The Blessing of the Seeds

What is 'the Blessing of the Seeds'?

The ritual of 'the Blessing of the Seeds' takes place during the Feast of Brid in Heartyme (4th month of the year). Seers and villagers journey from the Amotorr Brid Temple - T to the steep and picturesque Cantibrid Hill, just a milethrow away from the sanctuary.

There, below the beautiful Cantibrid Falls, on a rugged, ancient stone altar, the High Seer and acolytes burn seeds and crops from the last season on a sacred pyre to honour and placate the goddess Brigand. Through these offerings, the people of Amorvale hope for another good yield in the fields and clement weather.

The ceremony is followed by a feast and party that takes place in a sanctuary field near the village of Tomen at the foot of the Cantibrid Hill. Everyone who made the trek to the top of the hill and took part in the ritual - usually singing songs to the goddess- is welcome at the feast.

The Sanctuary Seers foot the bill for the shindig, and it is one of the year's highlights for the Amorvale communities. At the Tomen shindig, many bards from the sanctuary play and recite for the festival-goers. Amotorr bards see 'the Blessing of the Seeds' as an unofficial bardic tourney, one where the local bards can make a name for themselves and have the opportunity to get noticed by their superiors.

A good show at 'The Blessing of the Seeds' could mean participation in a more prestigious competition later on in the year.

History and Observance

Many communities in Alven celebrate the Feast of Brid in their own way. Some rituals involve purification through water instead of fire. 'The Blessing of the Seeds' is a very ancient ritual, widespread within Clan Hoershal.