Aeol's Passing

Aeol's Passing is a festival held in Mehrula during the passing of Ehyr's Comet. The festival takes place over a period of ten days, with preparations starting months earlier. It brings many tourists and astronomers to Mehrula, providing a boost to its economy.

History

The festival's origin can be traced back to The Before. When it was first held is unknown. What is known is that it was a celebration in honor of Aeol. Whether people knew back then what a comet really is or not is unclear. But they did seem to know when the comet would return. It appears to have been a heavily religious inspired festival back then. With mass ceremonies held in city squares. People would also perform rituals dedicated to their deity at home. Food was simple and typically eaten at home during rituals.

The Festival Today

Preparations

The return of Ehyr's Comet is known in advance thanks to Jaerom Ehyr who rediscovered the comet in 768 AP. The people of Mehrula start preparing their city for the festival once it is known when exactly it will be held. In particular the huge influx of foreigners is something they must be able to handle. During the festival many people rent out a spare room to make sure every visitor to Mehrula will have a bed to sleep in. Decorations are created, food stocks are gathered, guides are being trained, and so on.

Celebrations

The festival itself lasts ten days. Most days look the same, with the same activities and celebrations. Prior to the festival the streets and buildings are adorned with flowers and colorful banners. Shades of blue, purple, and violet are the most common colors seen.

Comet Gazing

During the night Bakers Square becomes the hotspot for anyone interested in seeing the comet. Hundreds of people gather on the square with blankets to keep warm. Most lights are dimmed to ensure a better view of the stars and comet. Every bakery surrounding the square is selling all kinds of sweet or savory pastries. Over time the activity of eating pastries while watching the comet has become a vital part of the festival. For tourists it is an almost mandatory activity to at least visit Bakers Square once during their stay, to eat pastries and watch the comet.

Visiting the Astronomers Tower

The Astronomers Tower is opened to the public. Anyone can apply for a guided tour through the tower. Those on a guided tour also get to visit the telescope at the top of the tower, and will have the opportunity to look through the telescope to see the universe and Ehyr's Comet Much better than ith the naked eye.

Religious Ceremonies

In various temples around the city ceremonies are held in honor of Aeol.

Type
Festival

Primary Related Location

Mehrula

Related Celestial Body
Ehyr's Comet
When
Every 23 - 24 years.

Aeol

Aeol is a deity prominent in various religions in West Eghea. He is always seen as responsible for the creation of humans. And for gifting humans knowledge about the world. In ancient times comets were often seen as a sign of Aeol returning to Ealdwyll to check on humanity. This instilled both fear and awe in people.

Jaerom Ehyr

Jaerom Ehyr was a mehrulian man who dedicated his life to studying the comet that we now know as Ehyr's Comet. His studies gave astronomers the knowledge to follow the comet on its travels through the universe. He made numerous other discoveries about the universe, and became one of the most famous astronomers in history.