Theonel ([θeənel])
Theonel is a traditional Elven cultural celebration of love, with deep roots in Elven cultures across R'Ondell. It has its variations but it is still recognisable to any Elf who grew up with it.
The name Theonel is derived from the Elven words for "profess" (theol) and "longing" (nel'lan). It has its roots in celebrations of the end of winter and coming of spring, taking place the entirety of the first two weeks of Meiwar, before the human common holiday Heartfest.
Theonel has a structure to it, though not everyone participates in every activity. The main point is to show love to the people closest to you. Elven has no shortage for words describing the different concepts of love - romantic love, platonic love, familial love, love for your peers (which is different than platonic love), love for nature, aesthetic love, love for creation etc. All of these concepts are represented in the classic tradition of gift giving.
The most common gift to give to a loved one in Theonel is a stone with a written declaration of love on it. These messages can be anything, but are frequently written in dactyl-trochee pentameter. These stones are then either turned into jewellery, or, more commonly, are given back and forth between the pair to show their devotion.
If the love that is being professed is the love for nature, it is common for cities and villages to have a communal centerpiece tree, where the stones are laid into the ground, sometimes with enchantments. The love for art is expressed by painting the stone instead, leaving it near an Aroton, a Feywild shrine, or simply in one's home.
Related Ethnicities