Festival of Life

The ordinary people of Kinyn do not have calendars. They track the years by seasons and natural phenomena, like the Lights. So most people don’t remember the day someone was born, or the day someone died. Instead, each town and village chooses a mid-summer day for the Festival of Life. No work is done that day except what is necessary, like milking the cows. Food is simple, mostly freshly-harvested fruits and vegetables, uncooked. Some towns offer their firstfruits to the gods they think protect the town. In the morning, people rejoice and sing to the gods, honoring another year of living. When night falls, lanterns are lit in remembrance of those who have passed on.

Those who follow the Savior observe the festival in their own way. In the morning, they sing songs of praise to the Savior who gave them life. At night, they still remember those who have passed on. Though some people struggle to push back the pain of loss, they pray their thanks to the Savior for promising a second life to those who love Him. Followers of the Savior give offerings of firstfruits, but instead of leaving them for their God, they give them to those who are in need.

How do they celebrate Easter in Kinyn?

Things that amuse Maggie will have to wait a week. This weekend we celebrate the Remembrance.

As we discussed in December, the Kinyn equivalent of Christmas is simply called “The Lights” and is based on a natural phenomenon. 

Easter or, as they call it in Kinyn, the Remembrance is on the first full moon after the orange flowers bloom, so usually a few weeks into spring.

The families that are able to travel, stay at a Reclaimed temple for a day or two. Some temples receive so many visitors that many have to camp in the courtyards. After a modest shared meal, believers spend the time fellowshipping with one another, praying, and hearing the Scenes each have been given. On the day of Remembrance, the monks tell the story of how the Savior was crucified on the Tree.

For those that cannot travel to the temple, the Redeemed of the town decide where to commemorate the Savior’s sacrifice. A chosen believer, usually the eldest, tells the story of the Savior’s death and resurrection. A few others may be asked to share their Scenes.

 A typical Easter meal or Remembrance meal, is a humble meal of flatbread and wine or juice.

How is Christmas celebrated in Kinyn?

Luke 2:11-14
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes , lying in a manger. 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

There are several festivals and holidays in Kinyn, but the one most reminiscent of Christmas is simply called “The Lights.”

A spectacular light show marks the start of winter in Kinyn. These brilliant lights dance across the sky in waves of blue, purple, and pink for three nights before fading into the dark. Across Kinyn, all races, from the Elves to the fairies to the Sespin in the sea, gather each night to celebrate the Creation with shared meals and dancing.

To the Redeemed, the Lights take on a special meaning. It is said that during the Lights, hundreds of years ago, a human from another world spoke to an Elf of a Savior who died to save those who put their faith in Him. During the Lights, the Redeemed remember this good news that changed their whole world. They meet with other believers and share a rich supper.

After the meal and fellowship, the Redeemed dance under the lights, singing praises to the Savior and thanking Him for His blessings. On the third night, when the lights fade, the believers gather around the fire. If any of the Redeemed have received a Scene in the last year, they will recite them. A few others share as they feel led, and then a town elder tells the story of the Savior’s birth. The festivities close with a prayer for their loved ones and all those around them.

May you enjoy this season with your loved ones, whatever you celebrate.