Gouel Eost
Goeul-Eost is one of the four great seasonal "FIre Festivals" marked by the Path of the Forest , the others being Emwalc'h, Kala-Hañv and Kalan-Goañv.
Gouel-Eost celebrates the first signs of fall, and is primarily a harvest festival.
History
The Path of the Forest celebrates Gouel-Eost to mark the struggle of the god Lugh against a dark entity known as the Crooked One, representing blight, who jealously guards the world's grain and the goddess Eithne.
In the traditions of The Southern Church, this story is framed as a battle between The Warrior and Azhi Dahāka over the sun.
Execution
Commonly, celebrations occur in a high point in the region, such as a nearby hill.
Contests
The Festival, taking advantage of the warm weather, typically includes large gatherings, centered around Fest-Noz, Hastiludes and horse racing. The Papegai, an archery competition in which participants must hit a wooden parrot atop a high parapet, is especially common and celebrated. Local lords use this as a time to encourage archery among civilian populations for hunting and sieges, offering prizes for the winner. In Naoned's Papegault District, named after the contest, the prize is 15 tax free barrels of wine.Matchmaking
Matchmaking is common during this period, as is the establishment of temporary trial partnerships. These begin during Gouel-Eost and last 1 year and a day, a which point they can be renewed or annulled.The First Fruit
A local staple, most commonly corn or grain, is harvested with a silver sickle and taken to a high place, where it is buried as an offering to the gods.The Battle Play
A stylized play, dance or most commonly, tournament event, depicting the central struggle between the gods or their equivalent avatars, is performed regularly during the festivities.Observance
Gouel-Eost marks the beginning of the primary harvest season in, taking place between 42 Eost and 3 Gwengolo, halfway between the Summer solistice and autumn equinox.
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