Festival of Acceptance
Reconnect with the love He'an had for humanity
It's the time of year where we shed the parts of ourselves we construct for others, and embrace the parts of ourselves that are truly us.Once per year, during the waning summer months when the evenings are still warm, the countries of Moonfal and Ha'e hold the Festival of Acceptance. The event is held in the spirit of He'an, who above all else, treasured and loved humanity for what they are, rather than what they could or should be. It's a time of love, reconnecting, understanding, and above all else, accepting.
by freestocks
Festival Days
The Festival of Acceptance is a three day event, with different stages of celebration and symbolism on each day. Throughout the festival, people wear grayscale or black and white clothing and accessories, to make them feel close to He'an.Day of Reveals
Let me introduce you to... me!The Festival first begins in the hours before dusk, while the sun is lazily drifting toward slumber. These early hours are the somber, quiet part of the entire event -- participants all wear masks, hiding their identies from all others. When the sun does finally drop below the horizon, everyone in attendance turns to the sky, in search of first sight of the moon. When He'an eventually slides into view, the festivities truly begin; masks are removed, dropped, and forgotten about for the rest of the weekend. Friends, lovers, and family members embrace eachother as if meeting for the first time after a long absence, and re-introductions are made long into the night as the biggest party of the year goes down.
Day of Discussions
So, what's new with you?The second day of festivities is marked by a friendly ambiance, full of discussion and heart to hearts. While nursing the far too likely hangovers from the previous night, people mingle throughout the festival grounds and chat with eachother about new reveals and personal changes discovered the night before. In general, the second day is a time to understand what those around you have been going through, how they're currently feeling, and what they want.
He'an
More than anything, He'an loved humanity as they were. This love was incredibly strong, and something that the majority of humans back then felt for He'an as well. It is said that He'an once learned of what the future would bring for both them and humanity; on that day...He'an Wept.
What happens if someone doesn't want to participate in reintroducing themselves or "baptizing" themselves so to speak? Is there any social stigma? Do people Lie during this time, or remake themselves completely? I really love the concept and I have so many questions. Great article :D
Attendance to the festival is not mandatory, and those who don't attend are not looked down upon at all -- that'd go against the spirit of the while thing D: However, if they do go and aren't ready to reveal themselves, then on the first night they may remain masked, and are accepted as is -- disguise and all. The next day they can show up to the festivities unmasked, there to support and celebrate others. If people sense that they're holding something back, there's once again acceptance and understanding that they're not ready to talk <3 Thanks for the great questions! I will absolutely have to update it to add some more info on the Still-Masked individuals :D