The Esrova Court 1477 Share Posted November 14, 2023 (edited) ✧──────────────⊱🜂⊰──────────────✧ HAESENI CUSTOMS - VOL III CELEBRATIONS OBSERVED BY THE HAESENI PEOPLE ISSUED BY THE ON THIS 8TH DAY OF MSITZA AG DARGUND OF 503 E.S. ✧──────────────⊱🜂⊰──────────────✧ FOR CENTURES, THE HAESENI people have woven the threads of their existence with an impenetrable connection to their spirituality, intertwining seamlessly with the natural world that cradles their homeland. From the beginning, their connection to the sacred tenets of the Canonist religion has served as a guiding compass, echoing through the valleys and peaks, whispering in the rustling leaves, and echoing in the rhythmic dance of seasonal equinoxes and solstices. The heartbeat of Hanseti-Ruska pulses in sacred harmony with the rhythms of nature and their histories are ingrained within the very soil beneath our feet. It is in this intricate dance with the divine and the tangible that the Haeseni find the true essence of their cultural identity. During the reign of Queen Amaya of Venzia, these timeless values have since been reignited, and historical holidays of yore have emerged as modern celebrations, each a vibrant reflection of their spiritual ethos and a symbol of the enduring Haeseni legacy. The Queen has sought to not only safeguard the cultural flame but fuel its resurgence in an effort to highlight the traditions that bind the Haeseni people to their rich origins. Through the faithful academic work led by Queen-Consort Amaya of Venzia and Firress Adela Taronitissa de Leuven, whose studies into the origins and traditions of celebrated holidays - under the thorough editor’s purview of Court Secretary Anabel Elia Colborn - a compilation of Haeseni Holidays was made possible for publication within Volume III of Haeseni Customs. ✧──────────────⊱🜂⊰──────────────✧ I NIKIRALA JAKKO: THE FEAST DAY OF ST. TOBIAS - TUVMAS JAKKO IS A TRADITIONAL holiday that commemorates the forthcoming winter solstice and the Tuvmas season. During this period, the people of the Kingdom partake in particular festivities dedicated to Saint Tobias, otherwise known as Saint Tuvya to the Haeseni. These celebrations typically entail a grand feast, a play, the lighting of the Tuvmas tree, and a market festival held in the heart of the town square. Historically, the holiday was observed solemnly, however it has adopted the customs of the Heartlanders' Saint Tobias's Day in recent times, wherein the citizens of the realm partake in gift-giving and acts of kindness. Jakko, the Highlandic iteration of the celebration, similarly honors St. Tobias; the Saint of merchants, comets, wealth, and charity. Regarded for his spiritual and moral awakening upon reaching the peak of his affluence, St. Tobias is often remembered in honour of his charitable acts performed as a credit to his wealth - the tale retells Tobias giving a poor Haenseman his own meal, and it is these feelings of kindred warmth that resonate throughout the merry season.1 MEADENFEST THIS HOLIDAY OF SCYFLING custom originates from the coastal villages where peasants indulge in a day of playful exuberance and drinking sweet meads. It is common for a plethora of games to be hosted during the said fest, with the primary attraction being the game of ‘Knight on the Castle’, where a four-sided pillar is arranged with protruding hang offs, participants of the game having to try and remain on the top of the ‘castle’ as to be declared the rightful Knight of it. Other activities include but are not limited to: Haeseni Chess, comedy shows, jester acts, drinking games, and charades. SIGISMUND’S DAY SIGISMUND’S DAY IS A national holiday observed by all Haeseni to celebrate the patron of Hanseti-Ruska, the Exalted Sigismund. Every year that passes in the Kingdom’s calendar marks another year since his ascension to the Skies; thus, this celebration usually takes place at the beginning of every new year during the peak of winter.2 During this day, it is tradition for all members of the Karovic household to feast in the halls of the current Karovic Patriarch. Common foods observed during this feast include veal, iskov, and restineol.3 PRAZEKHAG - ANCESTOR’S DAY A CELEBRATION DEVOTED TO the plethora of Haeseni ancestors and late kin, Prazekhag is designed to honor the many notable founders and figures within historic households. Although families of any ranking status are invited to celebrate this righteous tradition, it is most famous among the noble households of Hanseti-Ruska. The primary practices during this commemoration involve the construction of a giant altar in front of the capital’s cathedral, whereupon families are allowed to leave blessings and tokens to not only their familial ancestors, but past Haeseni figures also. Following that, a few words might be spoken about the greatness of one's household, acting as an open session to pridefully boast about one's lineage and origins, and finally the main procession by the namesake of the “Rogwyk i ve Zesgan” (Common: Walk of the Past) wherein a parade of women; of noble and common origin, don veils woven with intricately embroidered scenes of their Household and ancestry and process to the Haeseni Basilica. The parade commences with a prayer, upon which the line of women make their way to the capital’s Basilica. At the conclusion of the parade, mass is conducted with the intention of honoring the ancestors and founders of Haeseni households and, by extension, the Kingdom of Hanseti-Ruska as a whole. WIEROKZINATT - SOOTHSAYERS’ EVE A RAEV TRADITION ORIGINATING from the isolated circles of soothsayers living in the Kingdom of Hanseti-Ruska, the Wierokzinatt consists of a night of enthrallment and mysticism, filled with readings from soothsayers and the sale of blessed jewelry - usually crafted with sapphires of varying colors as these particular gemstones are believed to bring mystical closeness to GOD. The Haeseni Oracle will meditate quietly, in order to receive and foretell a prophecy of grandeur at the peak of the celebration. Star-gazing is a distinctive activity during this celebration, as participants will try to read the stars and constellations pertaining to their zodiacs with the assistance of lesser soothsayers and astrologers. Upon this eve, prayers to Godan are offered in thanks for the clarity of the cosmos. The Soothsayers’ Eve occurs on the darkest night of the year when the stars shine the brightest, and it is believed that the spirits of loved ones - as well as the path of one’s future - lie amongst the stars. 1] Vzeslaw Graiswald, Cetibor the Tarcharman, year unnoted: Sigmundic Canonism. [Link]2] Hieromar the Elder, year unnoted: Festival of Wiekley Sigmundi. [Link] 3] Hieromar the Elder, year unnoted: Haeseni People. [Link] ✧⊱🜂⊰✧ II MORRIVI JULIYAFEST JULIYAFEST, NAMED FOR SAINT Juliya, is a beloved holiday held in commemoration of courtships, matrimony, and maturation. Although it is typically observed at the beginning of Spring when new love is expected to bloom as the winter defrosts, the Juliyafest may be hosted at any time during the Saint’s year. However, the most recent iteration of Juliyafest symbolizes a significant rite of maturation as the Haeseni youth ascend to adulthood, and thus the celebration spanned several Saint’s Days.1 Many have been known to wed their betrothed or beg their beloved’s head of house for permission for courtship on this day. Furthermore, the presentation of a crown of lilies, known as Liliekongis, can be expected to be received as a romantic gesture from a Haenseman to his romantic interest. The more fortunate and hopeful can look forward to being gifted a belt woven of ivy and twine, the Verevka Belt, blessed by a priest in order to ask for their hand in marriage 1 JORSKDAG JORKSDAG, OR JOREN’S DAY, is a Scyfling holiday that celebrates the first encounter between St. Joren and St. Tara. Today, it is widely believed that this encounter beckoned Spring to bloom. Flowers sprouted, spanning across luscious, verdant fields as far as the eye could see. In accordance with this miraculous event, the Scyflings of Hanseti-Ruska partake in the jovial celebration of Jorskdag to commemorate the coming Spring equinox every Saint’s year. RORTDEY: THE FEAST DAY OF ST. AMYAS THE OBSERVANCE OF RORTDEY signifies the coming of Spring and celebrates St. Amyas, the Patron Saint of medicine, healing, botany, and wild herbs. It is said that the coming of Spring symbolizes Godan’s healing of the Winter’s blight, akin to the healing that St. Amyas performed in life. Oftentimes, the feast day will include a Scyfling Maypole dance and a forage in the woodlands to supplement the subsequent feast. 1 VALBORGIS NATT VALBORGIS NATT IS A springtime celebration observed by ancient Scyfling tribes that has since resurfaced as a national Haeseni holiday. The festival includes field cleanups in preparation for the blooming spring and a plethora of traditional Haeseni dances and religious songs performed around a large bonfire. The holiday is rooted in a Highlandic myth about the zealous Scyfling Princess Valborga of Slesvik, who devoted her life to the Church. For years, she renounced her wealth to aid the less fortunate and cared for the surrounding farmland so that the peasantry would always have adequate access to food. In honor of Princess Valborga, this holiday commemorates the approaching spring and the preparation of gardens that flourished under her care. 1] Vzeslaw Graiswald, Cetibor the Tarcharman, year unnoted: Sigmundic Canonism. [Link] ✧⊱🜂⊰✧ III ASSERALA MIDSOMMAR MIDSOMMAR IS A HAESENI holiday that marks the longest day of the Saint’s year, the Summer Solstice. The festival is deeply rooted in ancient Scyfling traditions, and is a time to celebrate the arrival of summer and the abundance of nature and wildlife the season brings. Key traditions of the Midsommar celebrations include the cultural Maypole Dance, wherein the attendees of the festival weave ribbons and greenery about the Maypole, the lighting of the ceremonial bonfire, and flower-wreath crafting. Traditional Scyfling foods such as the Lohikeitto (salmon stew) and Settekake bread are served over the bonfire as the evening of merriment ensues. JROTHIK: THE FEAST DAY OF ST. JOREN AND ST. TARA AFTER THE TRAGIC FALL of Hanseh, the capital of Saint Joren’s realm, Saint Tara fled with her court to the banks of an isolated river whereupon they settled and named it Jroth. There, she and the members of her court gathered materials from the earth to indulge in a feast to honor the fallen capital in silence. It is this feast of mirth during the period dubbed the Age of Silence that many partake in on Jrothik. The very first iteration of Jrothik occurred during the summertime, and thus the Haeseni continue to observe this holiday during the peak of summer. 1 OKJANEK I MILDULF - HUNT OF MILDULF THE HUNT OF MILDULF is a Haeseni holiday inspired by the Dulonian mythological figure, Mildulf, the Wereboar who was rumored to be a cursed Prince that roams the icy forests.2 Various iterations of the tale claim that Mildulf was turned into a grotesque boar beast by a witch, which led the surrounding villagers to frequently pursue the beast on dangerous hunts. Remnants of this ritual practiced by the ancient Hanso-Raev people are observed by modern Haeseni to this day, albeit Canonized in recent years. During this celebratory hunt, a ceremonious bonfire is lit by a priest, with hunters and warriors alike kneeling before the flames in prayer to bless their hunts. Upon being sent out into the forests, hunters and warriors alike are encouraged to hunt grand beasts to bring back as trophies. These prizes are tossed into the blessed bonfire as an offering to the Exalted Sigismund to keep the Wereboar and other associated creatures at bay. The aftermath of the hunt is usually spent at a smaller feast or tavern to discuss the adventures and might of their hunt. ANNIZHAG - WINE DAY ORIGINALLY HOSTED AS A sign of victory during the prosperous era of Karosgrad by the late Amadea of Susa, Annizhag has turned into a seasonal celebration with associated symbolism of grand welfare for the Kingdom, but also, by extension, an honored holiday for the late Karl III due to his love of cheese. The events hosted on this one-day celebration are very flexible to whomever hosts, but will always showcase a plethora of cheeses and wines for consumption. It is usually encouraged, as done traditionally, for each noble household to bring one cheese and one wine selection for the entirety of Haense’ citizenship to enjoy, as well as a panel of judges to determine who has brought the best produce of the two - although this competition is not limited to nobles only, as commoners may also participate.3 1] Vzeslaw Graiswald, Cetibor the Tarcharman, year unnoted: Sigmundic Canonism. [Link] 2] Otto the Tarcharman, year unnoted: Haeseni Mythologie. [Link] 3] Amadea of Susa, Maeve Morovar, 434: Festival of Wine & Cheese. [Link] ✧⊱🜂⊰✧ IV KHOVALA KHOVALAFEST - AUTUMN FESTIVAL KHOVALAFEST IS CELEBRATED IN the Kingdom of Hanseti-Ruska to commemorate the Autumnal Equinox. This momentous occasion signifies the changing of seasons and the peak of the harvest. The festival recognizes the diligent work of the kingdom's farmers and laborers as they witness the transition from the vibrant green of summer to the warm hues of gold and red indicative of Haeseni autumn. The mythological figure, Gorm, a mysterious three-eyed crow, is historically associated with the symbolism of the autumn harvest. Ancient Haeseni peoples believed that Gorm was connected to the land and he is invoked for a plentiful growing season. Additionally, the festival pays homage to St. Henrik, a venerable Canonist figure revered amongst the Haeseni for making a barren wheatfield flourish. The holiday was established by Queen Amaya of Venzia in the year 495 E.S. and is still observed today. BAROVIFEST - BARBOV’S FESTIVAL BAROVIFEST STEMS FROM A holiday known as the Haruhtrozdyg, where the ancient Haeseni peoples partook in revelry, unimpeded by social castes or societal expectations. However, the Karovic Monarch, King Barbov, later imposed a law that banned the beloved holiday due to its significant origins and influence rooted in paganism. The peasants and serfs of the land heavily protested this law, which led to an unusual display of compromise from the zealous King Barbov. He would allow their festival to continue, on the condition that all references and symbols of paganism were removed from the celebrations. Over time, it transformed into what the Haeseni know today as the Barovifest, named after King Barbov the Black. The celebration came to be sponsored by the Carrion dynasty, with varying traditions and practices evolving over the centuries.1 The festival’s traditions include Ve Hauchwundarbuyr (The Great Boar Hunt), categorised by traditions wherein noblemen compete to bring back boar for the peasantry, the carving of wooden masks called Maskoez that depict animals or historical figures, and the crafting of flower crowns known as Crowns of Chamomile made to symbolize romantic love between festival attendees. A play performed by serfs and royalty marks the beginning of the festivities, symbolizing the unity of Haeseni peoples regardless of status or station.1 The Barovifest also features archery contests (Tiberala), melees (Bratkontat), and a jovial food fight dubbed the Harutopolta. The evening concludes with a ceremonial feast and a drinking competition, while a wooden effigy of a horse is burned to symbolize the Exalted Owyn's steed. The day after Barovifest, known as Barovimuesz or the Feast of All Souls' Eve, is a holy day of obligation for all Haeseni Canonists. Families pray for their departed loved ones, and the reigning monarchs take in the less fortunate to receive food, new clothes, and forgiveness for debts and crimes.1 ALL HALLOW’S EVE VARIOUS HAESENI SUPERSITIONS AND legends state that the veil between the mortal and spiritual realms thins at the height of Autumn.2 One legend stated that this veil shall fall upon the darkest night of Autumn, which often invoked a sense of paranoia in the ancient peoples; thus, they carved masks to protect their identities from any lingering spirits. In accordance with this superstition, the modern citizenry partake in the holiday lovingly dubbed All Hallow’s Eve by carving faces into pumpkins and donning frightening costumes to keep any malevolent or wandering spirits at bay. Prayers to Godani for protection and guidance on this eve are common, and oftentimes Mass will be held the night prior. HAESENI INDEPENDENCE DAY FOR MANY YEARS, HANSETI-RUSKA stood as a vassal beneath the Holy Orenian Empire. Its status as a Kingdom, granted by the Empire, was first held by King Petyr I, and such vassalage would remain until King Josef I’s reign, when the Edict of Separation was officially issued by Empress Anne I on the 11th of the Amber Cold, 1786. The anniversary of Haeseni independence has since been celebrated every Saint’s year following that fateful eve. The holiday comprises two months of celebration: the first month is known as 'The Revelry of Crows’, which includes historical exhibits, trivia, traditional Haeseni dishes, a Carrion Black drinking contest, and a parade to showcase Haeseni pride.3 The second month of festivities, 'The Eve of Memorium', is a solemn event that allows the Haeseni people to pay respects to the departed. Participants, dressed in historical attire, perform the 'Last Drink of Death' ritual; pouring half of their drink on the floor to symbolize remembrance.4 A prayer is offered for the departed, followed by traditional Haeseni dances, fostering a night of merriment and pride. JAKZHAG - YAK’S DAY JAKZHAG IS AN EVENT which spans a single day, fit for any mighty warrior of Hanseti-Ruska. With origins rooted in Kralta from the era of Anthos, this celebration spread through smaller Raevir communities and shifted over time from an atypical Harvest Festival to a display of militaristic prowess and fierce combative skill. A variety of events are hosted throughout the day to test such strengths, including but not limited to; wrestling, sparring, jousts, fist fights, and other sports. The unique and definitive aspect of this event is the usage of the ancient animal, the yak. All prizes from the event are usually centered around the beast, as well as the food served throughout the festivities. Historical records reveal that the primary Kraltan cuisine served on Jakzhag includes Yak on a Stick, Yak on a Bun, Yak on a Yak, Kralta Fried Chicken, and Yak-y Booze.5 1] Otto the Tarcharman, year unnoted: Barovifest, the Day of Serfs or the Day of All Souls. [Link]2] Sigismund III, year unnoted: Seasons of Haense. [Link] 3] Isabel of Valwyck, 339: The Crow’s Independence Revelry. [Link] 4] Hieromar the Elder, year unnoted: Haeseni People. [Link] 5] Author and year unnoted: Kraltan Harvest Festival. [Link] ✧──────────────⊱🜂⊰──────────────✧ Spoiler Thank you to papi pollo for help writing! Credits to Yoppl and Julius for beautiful og holiday lore - a lot of this belongs to them and has been documented here or built upon. Thank you to Juli, Lark, Shaydelicious, and Liv for contributing to Haense w/ some of these past concepts/events! Thank you for allowing me to help, sarah! Ly nate and julius - pollo 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 Carnatia, Karosgrad, 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, and Astfield, Lady of the Westfolk, et cetera. Firress, ADELA TARONITISSA DE LEUVEN, Matriarch de Leuven, Royal Scribe of the Esrova Court, and Court Historian Her Ladyship, ANABEL ELIA COLBORN Countess-Emerita of Malkovya, Keeper of the Book, Lady Auditor of the Royal Duma, and Secretary of the Esrova Courts. Edited December 2, 2023 by The Esrova Court 19 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
DahStalker 2856 Share Posted November 14, 2023 Adela feels so much pride that she smiles. The de Leuven is so absolutely happy. She plans to write more for her Queen later. 5 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
sarahbarah 5021 Share Posted November 14, 2023 Amaya dusts away the eraser shavings that have inevitably collected over the past few days of writing! 8 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
yopplwasupxxx 5665 Share Posted November 14, 2023 Good job sarah and pollo +1 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
JuliusAakerlund 1780 Share Posted November 14, 2023 Spoiler Great props to @sarahbarah @DahStalker @CopOwl for honoring me through inclusion of my lore : ). (They're the best and no one can say otherwise. 6 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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