Antora: Difference between revisions
→Festivals
(See Also) |
|||
Line 600:
===== La Fiesta de Santo Abrosius =====
[[File:Badge of the Order of Alcantara.svg|thumb|200x200px|The Cross of Saint Abrosius]]
The Fiesta de Santo Abrosius is the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calendar_of_saints feast day] of the patron saint of Andora, who lived near 1240 CE, and the largest religious holiday in the country. The festivities begin the second Friday in May, and typically last until the following Monday, though certain parts of the nation can see them end on Wednesday. The holiday is characterized by paper decorations either chained together or pattern-cut from long reams, as well as ringed candles, iconography of Saint Abrosius, and incense, if affordable. The colors of Saint Abrosius are green and white, and can be found on almost every decoration. This has earned the holiday the appellation ''la verde y blanco.'' The Fiesta de Santo Abrosius follows a four-day pattern that mirrors the life of the Saint. The first day involves small family gatherings and the sharing of stories and traditional Andoran peasent food. The second sees families travel around their neighborhoods and towns exchanging stories and handmade gifts. The third is a national celebration, with large crowds, music, communal cooking, and events held by churches. The fourth and last day is somber and dedicated to absent or dead family.
Elements of the Corric diaspora also celebrate this holiday. Depending on the size of the community, festivities may be restricted to a floor of an apartment building, a street, or even entire sections of towns. The largest Corric community outside the nation is in Arkalarius, followed by Packilvania, and these see moderately sized celebrations that are quite similar in scale and scope to that of their homeland. The Fiesta de Santo Abrosius' good cheer, inclusivity, and gift giving are credited with easing the acceptance of Corric immigrants in many nations. ▼
==== Harvestide ====
Harvestide is an amalgamated holiday drawn from Andoran Deusism, Tunseism, Corric history, and international sources. The festivities fall on the 20th of November. Historically, this is the day that the summer harvest taxes were due in the Kingdom of Avantana. The king would give out rewards to his loyal lords by tradition, in acknowledgement of their fealty and the work of their people. This evolved into more elaborate celebrations of the collective efforts of the common folk and the cultural bonds of Andoran people. Lords would invite their noble subjects to a feast on tax day, where they would provide gifts and entertainment in times of plenty, and a meal and comraderie in times of hardship. The first son of a lord would traditionally entertain his fathers pledged nobles, while his father would attend the feast of his liege. On the lowest rung of nobility, the sons of Viscounts would invite prominent members of the ''heredad'' to a feast, usually wealthy merchants and knights. All ''heredads'' would provide some largesse to the peasentry, usually in the form of free drinks or meals at a local business. As the influences of Deusism became more widespread, the clergy saw the celebration of community effort that the Tax Feast involved. The Church found this to be in line with their own teachings about equality and the value of acknowledging all contributions to society.
In the mid-1400s, the Tax Feast became a mixture of political, social, and religious celebration, and would soon be renamed Harvestide by the Church. In large part due to donations, the Andoran Deus Church subsidized the celebrations for the common people. Farmers and craftspeople recieved a wooden tally chit for their taxes, which had several uses. They could either show it at inns and taverns for free meals, which the establishment would be reimbursed for by the Church, or they could exchange it in return for being sent seed and supply for the winter harvest. The Church would also provide sermons and blessings at gatherings of the nobility, which often focused on thanks-giving and the appreciation of the efforts of the working class. Larger religious institutes such as cathedrals and monasteries hosted "Street Feasts" for the impoverished. Harvestide also coincided with the settling of debts, the shipment of goods, and a rest period after a summer of work. These elements combined and the holiday became what it is in the modern period.
Modern Harvestide takes place from noon on November 20th to sunset on the 21st, beginning with the submission of tax forms in a pseudo-celebration of patriotism called ''la gran sumisión.'' The tradition of giving gifts and charity still survives, and it is common for employers to provide employees with raises, tokens of appreciation, and food. Members of the nobility will still invite their most prominent taxpayers and subordinate lords to day-long parties. At or around sunset on the 20th, the traditional meal of ''trabajo del verano'' will be eaten. This consists of foods that are normally associated with the Andoran summer harvest, such as fruit, olives, corn, chickens, and cows, made into a variety of pies, stews, sauces, and baked dishes. Following the meal a great procession to the nearest Church or holy site will occur, where people will sign hymns of appreciation for the food and family they have. At the end of these hymns, the presiding clergymember will read aloud notably accomplishments by members of the community. People are encouraged to contribute things they are thankful for, as well. Once completed, this ''monstrado'' will disperse back to homes to catch broadcasts of the Archbishop and Monarch on radio and television at 9 pm. The Archbishop will read a list of extraordinary accomplishments that happened over the summer and autumn by Corric citizens, and the Monarch will read a list of events internationally that contributed to peace, moral righteousness, and cooperation. The days festivities end with a light dessert, and the entire day of the 21st is free and unplanned so people can relax however they wish.
==== Corric Tax Day ====
An associated holiday to Harvestide is Corric Tax Day, on the 22nd of November. The government and Church will provide free meals and gifts to the workers of the Royal Corric Ministry of Taxation, who have to sort through a backlog of millions of tax forms submitted two days prior. Employees can pull as much overtime as they want and are excused from work for at least two days once they complete their assigned docket of paperwork.
▲Elements of the Corric diaspora also celebrate this holiday. Depending on the size of the community, festivities may be restricted to a floor of an apartment building, a street, or even entire sections of towns. The largest Corric community outside the nation is in Arkalarius, followed by Packilvania, and these see moderately sized celebrations that are quite similar in scale and scope to that of their homeland. The Fiesta de Santo Abrosius' good cheer, inclusivity, and gift giving are credited with easing the acceptance of Corric immigrants in many nations.
== See Also ==
| |||