Ostius (ahs-tee-us)
Ostius is a festival celebrated nationally in Anruien as the Time of New Birth. The first observances of this time happened a few years after the first settlements in Mesoranil wished to immortalize the birth of Anruien from the ashes of the former desolated country. They used the spring and summer season to host large gatherings with dancing, food, and music to strengthen their small settlements and provide people a way to remember through oral traditions.
The Time of New Birth is celebrated in different ways across the kingdom. The scale and richness of the celebrations are dependent on the city. In rural areas, the celebrations are much more representative of the original style of festival. In major cities and more civilized areas, the celebrations become richer but the festivals do not last as long. This is due in part to the funding the city has and the amount of people who do not work while the festival is going on.
An integral part of this tradition is flowers. Ostius is essentially the celebration of nature and new life, thus the goddess of nature and the magic of Anruien's earth are all recognized at this time. Music, dancing, and oral storytelling are the ways of offering back to nature in recognition for its place in the kingdom. Flowers are strung on banners, they are sold in bunches, and they represent the varying places in the kingdom that celebrate Ostius. It is traditional during this holiday to provide blessings to people you admire or love to those you cherish by way of a flower, a gift of fruit or crops, or something earth-related. This brings a part of nature into their life and represents their connection to you.
Ostius is a time of happiness and dedication to the nature spirits and the nature goddess that provides the richness of Anruien's resources and flora/fauna.
History
Ostius began as a celebration of Anruien's birth and salvation from destruction. Over time, it evolved into a celebration of new life and vibrancy. There are magical races that inhabit the mountains, waters, hills, and forests of Anruien. All of these are given tribute each holiday through song, dance, and storytelling. This is a treasured tradition with songs and stories passed down through many, many creature races and families.
Observance
Ostius is observed during the last week leading from the spring to the summer.
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