Dark Fall

The first three days of the last month are dark in Orcerta. Very dark.
While the sun technically rises, another celestial body covers it fully and as such covers Orcerta in a black veil.


While the first recordings note this event as highly concerning and a symbol of misfortune, some even going as far and calling it a certain sign that doom will befall everyone, today on the other hand, this occurance is an event of comfort, joy and laughter.

Most cultures follow a similar pattern:

Day 1

Everyone starts by hanging a wide variety of smaller lanterns inside and around their houses, some start before dark fall is even happening.
People who dont have any costumes usally quickly buy, make or lend them on this day.
Usually families prepare food and treats for the following days and for the visitors and guests that may come around during the second day.
Many take the first day of dark fall as a reason to gather, with friends and family, around a bonfire and tell scary stories throughout the night, all while sharing a variety of snacks like stick bread or fire roasted treats.

Day 2

The second day of nightfall is the main event, huge celebrations are held, in many settlements and cities huge bonfires are assembled and wonderfully crafted lanterns are hung and lit up to guide everyone through these dark days.
Children run around in costumes for the whole day, holding lanterns and baskets. They usually go from house to house, playing innocent tricks on people and asking for treats with jokes and rhymes.
Older people often gather for huge parties where everyone is dressed up in different outfits, ranging from cute and innocent to outright terrifyingly horrific.
This day is the day of excess and everyone celebrates to their hearts content with food, sweets and alcohol - nobody looks at the time and the celebrations can often go through the whole day, filling Orcerta with music, sparkles and joy.

Day 3

The last day of dark fall is the most quiet, many are exhausted from the previous days, many take some time to clean up the messes from the previous day and set up for a somber evening.
Families and friends gather in the evening, similar to the first day, to sit together outside, also most often accompanied by a bonfire and relax.
In the late hours everyone sets their gaze upon the horizon when the sun gets slowly freed from its giant oppressor.
Everyone baskes in the first reddish beams of light and waits for the final spectacle.
In the last moments, shortly before the sun is fully visible, a bright glimmer envelops the sky, tinting it in all kinds of colours and symbolising the end of the dark fall.