Funifrekh

Funifrekh, sometimes known as Fiend's Night or Devil's Night, is a traditional spring holiday originating on the island of Sona, celebrated from sundown on 19 April to sunrise on 20 April. It is said to be the night evil is most likely to come into the world.

Execution

The traditional rituals of Funifrekh all stem from superstitions of how to avoid fiendish influence. People frequently make offerings at temples in the week leading up to Funifrekh, even those who are not otherwise particularly religious. All but the very young, the elderly, and the infirm are encouraged to stay awake all night; those who need to sleep are carefully watched over by their companions and loved ones. To stay awake and pass the time, people play games, dance, use drums and noisemakers, play loud music, and drink copious amounts of Coffee. Though Urbana al-Sona otherwise lacks a strong drinking culture, more alcohol and other mind-altering substances are consumed on Funifrekh than any other night. There is a common superstition that, should a Demon or evil spirit possess your body while it is intoxicated, they will become too confused to remain in possession of it when the intoxication wears off.

Pranks, vandalism, and petty crimes are common on Funifrekh, often performed by groups of young people or rowdy revelers. These are attributed to imps and poltergeists (in a somewhat tongue-in-cheek way). While the wealthy and powerful often increase security for important items on these days, small, harmless crimes are often punished lightly or overlooked entirely.

Components and tools

Traditional dress for Funifrekh includes long, dark hooded cloaks that conceal the entire body, so that one cannot be perceived as easily by demons and devils. These cloaks are often accompanied by masks that conceal half the face or more. Simple masks of cloth are common, particularly for children, but some choose to wear elaborately painted wooden masks that may depict monsters, gods, mythological figures, or famous living people. (Masks depicting dead mortals are usually considered to be in extremely poor taste, as these are seen as a mockery of souls that could have been wrongfully taken by the Lower Planes. That said, some masks depict particularly hated politicians or other villains anyway.)

Primary Related Location

Urbana al-Sona

Important Locations

• Sona