Moon of Reaping

The Moon of Reaping is one of the two annual traditions in practice with the Wood Elves that dates back to long before the Elven people even came to Velaria. The Moon of Reaping celebrates when they see the dark side of their Moon Goddess, Selûne in Velaria or the old Goddess Izomi in the Feywild. When the Moon is fully dark and cannot be seen even though it sits high in the sky, the Wood Elves know that there God is asleep and they are without her until she rises again. The following months are when the Wood Elves reap all of their crops, cut down dead trees, say goodbye to loved ones, and complete any other sombre tasks.

History

The tradition of Reap Moon began long ago in the Feywild, birthplace of the Elven people. The two Gods Lydesa and Izomi that rule the Feywild were worshipped by the Elven people, but were also known for the constant tricks on each other the Elves. It is said that one day, Lydesa tricked and poisoned Izomi, making the Goddess fall into a deep slumber in order to recover. During this time, the moon could not be seen in the night sky and many dire situations fell onto those that worshipped Izomi amongst the Elves. To this day, at the same time each year, the Moon Goddess falls into a slumber, still trying to recover from the poison her sister fed her. Some of the Elves that migrated to Velaria held onto this custom, even though the new world had different Gods, and now worship Selûne, and wait for her return during the absence of the Moon.

Execution

The night before the Reap Moon is one celebrated by the Elves still holding to the old traditions. Big banquets and feasts are prepared, family and friends reunite and everyone celebrates the end of another year. Fireworks are lit off, fire pyres lit and dancing through the night. The next morning, every Wood Elf that partakes in the ritual spends the full day inside praying to the Moon Goddess for a safe return and for a safe Reaping for them and their family. Then, on the night of the Reap Moon itself, all the Elves stay inside their homes, holding their loved ones and letting any negative emotions they have out. They cleanse themselves and try to stave off the presence they feel within the absence of the Moon Goddess, which they have named the Reaper.

Components and tools

Many bright, white lights are used as decorations during the night of the celebration, to try and mimic the moonlight as the moon is missing from the night sky.

Before we cleanse our souls during the Reap tomorrow we must fill our bellies with fortune!

— Common saying during the Moon of Reaping

Related Ethnicities

• Wood Elves