The Summoning of the Wolves

The Summoning of the Wolves is a holiday celebrated in the Bathblast Islands to remember the dead. It occurs near the end of the year, and during this time, the Islanders make a special Blue Paint which they use to create elaborate murals to guide the spirits of the dead as they come to visit their loved ones who are still living. Those who Cremate the bodies of their loved ones, rather than opting for Sea Burial usually mix the ashes into the paint. Any walls or streets that are used for murals are carefully inspected for flaws that might disrupt the painting. Many people also leave out favorite possessions of loved ones. Islanders living underwater celebrate in a similar way, by making mosaics with blue stones. Though the blue paint landside washes off in the rain, there are areas underwater where the mosaics live year round.

The most stunning murals are usually painted on and around the capitol building, where it's believed the spirits of Nina Kho and her daughter, Sarai will come to help the Island leaders plan for the upcoming year. The holiday is called the Summoning of the Wolves because the spirits of the dead, particularly those of Nina Kho and her descendants are believed to take the form of wolves, even though no wolves live on the islands. Though no one expects to see a wolf at this time, it is said to be good luck if you hear one, and that this means your ancestors are watching over you.