History & Lore
The Rite of the Earth, is a spring festival related to the Ashen faith. Considered a crucial part of Elves transition from adolescence to adulthood at 150 years the festival is largely centered around 3 specific Zaruns (nature-related festivals) related to the domains Flora, Fauna, and Terra.
The Flora Zarun:
The Flora Zarun, is also known as the Festival of Flowers, though far more things are grown for this festival than just flowers. A large harvest is always pulled just before the Flora Exictar and brought from around the Elven territory for the annual competition, as the growing season in most Elven territories is year-round, the varieties of fruits and vegetables during this festival are the most diverse anywhere in Espen. The Farm and Horticulture show is known for its friendly and practically quaint atmosphere.
The Fauna Zarun:
The Fauna Zarun, or the Festival of the Beast is less about anything related to animal husbandry and more of a druidic competition. Bringing druids of every faith gather and compete by transforming into beasts of every kind, though the competitions are divided into Flying, Aquatic, Terrestrial, and Other. The competitors are graded on color, size, shape, and overall presentation. While there is no monetary reward, there is a certain level of prestige bestowed on the winner.
The Terra Zarun:
The Tearra Zarun holds no specific competition and is simply a celebration of the land itself. Mudding have become the favored activity during this part of the festival. This is the most expensive aspect of the three Zaruns, as much of the dirt is brought in from various territories including:
- Black Volcanic Mud from the Isle of Sky
- Shabazz Silt from the Broken Lands
- Bugbear Sacred Clay from the Bugbear Reach
- Chilled Mud from Viggrom
- Drow Soil from the Drow Elf Compact
Cultural Relevance
While this is predominantly an Elven event, and celebrated by Ashens, it is one of the few religious events that bring in other cultures and races. This has been a point of contention for many Ashen Savages, but otherwise a bright spot for cultural exchange.
Observances
Held annually on the last Flaresday of spring, the
Rite of Earth is celebrated as a representation of Elves transition from adolescence to adulthood.
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