Emwalc'h
Emwalc'h is one of the four great seasonal "FIre Festivals" marked by the Path of the Forest, the others being Kala-Hañv, Gouel Eost, and Kalan-Goañv. Emwalc'h celebrates the first signs of spring. It is a festival of purification, transformation and seasonal rebirth. It is dedicated to the goddess Brigantia, the Goddess of Weaving, the Seelie Court, and Summerule.
The festival is known by many names including: Goel Kantolyon (The Feast of Candles), Noz ar Wrac'h (The Night of the Old Woman), Gouel Berc'hed (Brigiantia's Feast) and Deiz ar Goulou (The Day of Light)
Due to the serving of crepes and Kalatez, it is often informally referred to as pancake day.
History
The festival centers on the spiritual rebirth of the goddess Brigantia, appearing as an old woman, reborn at dawn into a youthful and valiant warrior goddess, marking her growing power and cyclical victory over Cailleach Beira, Mother of Winter. At times deemed heretical by The Southern Church, the festival has largely been syncretised in places such as the Duchy of Letha to celebrate the Maiden in place of the pagan goddess.
Execution
The Blessing of the Bees
During Emwalc'h, it is common to bring beeswax to the Church or Nemeton for a blessing, or to invite a local clergyperson bless the skeps themselves. This blessed beeswax is made into candles, used throughout the year, but notably at Nedeleg and Kalan-Goañv. The candle of the Ankou, prominent in the latter, is specifically formed during Emwalc'h. A procession of the blessed candles takes place, lighting all briefly, but reserving a few for the entirety of a dedicated Pardon.Ablutions
Ablutions, purification and cleansing are crucial parts of Emwalc'h, meant to wash away the impurities of Winterrule. Local holy wells and fountains are visited for this purpose.Masquerades
The ritual sacrifice of a deer is an important part of the festival, followed by a highly ceremonial dance, participants masquerading as deer and cows in lively, but structured dances. These dances are either observed as ritual demonstrations or actively participated in, depending on local custom. Themed masques are popular among Lethan nobility during the festival.Components and tools
Corn dollies, representing the goddess, are made and distributed during the festival. These are often paraded through the village, sometimes as part of a Pardon
Observance
Emwalc'h is celebrated over the course of 7 days, beginning three days before and ending three days after the night of the full moon, generally halfway between the Winter Solstice ( Nedeleg ) and the Spring Equinox ( Fest Foll - Feast of Fools ). This falls between Kler, the Ice Month, and Skeotrenn, the Wet-Wind Month.
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