KHOVALAFEST - THE CELEBRATION OF THE AUTUMN SOLSTICE

[sarahbarah 5023]

THE AUTUMNAL SOLSTICE FESTIVAL OF GORM & ST. HENRIK

 

 

ISSUED BY THE

 

ON THIS 6TH DAY OF WZUVAR AG BYVCA OF 495 E.S. 

 

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THE AUTUMNAL SOLSTICE IS a momentous occasion for the Kingdom of Hanseti-Ruska as it shepherds the changing of seasons and the upcoming bounty of the fields. Whilst the vibrant green of the summer fades into the warm hues of gold and red indicative of Haeseni autumn, the people shall bear witness to the diligent toil of the Kingdom's farmers and laborers as the harvest reaches its pinnacle. Finally shall the fields yield their precious crops and the orchards bear the fruits of their labor.

 

The mythological figure Gorm, the mysterious three-eyed crow, is historically intertwined with the symbolism of the autumn harvest. This figure was often invoked by the ancient Haeseni peoples who sought a plentiful growing season. It was once believed that the Karovic, our ancestors, were derived from the very being of Gorm, and thus, his connection to the land and the harvest remains a significant aspect of Haeseni culture. In addition to the legend of Gorm, the Haeseni also look to St. Henrik, a venerable figure who once performed the miracle of making a barren wheatfield flourish. His divine intervention, too, marks the importance of the harvest in Haeseni tradition and is revered during the solstice to remind us of the blessings once bestowed upon the Kingdom.

 

Bearing in mind such cultural significance, it is with great joy that Her Royal Majesty, Queen Amaya Milena has chosen to officially institute this Haeseni holiday – formally dubbed Khovalafest – to commemorate the autumnal solstice, followed by a celebration of the traditional Barovifest to celebrate the subsequent harvest that shall occur later in the coming Saint’s weeks. The first Khovalafest indeed holds great significance, as it coincides with the 15th anniversary of our King and Queen’s marriage. Such a milestone marks a golden age for the Kingdom as their enduring leadership has ensured a bountiful harvest for all.

 

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THE ROYAL CAPITAL OF VALDEV shall host the festival, wherein the populace will partake in numerous traditional games and activities proffered by the courtiers of the Esrova Prikaz Court. Bobbing for apples, apple-picking, and corn-doll weaving will take place within the square, followed by the sacred tradition of blessing the obtained harvest.

 

 

WHEN WHEAT IS FIRST harvested from the fields, each attendee shall craft their own wyznik, (Common: harvest wreath) made of the wheat stalks to symbolize the wealth of the harvest. The particular blooms that flourish during autumn (sunflowers, pansies, and daisies) may be woven into each wreath. These wreaths shall be blessed by a Canonist priest, then presented before the Queen. 

 

Thereafter, a bonfire shall be lit, and a dance around it will ensue to celebrate the good tidings that God’s blessed harvest has since brought. Prayers and bardic songs alike shall resonate throughout the Kingdom, and all shall break holy bread over the very same fire. 

 

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Spoiler

Friday, September 15, 6:00 pm EST.

 

 

Her Royal Majesty, AMAYA OF VENZIA, 

Queen-Consort of Hanseti and Ruska, Princess-Consort of Bihar, Dules, Lahy, Muldav, Solvesborg, Slesvik and Ulgaard, Duchess-Consort of Karosgrad, Carnatia, and Vanaheim, Margravine-Consort of Korstadt, Rothswald, and Vasiland, Countess-Consort of Alban, Alimar, Baranya, Graiswald, Karikhov, Karovia, Kaunas, Kavat, Kovachgrad, Kvasz, Markev, Nenzing, Torun, Toruv, Valdev, and Werdenburg, Viscountess-Consort of Varna, Baroness-Consort of Esenstadt, Kraken’s Watch, Kralta, Krepost, Lorentz, Rytsburg, Thurant, Venzia and Astfield, Lady of the Westfolk, et cetera

 

His Excellency, FABIAN OTTO D’ARKENT-KORTREVICH, 

Grand Lord of Hanseti-Ruska