Patronage Day
This festival is one that originates from Arrats, and is now celebrated in the Singing Wood since the prince consort Jahan has taken residence. Taking place on the autumnal equinox, it is a celebration of the harvest and a day of gift-giving, charity and tribute.
On Patronage day, it is customary for gifts to be given to friends, family, and the monarchy. Taxes and crops are also collected on Patronage day. In practice, this day also ends up being an occasion for those giving tribute to prove fealty and prestige to their lords. Gift giving follows each persons’ means and can take any form, including money, animals, food, art, and entertainment. Gifts to the royal family are registered, with objects of cultural significance, great beauty and value being particularly desired. Anyone who donates money to the palace on this day receives double the value of their tribute if they should find themselves in need of financial assistance later.
Generosity is the virtue of the day, and the gifts given to the royal family are intended to be shared with the kingdom as a whole. While tributes are being received in the palace, the current reigning monarchs hold court, and any person may come to petition them directly without appointment. Many of the petitions involve requests for projects to be paid for with the collected taxes, while others involve disputes or personal favors. With the crops brought in, a huge feast is prepared, free for all to partake. Alms, food, and gifts are distributed to the poor on the steps of the palace.
On Patronage day, it is customary for gifts to be given to friends, family, and the monarchy. Taxes and crops are also collected on Patronage day. In practice, this day also ends up being an occasion for those giving tribute to prove fealty and prestige to their lords. Gift giving follows each persons’ means and can take any form, including money, animals, food, art, and entertainment. Gifts to the royal family are registered, with objects of cultural significance, great beauty and value being particularly desired. Anyone who donates money to the palace on this day receives double the value of their tribute if they should find themselves in need of financial assistance later.
Generosity is the virtue of the day, and the gifts given to the royal family are intended to be shared with the kingdom as a whole. While tributes are being received in the palace, the current reigning monarchs hold court, and any person may come to petition them directly without appointment. Many of the petitions involve requests for projects to be paid for with the collected taxes, while others involve disputes or personal favors. With the crops brought in, a huge feast is prepared, free for all to partake. Alms, food, and gifts are distributed to the poor on the steps of the palace.