Ethelran Holidays

The Ethelran calendar includes religious holy days, historical commemorations, civic anniversaries, and a smaller number of widely shared seasonal observances. Some are recognized across much of the continent, while others belong to a particular nation, city, or faith.

The observances listed here are among the better-known dates recognized beyond a single local community. Individual settlements, regions, faiths, and cultural groups maintain many additional festivals and traditions of their own. These may return on the same date each year without becoming part of the wider calendar of recognized observances.

Even widely shared holidays can differ considerably in practice, with local customs developing around them over time.

Dawn's Vigil

Dawn's Vigil marks the first sunrise of the new year. People gather before daybreak in many communities, particularly where open hills, coastlines, or public squares provide a clear view of the eastern sky.

The observance is largely secular in modern practice, though individual faiths may incorporate the sunrise into their own ceremonies. Once morning begins, the day gives way to ordinary New Year gatherings and celebrations.

Festival of Silver Tides

The Festival of Silver Tides is held once every twenty-five years to commemorate the Moonlit Treaty and the relationship it established between Vel'Nathar and the Isles of Alven'Nathiss.

Delegations from both regions meet during the festival, and agreements that developed from the original treaty may be renewed or reviewed. Public celebrations are concentrated in coastal communities connected to that history, with evening ceremonies traditionally making use of lights set upon the water.

Day of the Dawnsinger

The Day of the Dawnsinger is a holy day dedicated to Myranthus.

Temples open before sunrise, and morning services are common wherever his worship has a significant presence. The observance is particularly important in Ostheria, though temples elsewhere maintain their own forms of prayer, charity, and religious ceremony.

Tradewind Remembrance

Tradewind Remembrance commemorates the War of Trade Winds and those who died during the conflict.

The observance is most prominent in Vel'Nathar's ports. Naval memorials and harbor ceremonies are common, particularly in communities whose histories were directly affected by the war.

Assembly Day

Assembly Day marks the founding of the Iron Assembly.

The date is principally observed in Vel'Nathar. The Assembly traditionally holds a public session or address, while local commemorations focus on the institution's history and its role in the government of the island.

Dreamer's Vigil

Dreamer's Vigil is dedicated to Lerathae and focuses on dreams, omens, and divination.

Temples and diviners often receive visitors throughout the day, and some worshippers record dreams they consider unusual or significant. Evening observances vary between communities, with quieter vigils being common where Lerathae's worship is well established.

Ashborne's Fall

Ashborne's Fall commemorates the Ashborne rebellion and the political crisis surrounding it.

The observance is specific to Vel'Nathar. Public addresses, surviving records, and accounts of the conflict are commonly revisited on this date, particularly by institutions connected to the Iron Assembly and the regions most affected by the rebellion.

The Naming of the Dead

The Naming of the Dead is an observance dedicated to Athael and the remembrance of those who have died.

Families may visit burial grounds, light candles, or gather privately to speak the names of deceased relatives and friends. Religious ceremonies differ by community, but the act of naming and remembering the dead remains central to the observance.

Night of Silence

Night of Silence commemorates the Upheaval and is observed across many parts of Eldareth.

Public festivities are generally avoided on this date. Memorial customs differ between regions, though bells, fires, vigils, and periods of silence are all common ways of marking the catastrophe and those who died during it.

Day of Ash and Wake

Day of Ash and Wake commemorates the Seafire Conflagration and those lost during the disaster.

The observance is centered on Vel'Nathar, particularly in coastal settlements affected by the conflagration. Harbor memorials and visits to surviving or rebuilt sites connected to the disaster are common.

Incursion Remembrance

Incursion Remembrance marks the invasion from the Far Realm and honors those who died resisting it.

The date is observed in many regions affected by the Incursion. Memorial services are held by communities, military organizations, temples, and magical institutions according to their own traditions.

In Vel'Nathar, the observance also remembers the role of the Venthari and the activation of the Athrakan Obelisk during the defense against the invasion.

Cycle's Turning

Cycle's Turning is dedicated to Io and is observed on the day before the final day of the year.

Temples reflect on the closing year and the turning of the Wheel. The date is also commonly associated with bringing unfinished obligations to a close before Velisar begins.

Endaril Feast

The Endaril Feast closes the calendar year.

Families, friends, and neighbors gather for meals and spend the final evening of Endaril together. Customs vary widely, but the observance is generally centered on the household and local community rather than formal civic or religious ceremony.

Preparations for Velisar are usually complete by nightfall, leaving the final hours of the year for gathering before the calendar begins again.