Conjunction
The Conjunction Festival takes place every eleven years. This is the astronomical lining up of the Sun, Planets, and Moons. It is also the time of the Sun's greatest activity in it's cycle. Therefore, although the eclipses cause a darkening of the Sun, Nuome is protected from the increased radiation. Usually, this causes there to be great sheets of color in the sky called Auroras. For three days Nuome sees very little of the Sun, but is instead lit by the beautiful colors of the Auroras.
Each of the days, a different moon is celebrated:
The first day is the celebration of The Cradle. The people wear clothes of silver (or at least something with a metallic shine to it.) In the wealthier neighborhoods people were clothing with silvered mirrors sewn in to reflect the colors of the sky. This gives them the appearance of Scintillating rainbows that travel with them and light up dark areas in the gardens and outdoor banquets. Silver platters of food and goblets of wine are passed around and there is a jovial nature to the partying. In some areas, the wealthy give shiny gifts to the less fortunate. A lumberjack may get a new axe, the farmer a new shovel, or the seamstress a set of needles. Indeed, bonuses of silver coin are often given to servants who have been in their service for the entire eleven years!
The day is the Feast of the Moon. Every tone and hue of red is displayed. From pink to blood red, The Moon's Color is reflected in the clothing of the people. As this is also during the harvest season, many beasts are slain and served up to feed the people. Red meat and vegetables are served on earthenware of ochre and goblets of red wine flow. In the orc hoards to the west, this is the day of great hunts and of war parties attacking villages to let the peoples blood and to feast upon them.
The third and final day is the Lunar Celebration. Yellow is the color of the day to honor the saffron moon. Many weddings, coming of age ceremonies, and religious rituals occur on this day (often falls on Godsday).
There is much merriment. This is the day for bards, for plays, and for jesters, jugglers, and fools. Usually this day ends at dawn of the fourth day with a toast and well wishes for the Sun to have a glorious cycle, that al may once again rejoice eleven years hence.
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