellent travel conditions of this sunny season, families normally scattered to the four corners of the land gather together. In every village, on every town green and in forest glades all throughout the land, the sound of laughter can be heard as people share the memories and camaraderie that one can only find in the midst of one's kin. These reunions are a highly anticipated event, and they are often the only chance many relatives have to see each other all year long.

Feast of Hav'roth / 20th of Uthmor

At high noon on the 20th of Uthmor, it has been rumored that Ratha itself manages to outshine the sun as parades of people displaying the finest of their gems and precious metals line the streets. On this day, Hav'roth is honored for the gifts of the earth. In his honor, many a jeweler or metal crafter will wait to begin major projects on this day in hopes of finding favor with the S'kra god.

The night is also filled with sparkle as the wealthy and powerful attend grand balls dressed in all their gem-encrusted finery. Quite often those of lesser means, but with no less taste for all that glitters, fill the streets with their own revelry. On this night, it is not unusual to see people who are normally shy and reserved dressed in costumes that would make even a gypsy blush, dripping with simulated gems and precious metals as they dance through the streets.

Feast of Eluned / 24th of Arhat

The holy day of Eluned is celebrated on the 24th of Arhat. Many a scholar and follower of Eluned travel to Shard to attend the symposiums and lectures hosted by the city in honor of their chief deity. Libraries throughout the land often add new works to their shelves on this day. It is a time much anticipated by seekers of knowledge and wisdom, as rare and sacred texts are often displayed only on this day of each year.

For those who wish to honor Eluned in less scholarly ways, plenty of opportunity abounds in any coastal village on the map. Activities ranging from boat races by day and bonfires on the beaches at night are easily found. Many a dock and pier groan beneath the weight of celebrants gathered to praise Eluned for the bounty of the seas.

Eluned's temples overflow on this day, as sailors come ashore to thank both Eluned and Lemicus for their guiding lights and tender care of all who make the waters their home. Statues of the Goddesses are often draped with the offerings of sailors' wives who pray for their husbands' safe return, while others kneel in prayer before Drogor's altars in hopes of keeping his anger from setting storms loose on the waters.

Blufandu (Fall) / Chadatru / 10th of Moliko

With the changing of the seasons comes a time of peace and justice. "The Day of Wind," as Blufandu means in High Gamgweth, is often a wind of change. The wars of summer often draw to a close before the onset of winter's chill. Treaties are signed and allegiances made in the name of Chadatru on this, his holiest of days. A vow taken on this day is believed to hold sacred power, while a concord broken will draw the wrath of Chadatru himself.

It is a period of pomp and ceremony as those who seek justice and honor often choose this day to hold court. Judges are appointed at this time in hopes Chadatru himself will bless their decisions for the coming year with a sense of equity and justice. In some lands elections are held, while in others Kings are crowned. Knights of honor gather to contest against each other in displays of battle and chivalry; with swords and might they joust by day, and with courtly grace they feast by night.

Feast of Glythtide / 32nd of Skullcleaver

Glythtide's day of honor on the 32nd of Skullcleaver is a true feast in every sense of the word. It is a time of gathering in the harvests, stomping the grapes, making the wine ... and sampling the mead put away the year before! Food and drink of every imaginable combination can be found gracing tables everywhere. While the Halfling communities throw themselves into the celebration with a zest for life unsurpassed anywhere, the bards of the land are rarely far behind in their exuberant commemorations of the day. Many a table laden with food is surrounded by crowds of people raising a foaming tankard and singing along with a frolicking song of mirth and laughter.

Those who choose to honor their Gods with a bit more decorum can often be found kneeling in the temples in a prayerful vigil of thanksgiving on this night. Candles and offerings of the first fruits and grains of the season's harvest can be found adorning not only Glythtide's altars, but also Berengaria's and Truffenyi's.

As the last major holiday celebrated before the onset of winter's chill, the Feast of Glythtide is marked by both an outpouring of raucous revelry and prayerful devotion.

As is the nature of things, Jeolandu arrives once again to complete and continue the never ending circle of seasonal celebrations, though certainly not every holiday celebrated in every community has been listed here.

Those who are devoted followers of Meraud, Damaris or Urrem'tier may have noticed no one special day has been set aside as held in holy observance of these immortals. There are many traditional reasons why this is so.

It is said that Meraud himself does not wish for a day of ostentatious display in his honor, for those who work magic must seek his indulgence every time they work a spell, whether they know it or not. Also, each time written word is put to paper, there he is celebrated.

Those who seek Urrem'tier often do so in secrecy. The nature of the Void is dark and quiet; so it is with many of his followers. However, it is whispered that any site of great destruction is accompanied by a gathering of his faithful. The night is Damaris' domain, and it is here that he is worshipped. Phelim's blessing is often invoked in prayer before sleep, and those who make the shadows their life's work honor Damaris with each setting of the sun. There is a time, however, when his followers often gather together. Surmirae Damaris, literally the "Night of Damaris" in High Gamgweth, occurs any night when all three of the Elanthian moons are dark. On such a night, Damaris himself is said to be walking the lands. It is also believed that if Asketi rides on such a night, Damaris will accompany her to ensure that no children pay the price for the mistakes of adults.

And so it is that just as night follows day, and winter follows fall, the turning of the seasons bring reasons for all to celebrate. Whether one worships in silence or shouts for joy, one can always find an opportunity to step away from the struggles and strife of everyday life and spend a little time in celebrations of the seasons.