Jeulō

The pan-Erwān celebration of the winter solstice lasts all twelve days of the month of Ġēola, it is a celebration of the passing of the longest night of the year, or - in the most extreme southern reaches - the midpoint of the dark half of the year, and primarily revolves around food and family.

Feasting and food

No meat is eaten for the first eleven days of the month, to remind even the wealthy that meat is a luxury not all can afford. These first eleven days tend to be quite austere and provide time for reflection and thanksgiving. Temples, which offer housing to those at risk from the severe weather and low temperature, host communal meals which are open to all.
The final day of the month is the Jeulō feast, and meat is once again permitted. Ewaeans consider beef to be the traditional meat of the season, pork is the standard in Ewura, but duck, fish, pheasant, or even chicken are common substitutions. The only meat not permitted is goat; due to the animals's association with laughter and merriment, it is considered extremely bad luck to slaughter or eat a goat during Ġēola. Whatever it's origin, the meat is seasoned and roasted, and served with grains, roasted or mashed root vegetables, jams and jellies, sausages, cheeses, cabbages and other hardy brassicas, and a loaf made of acorns, hazelnuts and chestnuts. The main meal is accompanied by a seasonal ale, or spiced or honey-based wine, and followed by a dessert of the remaining harvest apples, a marzipan-covered fruit cake, a spiced suet pudding made with dried fruit and nuts and served with alcohol-infused cream, milk- or cream-based puddings, breads and pastries spiced with ginger or saffron, decorated or jam-filled biscuits, cooked sugar (toffees, fudges, and caramel), and balls of marzipan.
The feast is preceeded by a short speech by the head of the household, giving thanks for the blessings of the year and wishing that the new year be kind. The meal may take up most of the day. An evening meal is often provided (though rarely necessary) comprising almost anything that can be preserved through the winter. A typical Jeulō supper may contain cured meats, especially ham, pickled eggs and cabbage, cooked chestnuts, smoked fish, cheese, nuts and dried fruit.

Traditions

Gift giving

As a time of thanksgiving and community, small gifts are exchanged between friends and family. The most important part is that the gift must be handmade. Socks, gloves and new winter clothing is a common gift, as are small toys and games, but a gift may be as ephermeral as a joke, song or story.

Prophecy

The festival is named after the 'old man, Jól', a legendary giant who traded his eye for the gift of accurate prophecy. Consequentially, Jeulō is strongly associated with prophecy and fate, and seasonal traditions include:

• Covering one eye and looking into a candle flame to see the 'face of the new year'.
• Making wishes on the first star in the sky on the night of the Jeulō feast.
• Prophecying the a future relationship through various means (eg: peeling an apple and tossing the skin into a fire to reveal the beloved's initials, constructing a 'poppet' to place under a pillow so the sleeper may dream their beloved into their life).
• Saving the last piece of the last log placed on the fire to kindle the following moring's fire, and bring the good luck of the old year into the new.
• A small token may be included in one of the desserts, and the diner who finds it in their portion may win a small prize or favour from the host.

Specific cultural practices

Voedr viimets

The Julimen only celebrate the final day of Ġēola, which they call Voedr viimets. The festival begins at sunset on the previous day, and marks both the end of the old year and functions as a birthday for all members of the community. The only exception is infants born within the last six moon cyles: due to historically high high infant mortality, infants under six moons are not yet considered part of the community and their first birthday will be marked the following year. NB: Julimen do not consume alcohol, and the beverage associated with this holiday is a cordial flavoured with seasonal fruit or herbs.
Like many cultures, Julimen exchange small gifts but Julimen children additionally recieve a single ornate silver button each year, in preparation for their nabitaa.

Mōdraniht

The night of the mother is a Bjerian tradition celebrated the night before the feast-day. The monarch would sacrifice a dozen prize urus and their meat would be distributed to the poor in the name of the country's matron goddess. Since the fall of the kingdom, the duty of the sacrifice has been given to the First Minister.

Primary Related Location

Erwā