The Eclipse Of Silence (Ouránio Kýma)

This extraordinary festival, known as the Eclipse of Silence, is celebrated every 10 years, marking a significant and rare celestial event. The festival commences during the first eclipse of the year, a period considered sacred due to its association with the creation of the Buried Lands by Sikius, the revered celestial god. This event holds profound significance across various cultures and civilizations, symbolizing unity and reverence for the divine.   The festival spans an entire week, with each continent, region, and kingdom adding its unique flavor to the celebrations. In some areas, elaborate parades featuring vibrant costumes and intricate masks are a highlight, while in others, the week is marked by grand feasts and communal gatherings where traditional dishes are prepared and shared. Music, dance, and storytelling play essential roles, with local legends and myths about Sikius and the creation of the Buried Lands being recounted with great enthusiasm.   Despite the diversity in celebratory practices, a universal tradition is strictly observed: absolute silence during the eclipse. This practice is believed to honor Sikius, allowing his divine presence to be felt and his creations to be appreciated in their purest form. The silence serves as a powerful communal act, symbolizing respect and devotion. It is said that during this time, one can hear the whispers of the cosmos and feel a deeper connection to the universe.   In some kingdoms, the adherence to this tradition is so stringent that speaking during the eclipse is considered a grave offense. Authorities in these regions go to great lengths to enforce this rule, even resorting to arrests for those who dare to break the silence. The period of silence is often followed by a time of reflection and meditation, where individuals and communities contemplate their place in the world and the legacy of Sikius.   Overall, the Eclipse of Silence is not just a festival but a profound spiritual experience that brings people together in a shared moment of awe and reverence for the celestial forces that shape their world.

 

First day of festivities