Festival of Non-Existence
The Festival of Non-Existence is a five-day occurrence between the last day of Sirdes and the first day of Myrkes. Originally created to synchronise with the lunar cycle, it has now become a culturally engrained celebration. Over the course of these five days, all business (jobs, academies, schools, shops, entertainment facilities etc.) is paused. The people of Syoll gather and act as (or, if you believe them, become) entirely different people; In essence, the actual world with its people does not exist for five days. The festival is rarely talked about, and actions taken during the five days have no repercussions or consequences, as long as they still follow the law (which still stands).
Sometimes, the celebrations are used for historical reenactments, where the people involved "become" historical figures and recreate events.
History
The original function of these additional five days in the year was created so the lunar cycles matched up. However, over time, it gained the name Festival of Non-Existence, which lead to the people developing the idea that it should be reflected in a tradition. It spread rather quickly across all eight Aspects and has been celebrated annually ever since. However, as the people don't really talk about this festival, not a lot of events or spectacles are planned and not a lot of the tradition changes.
Execution
On each of the five days, the people become a new person, doing things they themselves wouldn't always do. It is a celebration of freedom and, in some cases, wish fulfillment. Some claim that they pick out their new identity, while others say it happens randomly.
Participants
Generally, all people participate in the festival. However, those who are less enthusiastic sometimes simply stay indoors or away from others for five days before returning to normal life and entering the new year. It has been common in the past for important political or religious figures to withdraw, fearing ridicule even though one usually does not talk about what people have done during the festival.
Observance
The festival is half a tenday, between the last day of Sirdes (the last day of the year) and the first day of Myrkes (the first day of the new year).
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