Kyneshelm Calendar
The Calendar of Raethíl
The Calendar of Raethíl is used across the empire of Kyneshelm and its neighbouring realms, reflecting the cycles of nature, the influence of the progenitors, and the cultural unity of the empire. With 364 days divided into 13 months of 28 days each, the calendar is simple yet deeply tied to the spiritual and practical life of Raethíl’s inhabitants.
The Structure of the Calendar
- Year Length: 364 days
- Months: 13 months of 28 days each
- Weeks: 7-day weeks
- Leap Year: Every 10 years, a special Leap Festival adds a week to align the calendar with celestial cycles.
The Months of Raethíl
Each month carries unique significance, tied to the natural seasons, cultural practices, and the domains of the progenitors:
| Month | Theme | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Frostspark | Renewal | The start of the year, symbolizing resilience and new beginnings. |
| Blossomreach | Growth | Celebrates nature’s bloom and the renewal of life. |
| Skysheath | Freedom | A time for travel, wind-themed rituals, and the start of trade routes. |
| Dawnstride | Ambition | Represents energy, action, and military readiness. |
| Sunshard | Radiance | A celebration of fire, passion, and creativity. |
| Amberglow | Warmth | Late summer festivals of harvest and community gatherings. |
| Goldharvest | Prosperity | The height of agricultural prosperity and trade exchanges. |
| Moonsveil | Mystery | Honours shadow and introspection during the year’s transition to autumn. |
| Crimsonfall | Transformation | Represents the turning of the seasons, reflection, and preparation for winter. |
| Shadowmere | Darkness | A sombre month remembering the Abyss and those lost to its influence. |
| Frostvein | Endurance | Mid-winter, celebrating resilience and survival against the cold. |
| Starspire | Knowledge | A time for learning, magical discovery, and stargazing. |
| Eversoul | Unity | The final month, celebrating the unity of the empire and its divine roots. |
The Days of the Week
Each week is divided into seven days, named for celestial phenomena and the progenitors:
- Lirday: Named for Lera, associated with wind and freedom.
- Thalday: Named for Thalvyr, linked to water and storms.
- Vaynday: Named for Vetris, symbolising fire and passion.
- Eenday: Named for Eenar, representing earth and resilience.
- Starenday: Dedicated to the stars and celestial events.
- Grimday: Honours loss and death, reflecting on cycles and endings.
- Solday: Celebrates light and unity, tied to the sun’s passage.
Key Festivals and Observances
- First Flame (1st Frostspark): Marks the start of the year with rituals of renewal and small fires.
- Feast of Rivers (Blossomreach): A week-long celebration of water, with blessings and feasts at rivers.
- Rekindling Flame (Sunshard): A vibrant festival of fire and creativity, featuring bonfires and storytelling.
- Abyss Vigil (Shadowmere): A reflective event commemorating Abyssal conflicts and lost lives.
- Eversoul’s Crossing (Eversoul): A grand festival of unity, with parades, music, and empire-wide celebrations.
Unique Features of the Calendar
- Seasonal Alignment: The calendar reflects the agricultural, spiritual, and practical needs of the empire.
- Progenitor Influence: Each month and festival is tied to the progenitors or gods, reflecting their domains and roles in Raethíl’s culture.
- Unity Across Regions: The calendar unites the diverse kingdoms of Kyneshelm, fostering a shared sense of identity.