Farewell meal

On the first night of The Traveller's birthday the Vianolites sit down with their loved ones to a farewell meal. This usually entails sitting down with ones immediate family, but can also be done between lovers or close friends. After a day of giving thanks to those who have helped them in the last cycle and finishing any uncompleted tasks, they return to their homes to begin preparations.
Each person prepares the favourite meal of another within the group, even those children old enough assist in this process. The ingredients would have been gathered in the days leading up to the ritual. Once the meals have been prepared they gather together on one of their barges and hand over the meals they have prepared. Then they all sit down together in the dining area and eat.
During the meal the talk is kept to light hearted affairs, and children are encouraged to tell stories of their days escapades. After the meal they move up onto the deck of the barge to sit under the night sky and catch their first glimpse of The Traveller. They adults will share a spiced wine made from collected berries and the children have a non alcoholic version.
As they sit under the stars everyone takes turns recalling special moments from their lives over the last cycle. They will thank their loved ones for shared moments and happiness brought. Although the possibilty of death on the morrow is on everyone minds, there is no sadness for their faith in Kyevyag is strong and he will guide their souls to the afterlife.