Once a year, this seven day long festival centered on the the winter solstice is celebrated among many cultures and societies. Den Lan'nai, or Lantern Festival, was first founded by
Orc ancestors long before the Age of Magic. Beginning on the 27th of Azal and ending on the 4th of Umava, this winter festival is marked by days of feasting and gift giving.
Cultural Origin
Orc legend tells of a dark snow spirit, named Fyrnore, that feared the sun so greatly that it would only venture out of hiding on the seven longest nights of the year. On these days it would feed upon the emotions of the troubled and vulnerable people, especially those who suffered from loneliness. To help protect their clan mates Orcs began an event that would unite the community and provide everyone with a reprieve from their stressful lives. Days of communal feasting would bring joy and warmth in the darkest days of the year, thus preventing the dark spirit Fyrnore from feeding off of their darkness.
Over centuries the Orc clans would spread this tradition to non-orc settlements where those natives would in turn spread the practice even further. To current day Den Lan'nai is celebrated by Orcs,
Elves ,
Human , and
Dwarves.
Celebration and Observation
To celebrate Den Lan'nai many cities and villages will begin preparations prior to Azal 27th by building up temporary stalls and booths for festival activities. Many vendors will produce specialty foods associated with the holiday culture such as maple-cooked meats, peppermint candies, and sweet confections such as chocolate pasties. During the week of Den Lan'nai the days are spent enjoying games and stage shows unique to each towns culture. At night, families will gather to exchange gifts, either handmade or bought, where that each member of a family will receive at least one gift per night.
Comments