Festival of Dormius

• The Kindling of the Hearth: Each household lights a special Dormian candle infused with herbs like lavender, sage, and chamomile. This candle burns throughout the festival, symbolizing warmth and guidance through the darkest nights.
• Dream Offerings: Small dreamcatchers or woven pouches filled with herbs and feathers are placed beneath pillows. Believers write down their most cherished dreams and hopes, placing the notes in a communal "Dream Basket" at the local shrine, asking Dormius to watch over them.
• Cozy Crafts: Knitting, quilting, and other cozy crafts become a communal activity. Villagers gather to create blankets, scarves, and other items to share with those in need, embodying Dormius's values of comfort and care.
• The Feast of Slumber: The festival concludes with a lavish feast featuring baked goods shaped like sleeping animals (bears, foxes, and squirrels are popular). Traditional foods include honey cakes, spiced cider, roasted nuts, and savory pies. A toast is made to Dormius, thanking him for his gifts of rest and renewal.
• The Procession of the Lantern Bearers: On the final night, celebrants carry lanterns through the village in a silent procession, symbolizing Dormius’s journey into deep slumber. The procession ends at the shrine or hearth, where people gather to share stories and sing soft, soothing hymns.

Games and Activities:

• Hibernation Hunt: Children search for hidden "hibernating" plush animals or pastries stuffed with surprises.
• Dreamers’ Stories: Villagers share the dreams they’ve had during the festival, interpreting them as omens or blessings from Dormius.