You've returned safe to us. Let's celebrate!
Sailing is one of the more common professions of the Aizuni people. Interested individuals are able to go on their first voyage once they become an adult. This celebration occurs on the first night a young sailor returns from their first journey. It's still practiced in modern times, but has expanded to celebrate other first time successes.
Preparations
Each voyage varies in length, so there is never a set date after a crew leaves. When they know they are a day or two out from land, a message is sent to the current leader of the village. Everyone then comes together to begin preparing for their return.
Ingredients are gathered from everyone and cooking stations are prepared. Able individuals help each other cook the different dishes that will be laid out that evening. Other folks help in their own way. Tasks range from cleaning, delivering supplies to the stations, to entertainment via singing, chatting, or telling stories while everyone works.
In the new era, these feasts can be planned for more in advance. In either case, the community prepares foods that the celebrated individual(s) enjoy.
The Celebration
After a day's worth of cooking, a large table is prepared. The dishes are brought over and set along the middle of the table. Large plates are stacked at either end, accompanied by utensils, napkins, and cups.
Once the sailors arrive, they are welcomed with cheering and tight hugs. A line is then formed at the table with the new sailors at the front. Everyone takes their turn filling up their plates before taking a seat.
Before eating, the community leader recites a message of thanks to both the divines and the creatures that provided the food for them. During the feast there is music playing. It is nearly drowned out by the excited chatter as the sailors share their stories from the voyage.
Once everyone had their fill, many take to dancing the rest of the night away. Some games are played as well. It varies between each community.
Foods
Options vary depending on who the village is cooking for. They are often traditional dishes and are always created with fresh ingredients that were grown and caught locally.
BBQ
This is a favorite method to cook different meats. Poles are arranged over a fire to form a grilling platform. The meats are then cooked atop it, often times seasoned with different spices and sauces.
Flat Breads
The dough is made fresh and is set to rise during the morning of the feast. It's cooked on a hot pan with oil. The bread is light and airy. It's often used as a carrier for other dishes, especially ones with saucy components.
Rice
This versatile staple is another favorite. It's rarely eaten plain, especially during these feasts. It's often cooked in a large pan with vegetables and fish mixed into it. Some sweet dishes also contain rice, usually in a pudding format.
Fruits
Most Aizuni desserts are fruit based. A common dish is a simple salad containing whatever is in season chopped into small pieces and mixed with a little lemon juice and sugar. Some enjoy candied fruits and jams / preserves.
This is a sweet concept. I found the opening quote heartwarming ^^
Thank you! I love adding quotes, but they've been coming hard for me lately. Even though it's a short one, I find it does fit the overall tone well. : )