Last Night - First Morning

The end of the year, and the beginning of the new year has been celebrated with solemnity and feasting for generations. This last day is outside of the calendar as used on Egg Island and is the most sacred of days, known variously as Last Day, Rebirth, Devourer, and Year End. While calendars may record this day, it sits outside of man-made contructs such as months and days. It belongs to no day of the week nor any month.
On Last Day, beginning at sunrise, all of the people are expected to fast, even the young children. This is both a symbol of the death of the year, and a sacrifice in thanksgiving for the coming new year and for the blessings had, and the blessings to come. Many spend the day resting, doing quiet activities or sleeping till night falls.
The celebrants dress during this day out of time in their most somber clothing, but somewhere on their person will be a sparkle of brightness. It may be a necklace, or a bright ribbon or headband. Perhaps a Lover's Knot as a ring, or some other bit of brightness. The overall impression as the people gather is one of solemnity, with flecks of hope.
As the shortest day of the year, night comes early and the temperatures in much of the land are bitter cold. People draw close together, huddling for warmth, as they observe the nighttime sky slowly wheeling overhead. They are waiting for the dawn, for First Morning to come. Small fires or braziers are stationed about, providing some respite from the cold.
Slowly the eastern sky lightens, the stars fade, and the first rays of dawn stretch over the waiting land. Then the drums begin and the singing starts. The hymn of rebirth, of new beginnings is sung. The somber hoods and capes are lowered or reversed, revealing garlands of dried flowers, bright streamers of fabric, all sorts of beautiful reminders of a new year and a new life.
Fires are stoked, coals spread out under grills, large pots of food are suspended over the heat and soon the feasting begins. Fish and meats grilled over the coals are eagerly sought, hot beverages are accepted and gratefully drunk, bowls of hearty stew fill famished stomachs and as the sun rises on a new day and a new year, all is well in the world, at least for now.

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Hymn of rebirth

Hail, New Dawn,

Hail the Creator

Now we remember joy and love, and life.

Farewell, Last Night,

Begone the Devourer

No more fear, nor sorrow, nor strife.

Our eyes turn forward, yet we recall what was.

The love ones gone ahead, the trials of past days.

Begone the Devourer and welcome New Dawn.

Always, always, and always.