Cahaya Celebrations

The first day of the new year is also the first holiday celebrated throughout Mirintha. Just as Cahaya contrasts with her husband Pimedus, the Cahaya Celebrations stand in contrast to Pimedus Day, which was celebrated the day before. The festivities in honor of the goddess are dedicated to the values she embodies: light and hope. Some people even believe, that Cahaya might take some time to wander around the world and partake in the celebrations. If she does, and we don't think so, that would most likely happen somewhere in the countries of the Valo- or Vajoperi. After all, they are her creations.

The Cahaya Celebrations are such a beautiful tradition. Especially after that dreadful Pimedus Day. Lighting the first candles, the fireworks, the food and drinks. And all while sourrounded by family and friends. It always has been my favorite holiday.

— An elderly women pondering her life

Global Traditions

Parts of the celebrations are observed uniformly across the land. As soon as the new day - and thus the new year - begins, a single candle is lit in every household. Cheerful music resounds in public squares, taverns, bars, and other venues. Settlements that can afford it launch fireworks. People raise their glasses and exchange well-wishes. Once this initial phase concludes, more and more lights are gradually lit, as many as one can afford. This symbolizes Cahaya extending her light over Mirintha again and is accompanied by a prayer for each light lit. With each prayer, people typically ask for one blessing for the coming year, with common wishes being happiness, health, and financial prosperity.

Oh yeah, I have seen the fireworks of Dachswedel once. Those were really impressive.

Cultural Variations

The Augalai tradition of "Fortune Branches" involves finding a branch near one’s home, preferably in their garden, and tying a short red wool thread to it. The earlier the branch blooms in the year, the more luck it brings to the person who tied the thread.

Before sunrise, the Haelsingar burn a straw effigy shaped like a deer or stag to pray for successful hunts in the coming year, as hunting is vital to their way of life. This tradition is known as the "Stag's Blaze". Some tribes also burn effigies of wolves or bears.

The Hayato bake small star-shaped cakes, so called "Lucky Cakes", to share with family or friends. One or two cakes, depending on the group size, contain a hidden cherry. Whoever finds the cherry is believed to receive great luck and health in the coming year.

I wonder if there is any way to increase your chances to pick that one cake with the cherry ...

At sunrise, most Kadal climb the nearest mountain, with more challenging climbs being more respected. During the ascent which is also called "Echo Steps", they reflect on the past year and consider their hopes for the new one.

The Kerdil practice "Fortune Pouring," melting a small metal lump and pouring it into cold water. The resulting shape predicts the person’s future for the year - wealth, love, or even death are some possibilities.

For the Peri, the Cahaya Celebrations are the most significant holiday. As direct creations of Cahaya, they dedicate the day to her honor, spending much of it in worship at temples or private shrines.

Walking up a step hill or mountain while meditating on the past doesn't sounds like the most interesting activity.

The nomadic Qataban gather at the sea or, if unavailable, at the nearest river. They release small boats with paper sails bearing their written wishes for the new year, hoping Cahaya will receive them. This tradition is referred to as the "Sail of Dreams".

The Tilki have an unusual tradition of burying a small, gold-painted pebble. This act called "Golden Seed Planting" is believed to bring financial prosperity in the new year, with distant burial spots said to enhance the blessing.

The Willenberger celebrate with a hearty Neujahrssuppe (new year's soup). A small clay figurine that is sculpted in the image of Cahaya is added to the pot, and whoever finds it in their bowl gets to make a wish for the coming year.

I should travel to Elysaria to see this Sail of Dreams once.