The Months of the Year in Ethelra

The twelve-month Ethelran calendar was formally established in Thessaria during the imperial period. Though the empire itself is long gone, its calendar remains in common use across much of Ethelra and in many regions influenced by Ethelran trade and scholarship.

The months are used in government records, trade, agriculture, religious observances, and the dating of historical events. Local festivals and customs vary considerably, but the names and order of the months remain broadly consistent.

Velisar

Mid-Winter

Velisar begins the year in the middle of winter. Under the Thessaric Empire, households, temples, and government offices used the beginning of the month to review accounts, settle plans, and prepare for the year ahead.

Many families still use Velisar to take stock of household affairs and make plans for the coming months. In Vel'Nathar, captains may seek blessings before their first voyage of the new year, while communities in Skorrheim make offerings at shrines before journeys through the winter landscape.

Elaris

Late Winter

Elaris falls near the end of winter, when preparations for spring begin even though cold weather remains.

In farming regions, seed stores are inspected, tools repaired, and plans made for the coming planting season. Some communities bless seed grain or set aside the first seed intended for spring planting.

Zarethil

Early Spring

Zarethil marks the beginning of spring. Roads and markets become busier as winter conditions ease, while farms, workshops, and building crews begin work delayed during the colder months.

Outdoor markets expand again in Tessarion, where early flowers, fabrics, and seasonal goods appear in greater numbers. Craft guilds in several cities also favor Zarethil for presenting new work or beginning major projects.

Vaeloris

Mid Spring

Vaeloris is a popular month for festivals, public performances, and civic celebrations. Milder weather allows gatherings to move into streets, gardens, courtyards, and other open spaces.

In Célaine, artists and craftspeople take part in public exhibitions and competitions involving painting, sculpture, textiles, and other visual arts. Music, theatre, and local festivals are common elsewhere during the month.

Toramir

Late Spring

By Toramir, roads and sea routes are usually seeing heavier traffic, and many regions enter one of the busiest periods for fairs, tournaments, and public gatherings.

Scholars in Calvessa hold lectures and demonstrations open to wider audiences, while towns throughout Vel'Nathar host competitions and seasonal markets. Its ports also see increased traffic as merchants take advantage of more favorable conditions at sea.

Calrisar

Early Summer

Calrisar begins the summer and the preparations for the first major harvests.

Storehouses are cleaned and repaired, containers prepared, and labor arranged for the weeks ahead. Farmers watch rainfall, water levels, crop conditions, and approaching storms closely as the growing season enters one of its most important stages.

Vienor

Midsummer

The first major harvests begin during Vienor in many parts of Eldareth, particularly for early grains, fruits, and other summer crops.

Harvest contracts and seasonal obligations are often settled during the month. Families and rural communities may also hold meals or small observances giving thanks for what has already been gathered and hoping for good conditions through the remainder of the harvest.

Loramir

Late Summer

Loramir falls in late summer, when harvest work continues and the days begin to shorten.

Harvest fairs and communal meals are common in farming regions. Lanterns and bonfires appear during local celebrations, particularly toward the end of the month, and evening gatherings often continue with music and storytelling after the day's work is finished.

Theranis

Early Autumn

Theranis is closely associated with remembrance of the dead and the preservation of family and community history.

Ancestor feasts, visits to burial places, and commemorative offerings are held throughout the month. Clans in Skorrheim honor fallen relatives and notable figures from their histories, while Tessarion observes the Rite of Remembrance.

Dravenis

Mid Autumn

Dravenis is a month of preparation for the colder part of the year. Food is preserved, winter stores are checked, buildings are repaired, and hunters make use of the remaining weeks before harsher weather restricts travel.

Along the coast of Vel'Nathar, autumn storms become a growing concern. Harbors prepare for rougher seas, and some communities maintain vigils when severe weather threatens ships still away from port.

Serathis

Late Autumn

The longer nights of Serathis have made the month closely associated with astronomy and navigation.

Observatories conduct extended night watches and often open some viewings to the public. Navigators and sailors also make greater use of the season for instruction in stars and constellations used to determine direction at sea.

Endaril

Early Winter / Year's End

Endaril closes the calendar year as winter settles across much of Ethelra.

Accounts, debts, and unfinished agreements are often settled before the month ends. Some guilds and communities renew contracts or oaths for the coming year, while households gather for shared meals and spend the final days of Endaril preparing for the beginning of Velisar.