Celebration of the First Rains

After many months of 'dry' thunderstorms, gusts of wind often blows dirt and ash from local grass fires into low land communities. As such, cleaning, especially sweeping, is a common part of the tradition. Homes are aired out, old items are taken out, and the unsuccessful inventions and experiments of the past year are taken out. A core idea of this festival is to make room for the next year, letting go of the past, especially in the case where past attempts has led to naught but frustration.

However, the most significant moment is just before the storms arrive. In these moments, the Lightnings go out and write in the dirt or draw on the walks with chalk. In the higher latitudes with sky scrappers, it is common to hover in the air outside and take spray-chalk to the windows. Writing whatever they would prefer to leave behind in the past. Words of frustration, burdens, old ideas that never seemed to get anywhere. All written out for a moment for the world to see. Even old hearts and names for past relationships that have come to pass can be seen briefly.

And then the rain arrives, pouring down on top of every surface and person hanging outside. As the words, symbols, and stories disappear, people single and dance in the rain. Together alone. Letting the rain wash them clean from their past and ready to rush into the future. Some even wish for the lightning of the first storm to strike them, and Storm surfers rush to fly into the turbulence above.