The Seeding

The Seeding is celebrated in both Kohri and the Ostarian Empire to celebrate the sowing of the first seeds of the season. The holiday is two or more days long and divided between a more serious and religious portion and a more lighthearted and fun portion.

History

Various rituals to ensure that the harvest is bountiful have existed throughout the world practically since farming began. As time went on more fun and less religious activities to celebrate the seeding were added to these rituals.

Execution

The first portion of the festival is more serious and religious. It typically starts a day or two from the first seeding but depending on how superstitious a person is, it may begin sooner. Offerings are made to the deities, particularly Kerali , Kyros , Sasu , Vedis , and Voas . Fields are sprinkled with holy water and effigies of famine, disease, drought, and other undesirable effects are burned and their ashes scattered over the fields. In many places farmers sacrifice some of their blood to the deities in addition to the usual sacrifices of produce, flowers, food, and animals.

After the seeds have been planted, the more fun part of the holiday starts. A huge feast in honor of the event is held. Only vegetables and dishes made from vegetables from last year are allowed at this feast. The most important food however, are the roasted seeds which are served both in dishes and on their own. Superstition holds that how many seeds you eat is indicative of how good your harvest will be. Small plays, storytelling, music, and dance occur during and after the feast and more sacrifices are made to the deities.

Participants

Priests play a key role in the celebrations, particularly the more religious parts. They give the offerings to the deities and plead that they allow a bountiful harvest, protect the fields, and do not visit the fields with destruction. A priests also performs the scattering of holy water and ashes over the fields.

Observance

When the Seeding is observed varies since when the first seeds are planted varies from town to town.

Primary Related Location

Ostari