Holidays & Festivals Flashcards
What is Alterra’s Christmas equivalent?
Darinoct (Dar-Ih-Nah’ct)
What day(s) is Darinoct celebrated?
December 21st
Also celebrated the three days prior and after this date.
What is another name for Darinoct?
The Night of Giving
From how far back does Darinoct originate?
About 400 years ago.
Why is Darinoct on the day it is?
It’s the shortest day of the year–and the longest night–and is considered the day the barrier between the Veiled Realm and the world of the living is at its weakest.
What do people wear for Darinoct, and why do they wear it?
Masks
To hide their identity and protect them from Spirits and other monsters.
What is the first of Darinoct’s five traditions?
From midnight to midnight on the 21st of December, a fire called “the Light of Thanks” is lit and maintained. Usually a hearth fire, but some travelers will maintain a torch or lanterns the entire 24 hours.
What is the second of Darinoct’s five traditions?
During the day (while the sun is up), people are more cheerful, generous, and humble. Gift giving happens, and this jovial mood is maintained after the sun goes down when in the presence of the Light of Thanks.
What is the third of Darinoct’s five traditions?
Once the sun goes down, “The Night of Trickery” begins. During this time anyone away from any Light of Thanks, or outside of a dwelling, wear masks to fool any wandering Spirits or keep with them small gifts to give any Spirit or creature the individual may meet. Failing to offer a Spirit a gift will bring you misfortune.
What is the fourth of Darinoct’s five traditions?
Also, during the Night of Trickery, it is common for children and sometimes adults to play pranks on one another, acting like the Spirits they seek to avoid.
What is the fifth of Darinoct’s five traditions?
It is common for families, and sometimes multiple families, to sleep in the main room where their Light of Thanks is lit, both to avoid run-ins with Spirits and to observe thanks and togetherness for each other.
Who were the original groups that created / celebrated Darinoct?
Village Humans and some Fenn-Thol.
Which region did Darinoct originate?
The Wrendove Region (aka the Fields of Wrendove, east of the Kingdom of Luxdin.)
