Calendar and Holidays (Ilarion Supplement)
Calendar
Time in Ilarion is the purview of the Moon God. The cycle of the moon is used to tell time over the course of a year. The year is divided into moon phases – from new moon to new moon or full moon to full moon. There are 28 days in a month and twelve months in a year.
Calendar
| Month | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| I | II | III | IV | V | VI | VII |
| VIII | IX | X | XI | XII | XIII | XIV |
| XV | XVI | XVII | XVIII | XIX | XX | XXI |
| XXII | XXIII | XXIV | XXV | XXVI | XXVII | XXVIII |
| Year | ||||||
The date is written day, month, and year. (XXIII Unumius MMMCLV)
The months are Unumius, Doutilis, Tresius, Quattuor, Quintilis, Sextilis, Septemius, Octotilis, Novemius, Decemius. The regular calendar year consists of 280 days, with the 56 winter days after the end of Decemius and before the beginning of the following Unumius not being assigned to any month.
A proper Calendar consists of a slate board for each month with the days, month and year carved onto it and ample room to make notes in chalk on each day.
Cheaper versions are made of parchment. These are popular among the poor, smugglers and gamblers.
Spring Equinox
Friends and neighbors exchange well wishes and gifts of figs and honey with one another in the hope of gaining good fortune for the new year. Most Ayleans also chose to work for at least part of New Year’s Day, as idleness is seen as a bad omen for the rest of the year.
Summer Solstice
The festival begins with six runners running the six miles to the temple. A procession follows bearing food offerings and new clothes for Heliosa. The statue of the goddess is cleaned and dressed in this new finery. If she is pleased the harvest will be bountiful.
After dark offerings of wine are made to Phoebus so that rain will come to the crops.
Autumn Equinox
Offerings of the first-fruits of the earth are given to the goddess in thanks for a bountiful harvest. Branches of olive bound with wool are hung by children near the doors of houses to ensure a good harvest. During the day wrestling matches and other athletic competitions are held. At night poetry is recited and music is played.
Winter Solstice
Community members come together to clean, clear snow from, and sanctify the funeral pyre grounds. They then light the pyre and give prayer to the gods. They tell stories of deceased relatives and ancestors. A play is usually performed about important local figures.
Calendar
| Month Year | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 'Λ | 'Β | 'C | 'D | 'E | 'F | 'Z |
| 'H | 'I | 'K | 'KΛ | 'KΒ | 'KC | 'KD |
| 'KE | 'KF | 'KZ | 'KH | 'KI | 'L | 'LΛ |
| 'LΒ | 'LC | 'LD | 'LE | 'LF | 'LZ | 'LH |
The date is written day, month, and year. ('LC Enas 'YTOE)
The months are Enas, Dýo, Tría, Téssera, Pénte, Éxi, Eptá, Októ, Ennéa, Déka, Énteka, and Dódeka.
A proper Calendar consists of a slate board carved onto a grid with space to write the month and year at the top in chalk. There is some space to note down important appointments on each day.
Cheaper versions are made of parchment. These are popular among the poor, and travelers.
Spring Equinox
Starting at dawn, children go from door to door singing hymns and are rewarded with a coin in return. As the Spring Equinox is a lucky day people participate in games of chance throughout the day. Betting amounts are generally kept minimal and friendly diversions are offered so as not to upset anyone who is not winning.
Pomegranates are considered a sign of fertility, prosperity, and regeneration. They are hung above the main entrance of the house. The first guest to enter the house after sunset on the Spring Equinox should smash the pomegranate against the door. The number of seeds that gets scattered is believed to be directly proportional to the amount of good luck the family will be blessed with in the upcoming year.
Friends and neighbors hang bulbs of onion or something similar on the front door and windows to promote prosperity and good harvest. After dawn the day after the Spring Equinox the homeowner takes the bulbs inside the house and keeps them in the house the rest of the year.
An extra place is set during the evening meal for Heliosa.
Summer Solstice
The festival begins with a footrace to the temple. A procession follows bearing food for Heliosa. The statue of the goddess is cleaned and, in times of war, dressed in armor. Games are then held in her honor.
After dark, wine is offered to Phoebus so that rain will come to the crops.
Autumn Equinox
All women in the town gather at the threshing floor at dawn. They feast (eating cereals, fish, and cakes shaped like 'the symbols of sex' but no meat) and compete in athletic games. The men join them at midday. Wine and bawdy music are enjoyed in abundance. Revelry is a very important aspect of the festival. At dusk, the women leave.
Winter Solstice
Bonfires are lit. Singing and chanting fill the air. Gift-giving is a common practice. The tone is generally solemn.
Calendar
| Month | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 一 | 二 | 三 | 四 | 五 | 六 | 七 |
| 八 | 九 | 十 | 十一 | 十二 | 十三 | 十四 |
| 十五 | 十六 | 十七 | 十八 | 十九 | 二十 | 二十一 |
| 二十二 | 二十三 | 二十四 | 二十五 | 二十六 | 二十七 | 二十八 |
The date is written year, month, and day. (三千一百五十五 Chūnjì Shàngxián 二十三)
The names of the months are Chūnjì Shàngxián (Spring Waxing), Chūnjì Mǎn (Spring Full), Chūnjì Cán (Spring Waning), Xiàjì Shàngxián (Summer Waxing), Xiàjì Mǎn (Summer Full), Xiàjì Cán (Summer Waning), Qiūjì Shàngxián (Autumn Waxing), Qiūjì Mǎn (Autumn Full), Qiūjì Cán (Autumn Waning), Dōngjì Shàngxián (Winter Waxing), Dōngjì Mǎn (Winter Full), Dōngjì Cán (Winter Waning).
A proper Dao Ming calendar consists of a long hand-written scroll of unbleached paper, the year is written at the top and each month has a grid of the numbered days below it (like a modern calendar) with a bit of room to write notes on each day. Below that is a more detailed section for each day. How much space is given here depends on the purpose of the calendar. Diaries for personal use will have a good deal of empty space, while calendars for reporting and accounting have special set ups. The scrolls are decorated and painted to match their purpose and vary greatly in length and price.
Cheaper versions are made of bamboo strips and lack ornamentation. These are popular among poor bureaucrats and travelers.
Spring Equinox
The few days prior the entire house is cleaned and the main door is painted in red. Just before dawn, the able-bodied adults sweep the floors with a straw broom. The dirt and debris are swept out into the street. One person from each house then sweeps the family's debris to the temple, where the debris is burned. That night the rest of the people, guided by their children carry paper lanterns, go to the temple bringing a feast with them. The Family member that swept the debris to the temple selects an offering for the gods from the food brought. They also get to pick their own food first. Fireworks are used to light up the night sky.
Summer Solstice
Boat races are common, as are boatbuilding competitions. Fabric and rug weaving are favorite activities for those not engaged in a wedding ceremony or new business deal. The summer solstice is an auspicious day for both, as well as meeting new people. Hot foods, both in temperature and spiciness, are consumed. Cold baths are believed to make one weak on this day and are to be avoided.
Autumn Equinox
Families, friends, and neighbors assist in harvesting crops and preparing food for the winter. They give offerings of rice balls and dumplings to the gods, thanking them for the bountiful harvest and asking for a mild winter. Many vegetables and meats are dried or pickled on this day. Colorful lanterns are made, mostly by children, and hung up at sunset all over the community. The evening meal is a communal one.
Winter Solstice
Tangyuan are served for dessert and left as an offering to one's ancestors. Ice sculptures and snow statues are carved and displayed in the town square. A silver silk dragon leads a procession through town, starting and ending in the center. Firecrackers are thrown at the dragon's feet. At the end of the procession is a gold silk dragon curled up and sleeping on a litter carried by men dressed as birds. The people greet her and entreat the dragon to wake up. If anyone is rude to the sleeping dragon they are beaten with a willow switch. At the center of town, the procession curls around on itself until the silver dragon joins the gold on the litter. The gold dragon is awoken and the silver lays down to slumber.
Calendar
| Gwydn | Platin | Ceô Lainnir | Aur | Silbern | Efydd | Kupfer | |
| Spitzhacke | |||||||
| Förderwagen | |||||||
| Morthwyl | |||||||
| Schmiede | |||||||
| Month | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
The date is written year, month, week, and day. (3155 Smaragd, Morthwyl, Ceô Lainnir)
The names of the months are Smaragd (Emerald), Rubin (Ruby), Saphir (Sapphire), Aimitis (Amethyst), Topas (Topaz), Hyacinthus (Jacinth), Korund (Corundum), Eupal (Opal), Dŵr Môr (Aquamarine), Granat (Garnet), Turmalin (Tourmaline), and Leer (Empty). The names of the weeks are Spitzhacke (Pickax), Förderwagen (Mine Cart), Morthwyl (Hammer), and Schmiede (Forge). The names of the days are Gwydn (Adamantine), Platin (Platinum), Ceô Lainnir (Mithril), Aur (Gold), Silbern (Silver), Efydd (Bronze), and Kupfer (Copper).
A proper Dwarven Calendar consists of a wall mounted base (usually a hardwood), four rows of seven metal hooks, 28 day charms (Pickaxes, Mine Carts, Hammers and Forges in each of the seven metals), and a gem-studded dial to indicate the month (twelve stones and one empty slot).
Cheaper versions are made of slate and the days are written in with chalk. These are a popular gift to dwarven children who are learning to write.
Holidays
While Dwarves do not worship the gods they do mark the changing seasons.
Spring Equinox
Plowing Ceremonies are common. Usually, the Foreman will lead oxen in plowing a single field near or in the town center as their spouse sows seeds behind. Occasionally, the plow will be pulled by one or more Dwarves, as a show of strength or community.
Dwarves pour molten lead into cold water and the shape that is taken after predicts the future. Heart shapes symbolize marriage, round shapes denote good luck, anchor shapes tell that you need help, and crosses signify someone’s sad demise. The metal is then carved into an amulet.
Drink and food are shared with friends and neighbors. Often New year's wishes are written down on a piece of paper, burn, and the ashes put it into the wisher's drink. If they drink it all in one go their wish may come true.
Summer Solstice
The summer solstice is greeted with bonfires and dancing. There are outdoor feasts to celebrate the fine weather, ale to wet parched throats, and songs to tell of the mountains' history. It is a jovial time of prosperity and commerce.
Autumn Equinox
Gourds are harvested and carved into lanterns. In complete silence the women and young girls of the town bake cakes of flour, eggs, eggshells, soot and salt over the embers of the previous night's fires. the cake is left to cool, and eaten, in silence, after the evening meal. All who have eaten in then immediately walk backward to bed. Thier dreams will be visions of the future. If someone offers a glass of water in the dream that is the person's future spouse.
Toffee making is a common communal activity. Sleeping with a wreath of ivy or wild rose under your pillow will help protect from, ward off or enable one to see aberrations. Apple-ducking, where unmarried people try to bite into an apple floating in water or hanging from a string, it very popular. If successfully captured the apple is sliced in half, and if the seeds form a clear five point star the prospects for marriage are good. Dried apple slices are often worn by those who wish to improve their prospects.
Winter Solstice
A wild boar is hunted and roasted on a spit. A straw goat or deer is burned. Candles are affixed to window sills, eaves, and tree branches. The men gather in the town center and begin chanting at midday of the town's history. At dusk, young men dressed in furs and leather and wearing animal masks take to the streets ringing bells and rattling chains to drive away ghosts, aberrations, and the fey.
Calendar
| Month | Güneşgün | Aygün | Yıldızgün | Gökyüzügün | Atgün | Tarlagün | Çayırgün |
| İlk | |||||||
| İkinci | |||||||
| Üçüncü | |||||||
| Dördüncü |
The date is written year, month, week, and day. (3155 Başlangıç Üçüncü Yıldızgün)
The names of the months are Başlangıç (Beginning), Ekme (Sowing), Fırın (Oven), Kıyılmış (Parched), Dağınık (Scattered), Bölücü (Divider), Hasat (Harvest), Çürüme (Decay), Soluyor (Fading), Mütareke (Truce), Hac (Pilgrimage), Boşluk (Gap). The names of the days are Güneşgün (Sun Day), Aygün (Moon Day), Yıldızgün (Star Day), Gökyüzügün (Sky Day), Atgün (Horse Day), Tarlagün (Field Day), Çayırgün (Meadow Day). The weeks are numbered.
A proper Halcyonea Calendar consists of a small cabinet with 28 doors. Placed behind each little door is a picture or figure. They are often used to teach children less hands-on skills, such as math, reading and writing, or history.
Cheaper versions are made of parchment, and rarely last more than a year before needing to be replaced. These are popular amongst pilgrims and other travelers.
Holidays
Exemplary fights and historical reenactments of battles significant to the community as well as wrestling, horse riding stunts, and archery competitions are common to all Halcyon festivals and holidays.
Spring Equinox
The night before is for sitting around the table with friends and family reminiscing about the previous year. Many wear their coats inside out. A candle is lit for anyone who died that year. Spring Equinox itself is a day of beginnings. Elections are held for public office, children born in the later half of the year are named (or their name is confirmed), and formal education for children starts (always taking place in the evening).
Halcyonians do not wish each other luck or happiness in the new year, they merely remind you that 'There is always a place at the table for you'.
Summer Solstice
Banners, ribbons, and brightly colored cloth adorn everything that they can be tied to. Horse racing and many children's competitions take place. Many athletic competitions are held, and feats of strength or daring are performed. Singing, music and dancing precede the evening meal. After it is a contest for works of art and poetry.
Children in their third year are seated in a saddle for the first time, in a solemn ceremony.
Autumn Equinox
Grain is harvested in the morning. From the first batch threshed the grain is stored for planting and the shaft is woven into wreaths. The second batch is milled into flour and made into flatbreads. These are eaten throughout the day. For the evening meal, a stew made with game meat and wild edibles is traditional, but roasted birds are also acceptable. It is best to have any unfinished business taken care of by the end of this day. Formal education for children comes to a close for the year.
Children born in the first half of the year are named.
Winter Solstice
During the short day, adults fast and children may not eat meat or other prepared foods. At dusk, a feast is held in the temple with a place set for each parishioner, alive or departed, and one for Foy. Histories and poems are recited, songs are sung and conversations are held all night. Although voices are kept low, as loud noises may frighten off the departed. If one listens closely they may hear the soft voice or quiet laughter of a loved one. In the morning horses are raced through the town, the thunder of their hooves ensuring that none of the night's visitors linger and become ghosts.
Calendar
| Year Month | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soldag | Brandag | Jordendag | Tordendag | Luftdag | Vandag | Månedag |
| ein | tveir | þrír | fjórir | fimm | sex | sjau |
| átta | níu | tíu | ellifu | tólf | þrettán | fjórtán |
| fimtán | sextán | sjaután | átján | nítján | tuttugu | tuttugu ok ein |
| tuttugu ok tveir | tuttugu ok þrír | tuttugu ok fjórir | tuttugu ok fimm | tuttugu ok sex | tuttugu ok sjau | tuttugu ok átta |
The date is written year, month, and day (tre tusinde et hundrede femoghalvtreds, Måned i Svane, Brandag tuttugu ok þrír)
The names of the months are Måned i Svane (Month of the Swan), Måned i Gås (Month of the Goose), Måned i And (Month of the Duck), Måned i Ørn (Month of the Eagle), Måned i Agerhøne (Month of the Partridge), Måned i Krage (Month of the Crow), Måned i Trøske (Month of the Thrush), Måned i Duehøg (Month of the Goshawk), Måned i Vinter Ugle (Month of the Winter Owl), Måned i Ryper (Month of the Grouse), Måned i Musvåge (Month of the Buzzard), and Måned i Due (Month of the Dove). The names of the days of the week are Soldag (Sun day), Brandag (Fire day), Jordendag (Earth day), Tordendag (Thunder day), Luftdag (Air day), Vandag (Water day), and Månedag (Moon Day).
A proper Mecenaen Calendar is rare and consists of a slate board carved onto a grid with space to write the month and year at the top in chalk. There is some space to note down important appointments on each day.
Cheaper versions are made of rope or twine. A trinket, charm, or stone is tied in to mark the start of each month. A fancy knot marks the start of a new week and a plain knot marks each day. Appointments are marked by tieing thread around the days knot. These are popular among the poor, and travelers.
Spring Equinox
Mecenaens clean their house, take the ashes from the fire out, and clear all thier debts before dawn on the Spring Equinox. As the sun rises hymns are sung. Feasts are held and plays and dances are performed at midday. People go door-to-door in costume, often as a deceased ancestor, reciting verses in exchange for food. The gathered food is offered to the gods, to fill the feast hall.
Summer Solstice
Most foreign trade is conducted on this day, as well as shipping. Contests of strength and skill, such as caber tossing, stone put, axe or hammer throwing, and Sheaf toss, are held. Herding competitions are held, as well as weaving, sewing and blacksmithing competitions.
Autumn Equinox
the autumn equinox marks the end of the summer season of commerce and travel and the beginning of the winter season of hunting. Wine and mead making start off the festivities. Remembrances of the one's ancestors are made during this feast.
Winter Solstice
Mecenaens decorate evergreen trees with pieces of food and clothes, small statues of the gods, and carved runes to entice the tree spirits to come back in the spring. A large oak log decorated with sprigs of fir, holly or yew and carved with runes is burned asking the gods for protection. Young people dressed in goat skins and go from house to house singing and performing simple plays in return for food and drink. The food is used to help poor families, the old and infirmed and orphans through the remainder of the winter.
Calendar
| Month | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
| 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 |
| 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 |
| 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 |
The date is written day, month, and year. (23 Albidaya 3155)
The names of the months are Albidaya (Beginning), Jame (Gathering), Farn (Oven), Eutshan (Parched), Mubeathar (Scattered), Muqassam (Divider), Mtr (Rain), Faydan (Flood), Dhabul (Fading), Hudna (Truce), Alhajj (Pilgrimage), Faragh (Gap).
A proper Thebian calendar consists of a long hand-written scroll of papyrus, the year is written at the top and each month has a grid of the numbered days below it. There is a bit of space to write notes on each day. The scrolls are often decorated. Cheaper versions lack ornamentation. These are popular among the poor and the thrifty.
Spring Equinox
In Thebia the opening of the year is celebrated as a time of rebirth, rejuvenation, and fertility. Many marriage contracts are initiated on the Spring Equinox. Children born, or conceived, during this time are considered to be very lucky and a sign of a prosperous year for their mother.
Summer Solstice
The summer solstice marks the beginning of flood season and is celebrated with feasts and community gatherings. It is a time of great bounty. Many shops offer a small discount. Drinking, often in excess, and gambling are common forms of celebration.
Autumn Equinox
The autumn equinox is a raucous, crowded affair, full of music, ritual prayers, and dancing. Haggling during this time is intense and joyous. Fruit is eaten with every meal. And an offering of grain is given to the gods.
Winter Solstice
Incense is burned and prayers are recited. Taxes are paid and offerings are burnt. Most Thebians fast and abstain from alcohol, sex, tobacco, and drugs. Restaurants, pubs, brothles, drug dens and other purveyors of consumables close shop on this day. Shops and homes are often given a spiritual, and physical, cleaning.
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