Winter and summer solstice celebrations

Twice a year, halvdøden and hunters alike celebrate the celestial happening of the solstice. Not together, of course, and each species has its traditions.

Hunters :

There are a lot of different species of Hunters around the world, and most of them have their own traditions. Let’s see a few of them.

Northern Europe :

The winter solstice is usually celebrated in small communities indoors, in prayers or purging, while the summer solstice is the occasion to assemble a few communities and organize some kind of friendly competition, often relating to strength and demonstration of power. If the summer tradition is supposed to be in good spirit, it seems to often be the occasion to make a show of strength for each one of the communities.

Africa :

Both solstices are sacred and time of rests for the Hunters there. The mostly keep together and pray, thanking Nature who allows them to exercise their mission as Hunters. It’s a time of quiet dance and feast, in very small communities.

North America, mostly Canada and Alaska :

Since the seasons are very distinct there between summer and winter, the feasts are quite different.
In winter, they organize big competitive hunts in the biggest forest around their camp to test resistance to the elements and survival skills. The winner who hunted the mightiest animal of all get crowned the best Hunter of the region and get to keep his title until the following year. It is just a mark of status but doesn’t give him any specific rights.
In summer, they use the day for leisure and fun activities. It’s the only day of the year where the Hunters consider they are not on the call of duty, though a small proportion is designated to seep vigilant while the others have fun. It’s a time for games, small competitions, and fun for a long day.

Halvdøden :

Each piece has its own tradition and feasts, not all celebrate the solstices, but let’s see the main two that does.

Vampires :

The sun is not fatal, contrary to popular beliefs, but still tiring for the vampires, so they tend not to celebrate the summer solstice. The winter feast is celebrated only in the midst of communities. Since most vampires live alone or in “families” (two or three vampires) it is impossible to know what is generally done in those circles. Some famous vampire families used to organize big balls throughout history. The tradition was lost for a time, but lately it has come to be again. Humans are often invited to these feasts as entertainment or food, mostly the latter. Most of the time, they survive their time there, but accidents happen.

Werewolves :

It is a well-known fact that forests where lone werewolves live have to be avoided at the solstices. Werewolves live by themselves in the woods mostly, or in very small group, but the moon has a big impact on their personality. The shortest night and the longest night of the year are the most potent for them, especially if there is a full moon on top of that. Do not enter the wood on the night of the solstice if you can avoid it !
There are many other species that celebrate this celestial event, but research tends to concentrate of these particular ones.