Dark Moon Purification

The Dark Moon Purification is a tradition in the rural towns of Gate and Kuroi where a small parade of residents go around town the morning before the new moon trying to purify it from the mists from it. This tradition was created due to the Lycanthropy of Shadows myth. It is said that it also drives away the monsters who were transformed from the mists.

History

After a rash of several Umbra turning into aggressive monsters after a new moon, many Umbra residents in rural towns grew restless over the fear of becoming one themselves. The paranoia was on the high rise to the point that the Lycanthrope of Shadows myth was created by the gossipers and many youths who shared their version in many scary story sessions. To ease their fears, the local magicians decided to do a makeshift ritual to put up a temporary barrier to avoid any mist leftover in the outskirts of their respective towns or cities.
Thanks to these magicians, the ritual became a monthly tradition in the rural area as many residents came to support the magicians, and with the Lycanthropy myth spread throughout both countries, many families who originally lived in those towns invited magicians to enchant their homes barriers to prevent the mist as well.

Execution

At the start of the ritual, the magicians and residents are gathered in the central area while holding a bouquet of Glitter Crocuses. The participating magicians then start to cast the spell and as it is currently cast, two local Adventurers hired as dancers dance in the Umbra tribal song to support the magicians. During the ritual, some Protectors patrol the area for any ambushes from monsters or bandits to ensure the ritual won't be interrupted.
Once the ritual is finished, the magicians cast another spell to bless the town to ensure luck and good health for the town or city it is hosted in.

Components and tools

The magicians must bring Glitter Crocuses with them as they are required to cast the barrier spell made to prevent the new moon fog come to the town or city they are in.
During the ritual, the remaining Glitter Crocuses are decorated around the houses, mostly to aid with the spell. But in a large city like Arcanum City, many residents placed a wreath on their doors to bless their homes from the mist.

Participants

To execute the ritual, two to three magician skilled in barrier magic or exorcism is required to cast the spell required for the event. They are responsible for not only maintaining the barrier cast around the town or city, but they must check up on the residents in case they might be stricken by Shadow Mutation.
While not mandatory, several Adventurers and Protectors are hired in the ritual to protect both residents and magicians from any monster attacks, including ones who are suddenly transformed due to the fog.

Observance

The tradition often occurs the morning before the new moon, which allows the residents more time to prepare for a monster attack. In some cases, they often leave town a few days before the new moon to hire several Protectors and Adventurers to protect their town.