Kentier Festivals

The scent of fresh flowers, of roasted herbed vegetables, and freshly baked bread fills the air, joined by sounds of joyous conversation and laughter. Tables have been taken from all the houses and brought out the the center of town, all now piled high with food - the height of summer's bounty. Rue'Dal is wearing a crown of flowers, the first ever received, and blushing as clumsy teenage fingers attempt to weave one in return while the object of their affection waits eagerly beside. Elder Tara'Nen wears a simple collar of braided grass, a perfect match to their partner - at their age the display is less important than the thought behind it. But Silva'Ten is bedecked and laughingly turns down even further offers from Rhys'Dal - crowned in turn - who is still celebrating their recent marriage. Children run underfoot, hooves kicking up dust as they chase each other about the square, flower adorned tails streaming out behind them and patiently braided hair sure to be disheveled before the day is done. Some of them try to steal treats off the tables. Most of them succeed. Now is not the time to reprimand the children for their sticky fingers. Not today. Today is a day for celebration. The summer may be half over, but half of it yet remains, and the crops are burgeoning. Autumn harvest will be bountiful.

Execution

Kentier festivals all follow the same general form, primarily differentiated by seasonal differences in the available food and decoration. The form is simple: feasting and revelry and the exchanging of favors. Like all that the Kentier do, their holidays are casual and the celebration of them equally so. There are no set days, as the festivals come with the changing of seasons and the cycle of planting and harvest, and the extent of the celebration varies regionally. The highlight and kickoff of a festival is the feast. These are communally organized events wherein each household whatever food, drink, or decoration they are able. The revelry that follows can last from a day up to a week, depending on mood. Young children are often gifted with small toys or new clothes during these events, and courting or married couples will exchange favors woven from flowers, grasses, or autumn leaves.