Suhamma

The new year in the Singing Wood begins on the spring equinox (Suuhamma). Any birds that migrated away from the forest in the fall return to the forest around this time, which is cause for great celebration. Preparations for Suuhamma begin fifty days earlier, before the first birds start arriving back for spring. During this time, denizens of the Singing Wood clean and decorate their homes, altars, graves, shrines, and most importantly, any little houses in the woods they can find. As Suuhamma approaches, Eyes of Anzû read the flight patterns of birds as they return to roost and use them to predict the course of the coming year.
On the morning of the Suuhamma, people gather at the shrine of Anzû located in the center of town to make wishes, say prayers and give offerings to Anzû for good luck in the coming seasons. Late in the morning, Anzû will usually make an appearance (if not physically, then in omen) at the shrine and great gusts of wind begin to blow for the rest of the day. This is usually the only time in the year that the average person is able to see Anzû or their sign.
(It is considered extremely bad luck if Anzû does not make their presence known, and that sort of occurrence would normally be followed by a pilgrimage to Anzû’s shrine in the forest by the ruler of the Singing Wood to make penance and learn Anzû’s will).
The day time is spent flying kites and picnicking, visiting family and preparing for the evening festivities. The energy of new beginnings leads people to forgive (or pay off) debts and repair broken relationships. Garlands and wreaths of Faelia flowers (Anzû’s sacred flower) are worn and used as decoration (along with other flowers and greenery).
The evening is marked with revelry and is a celebration of romance (and fertility). A great ball is held in the palace. Attendants are expected to perform to attract dates for the evening. Performances can take the form of dances, songs, recitations of poetry, exhibition of physical dexterity, magic, or beauty. Sweets and Thali are consumed (Thali is an alcoholic ambrosia sweetened with nectar from the Faelia flower, which acts as a mild aphrodisiac with psychoactive properties). The festivities of the evening are a time to strengthen relationships and make new connections. Grand romantic gestures, pleasure, praise of beauty and love as ideals are all themes of the night.