Year's End Bonfire

Celebrated in the Etela region for hundreds of years, it received a re-vamp when the region became part of Galdorloth. In an attempt to keep the people of the region complacent with their new rule, many of their traditions tied to the old rule were not outlawed, but instead changed to celebrate a new, more Galdorian-centered theme.   Traditionally, Etelans use this holiday to celebrate the end of the year, and the end of destructive cycles. It was an easy transition to include celebrating the end of the old Etelan kingdom. Most welcomed the change, as they saw the Etelan royalty as unfit rulers.

One central feature is, of course, the bonfire. In a typical celebration, during the day, people taking part will bring wood and other flammable items together to build a large pyre. It is then lit aflame at sunset, and fed to burn throughout the long night. During the time the fire burns, people feast and generally just have a good time nearby.   Throughout the night, people will throw things onto the fire, things that represent cycles or problems that they wish to be done with- addictions, bad habits, poor behaviors, a bad memory. These are typically very personal actions and typically are performed quietly without much ceremony. Occasionally, if a community as a whole has gone through something traumatic- a flood, a famine, etc.- a larger show of burning a representative object by a community leader will be done.   Recently, Etelans are encouraged by the empire to continue their celebration, but to see it as an end of the old Etelan regime and the celebrate the new rule of Galdorloth instead. Cities and towns are often supplied with food and alcohol by the empire to aid in encouraging this type of celebration.

The only consistent item involved is a large bonfire. Other items vary in individual celebrations, depending on how a particular community has evolved around it. Food and alcohol are usually involved.

Almost all Etelans celebrate the Years End. Since becoming part of the empire, other citizens of Galdorloth have started to visit Port Etela to take place in the celebration as well.

The bonfire was traditionally held on the night of the first new moon after the first frost of the season. This meant that the holiday would sometimes happen on different days based on whether that particular town had received a frost yet.

Since integrating into Galdorloth, the Bonfire instead occurs on the first new moon after midwinter (halfway between winter and spring equinox), thus ensuring all people would celebrate it on the same day. In even more recent years, it has extended to a more than a one-night celebration. In Port Etela, celebrations sometimes begin several days before the new moon.