Snowbreak

Of the many traditions the people of the Northern Isles keep, Snowbreak is one of the most beloved. Although the islands are covered in snow for most of the year, it is blessed with about two months of iceless summer, when the snow melts and plant life can grow. As the hunters wander the snowy landscape, one will eventually find a patch of recently melted ground. Grabbing a handful of dirt and stone, the hunters stop and return immediately to Ivanjar. Upon their arrival, the dirt and stone is ceremonially thrown into a large fire at the centre of the city, marking the start of Snowbreak. The festival itself consists of a week of celebration and joy. Events including sports, feasts, dancing and live music are abundant, during which most work is temporarily stopped.

Many from Ivanjar treat the festival as an opportunity to clear out their pantries of some of their old winter stores. Families from across the city will prepare large dishes of cooked meats and soups to be handed out from their front doors or at events. One traditional dish associated with Snowbreak is simply called "Everything Soup", which consists of a pot of melted snow filled with an eclectic mixture of meats, depending on what is available at the time. Other traditional dishes include raw or boiled Black Whale blubber, and grilled fish.

"My strongest memory of my childhood is probably sitting on one of the hills overlooking [Ivanjar] with a big bowl of Auntie Umu's soup. I remember for years trying to get a taste, but it was always finished by the time I got to her house. I don't know how she did it, but her broth always was the best in town - probably kept some secret stash of something somewhere. I remember one Snowbreak I practically sprinted across town to her house, but when I arrived, it was still gone. Auntie Umu looked at me, and handed me a bowl that she has specifically saved for me. I remember the warmth of her smile and her laugh as I thanked her over and over. I grabbed her youngest boy and we both headed up the hill behind their house. We sat and enjoyed the soup, looking down at the festivities. And honestly, it was really good soup."

- Kai, Ivanjar

For those seeking to prove their physical prowess, various competitions can be found throughout the city. These events range from individual tests of strength - such as the high-jump kick, ear pull, or bear fighting - to team games - such as the sled pull and mauling.

Sled Pull: A team sport, typically played between two families. Seven members of the family take positions in front of a sled, similarly to how one would set up a dogsled team, while the remainder of the family load themselves into the opposing family's sled. The event itself is a simple race, as agreed upon by the racers, with each family trying to pull the opposing family as fast as possible.
Mauling: A full-contact sport typically played between two teams of 12 players. The goal of the game is to move a ball down the field and into the opponent's end zone. Throwing the ball is against the rules, so to do so, each team typically travel as one large, or a couple small packs, which attempt to push through their opponents packs.

A Visitor's Guide to the Northern Isles, by Sergio Guillimane

The sounds of song and dance can be heard spread out across the festival. These are typically not done as a competition, but are instead meant to be spontaneous, genuine expressions of joy for the end of winter. Although simple instruments, such as drums, can be sometimes found, the melody is carried by the sound of many voices, singing songs passed on through the generations.

Farewell to the Winter, the ice and snow

No longer shall you chill our bones

For the sun's all up and the days are long

Come join us in our joyful song

- A traditional song from the Northern Isles

Note: Sing to the tune of "Farewell to Nova Scotia".

In comparison to other non-standard ceremonials and rituals within Estalia, the Governor of the Northern Isles is relatively accepting of the festivities. Although they and their staff are instructed to avoid the festivities, every year there are several reprimands from groups of The Silver Legion participating in sporting events. It is unclear why the governors all seem to share this sentiment, however, many believe it to be a combination of their distance from Estalia, a desire to avoid upsetting the locals, and simply it being fun to participate.

Primary Related Location

Ivanjar

Related Organizations

• Northern Isles