Below are described only a handful of popular holidays and traditions observed in Morrain.
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Festival of Fire – In the northern kingdoms, the warmth of the farmer’s hearth or the hunter’s campfire is essential to survival. The Festival of Fire takes place shortly after the autumnal equinox, marking the turn of the season and shorter days. Beginning as a holy day in honor of Sarenrae and the life-sustaining power he brings to the cold winter months, it has long since become a weeklong celebration for the faithful and the secular alike. At the center of each village, town, or city a great fire is raised, and on the last day of the festival a tremendous bonfire replaces the smaller flame. Those communities with sorcerers or hedge wizards in residence often benefit from the addition of everlasting flames or magically sustained fire. Of course, wherever clerics of Sarenrae are present, ceremonies honoring the Fire Lady are observed. Throughout the week, the people gather about the bonfire to sing, feast, and enjoy the spirit of community. Those who cannot afford to bring food to the feasts are invited just the same.
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Day of Fellowship –A holiday unique to Morrain, on the Day of Fellowship those with the skill bake, or those with the money buy, sweet breads or pastries to give to their friends. Not surprisingly, the holiday is strongly associated with Bread-In-Hand, and some suspect that the halflings of that village started the tradition. Some communities turn the day into a competition, while merchants take the opportunity to hawk their goods to the folk who turn out.
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Day of Souls – The Day of Souls, which marks the summer solstice, also marked the day when the young Morro swore with his friends to slay the Harbinger King who had oppressed the people of the Vale. A festive time to some and a time of apprehension to others, the Day of Souls is a day of ultimatums and vows, of reconciliation or exactitude. It is a day when silent frustrations must come to light, when grudges must be abandoned or renewed for all time. Lines are drawn in the ground, proclamations of love or betrothals are made. Suitors are chosen or rejected altogether. Tensions between rivals prompt a final confrontation, whether it is a duel or a settlement. No matter what the circumstance, something must happen on this day. The day may serve a different meaning to each person, but all residents of Morrain are expected to participate. It is considered rude, at best, to keep one’s feelings in on this day. At worst, it is considered insulting or even blasphemous. The church of Sarenrae is a strong proponent for this holiday, for the sun shines longest on this day and the Revealing Light encourages honesty and confrontation over long-suffering silence. The day is observed by followers of Iomeda as a day to punish the unrepentant or atone for one’s sins. Adventurers often use this day to decide the course of the next year and choose their next journey.
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Burning Blades is a religious holiday held annually on 10 Sarenith. It is celebrated in honor of the goddess of light Sarenrae and is actually the culmination of a month-long summer festival held in her honor. Burning Blades focuses on the sun and the goddess' powers of healing. It gets its name from the dance of the burning blades, in which worshipers dip ceremonial weapons in pitch or another flammable substance, and dance with the burning brands in hand. Legends recount that if one of Sarenrae's faithful is in mortal danger on this festival day, his or her weapon will burn with a holy fire. This has proven to actually be true so many times throughout history, that those with bad intentions generally avoid the
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