Light a candle for a duckling

 

The Gathering at the Church of QUACKS

While the candlelight ceremony unfolds in homes, the community comes together at the Church of QUACKS for a shared act of remembrance. This sacred place, adorned with depictions of the Holy Duck’s teachings, becomes a sanctuary of collective mourning and comfort. The ritual begins with the lighting of the Great Candle of Remembrance, its flame drawn from the holy Quack Stone.   In the church, hymns such as The Waddle of Eternal Love and Ripples on the Pond are sung in soft, harmonious voices. These songs, composed to honour lost ducklings, weave themes of love, memory, and hope for eventual reunion. As the evening progresses, personal stories are shared, tears are shed, and moments of silence create a space for reflection and healing. The ceremony concludes with the Ripple Ritual, where floating candles are released onto a nearby pond, their light drifting across the water like gentle whispers to the departed.   The evening often closes with intimate gatherings where families and friends share simple meals, laughter, and stories of the children they’ve lost.  

Symbols and Their Meaning

The day is rich with symbolism that ties the living to the departed. The candlelight in windows is believed to guide the spirits of lost ducklings, helping them find peace while ensuring they remain cherished in the hearts of those left behind. The tokens placed beneath the candles - be they carved figurines or braided bands - carry their own meanings. Wooden carvings embody permanence, while the braided bands, woven with care, represent the intertwined lives of the living and the departed, a connection that transcends physical boundaries.   These acts of remembrance remind the grieving families that they are not alone, that their loss is acknowledged, and their loved ones are honoured by the wider community. This collective expression of love and respect strengthens the bonds between neighbours and turns the day into something more than sorrow - a reaffirmation of life’s enduring connections.  

A Growing Tradition

Over the centuries, Light a Candle for the Duckling Day has transcended its origins within the duckfolk communities to become a cherished tradition embraced by many others. Gnomes, with their appreciation for symbolism and community, found solace in its rituals, weaving their own intricate bands as tokens of respect. The kendric, known for their close-knit families and love of simple yet heartfelt traditions, adopted the day as a means to honour not only their own lost children but also those of their neighbours. Even human settlements, sometimes distant from the duckfolk’s cultural roots, have been drawn to the profound themes of remembrance and unity that define the day.