A Great Rest

Given the unique method of growing crops done by the Earth Elementals, it is hardly a surprise how unconventional their planting rituals are. While other farmers may be out, preparing the soil and making sure everything is in order for the long growing season ahead, Earthren farmers have different plans. Magically grown plants need little time, and far less effort for one whole field of plants. Due to the huge head start from the local mages that work on the farms, growing plants from seed to mature using their magic prowess, they are able to have multiple seed and harvest cycles throughout the growing season for all sorts of plants, even fruit trees. So the night and day before each seeding begins, the farm settles down to celebrate the Great Rest.

The History

For the entire night, and much of the day until they finally fall asleep, the mages of the farms are prevented from doing anything. They are to be dotted on and stuffed full of food as much as physically possible. This is so that they will have enough energy during the coming night to awaken all the seeds and grow them almost to the point of harvest once more (like growing an entire apple tree from seed all the way to the point where its flowers bloom). This, like any great magical feat, requires significant focus and energy.

The Modern Ritual

In modern times, this common ritual has come to be a celebration, both of the mages’ powers, but also a somewhat amusing game to try to prevent the mages from doing anything during the night. As with anyone with autonomy, while the initial idea of being dotted on for 24 hours may seem appealing, it slowly wears thin. Hence, why it becomes a game for those on the farms. To be a farm mage is to be forced to stuff yourself full of homemade pies, and be yelled at for trying to walk to the bathroom, right before you are required to use up so much of your magic to grow plants that you pass out to find that 3 nights have passed.

Often this tradition is preformed communally, with many farms getting together to great a large potluck to collectively feed their farm mages. A celebration of another successful harvest, and the beginning of another cycle anew. It is also believed to bring good luck, as well-fed and well rested mages should result in stronger plants. Just hope that nothing goes wrong with your neighbours crops... Or they might start blaming your pie for messing their mage's magic up.