The Blessing of the Tree
For centuries, on the first day of each year (usually called Yat Yat) the people of Danhabn celebrate a ceremony known as "The Blessing of the Tree." The ceremony commemorates the saving of the people of Danhabn by "The Lady of the Tree" at the time of The Fall from the Stars.
In Danyund, and especially in Danhabn, the legend of the Fall from the Stars says that a mysterious woman, known as the Lady of the Tree, saved the survivors of the Fall from certain death by rescuing them from the cold waters of the North Sea (Nod Sei), giving them shelter and warmth under a huge cedar tree, and summoning Dwarvirim to help them. She then disappeared without a trace. The people of Danhabn believe the tree under which the survivors were given shelter is the enormous cedar tree across the channel from Danhabn Castle in the heart of the city, and they call it simply "The Tree."
The people of Danhabn revere The Tree, protect it, and care for it all year round, but once a year on Yat Yat, the day that The Fall from the Stars is believed to have happened, they bring offerings of fertilizer and pure mountain spring water to The Tree. Nutritious fish meal and composted vegetables and dung are spread around the base of The Tree, then the water is poured out over the offerings of fertilizer. The citizens of Danhabn see this as thanking The Tree for its protection and shelter and making sure that The Tree is healthy and happy. Whether or not the offerings actually have any benefit to The Tree, it cannot be denied that The Tree is among the largest anywhere around Danhabn and is unaffected by any disease or storm. To this day, the area immediately under The Tree is warmer and more comfortable than even 100 yards (meters) away.
The ceremony of the Blessing of the Tree starts at sunrise on Yat Yat with the king of Danyund, King Alfred Mortensen, giving thanks to The Tree, pouring out an offering of fish meal fertilizer and an offering of mountain spring water. Following him, the queen, Ingrid Mortensen, the rest of the royal family, and the members of the King's Council make their offerings. After them, the common people of Danhabn may present their offerings.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, families gather in their homes for a traditional feast of thanksgiving, celebrating the Blessing of The Tree, remembering all of that they have to be thankful for, and praying for success and health in the upcoming year.
On the second day of the year, Tu Yat, poor children of Danhabn under 10 years old gather at the Shrine to the Tree, and the Queen Ingrid and other female members of the royal family present each child with a silver coin. The children represent the Dwarvirim that arrived to help the people of Danhabn after they were summoned by the Lady of the Tree. The Queen also presents awards to citizens and children recognized for their service to Danhabn and Danyund. On Tu Yat, civic and religious organizations, such as the Chantry of Laidleshe, the Shipwright's Guild and the Stoneworkers and Pavers Guild, host parties and dances for their members. Some are open to all people of Danhabn.
On the third day of the year, Sam Yat, is a day of rest after the festivities of the previous two days. The next day, Syo Yat, the people of Danhabn go back to work and school, resuming their normal, day-to-day activities.
History
The origins of The Blessing of the Tree are lost to time, but the ceremony has been held for as long as anyone can remember. There are references to the ceremony being held in some of the oldest documents in the archives kept in Danhabn Castle.
Observance
The Blessing of the Tree takes place every year in Danhabn on Yat Yat, Tu Yat, and Sam Yat, the first three days of the year.
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