Feast of Lanterns

The feast of lanterns is an Achtethian Holiday.

On the seven days surrounding the summer solstice, the solstice being the middle day, the entire city of Pirandost is decked in paper lanterns, tributes and shrines to Waukeen, other deities, spirits, and ancestors.

Feasting occurs nightly during the week. Traditionally, Hada, which is native fish, livestock, and produce roasted over flame and basted in a sweet and salty honey glaze is served, but as Achteth has diversified, celebrational food from many other cultures has come to prominence.

Every night of the Feast, festivities occur through the night from sunset to sunrise. On the days leading up to the solstice, the people of Pirandost gradually wear more and more ceremonial clothes, like robes, cloaks, and masks to hide identifying features from passing spirits. This is done partially out of tradition, and partially out of the belief that once a spirit has seen your face (or an identifying feature) it can follow you and steal your soul.

The festivities gradually become more raucous as the solstice approaches. On the night of the solstice, the entire city launches paper lanterns and boats with lanterns out to sea in honor of the gods, historic seafarers, ancestors, and other spirits. For the entire night, the city, completely covered by ceremonial garb, prays and chants together on the dock. There is dancing and revelry, but on the day of the solstice, the entire city fasts.

During the day, people don’t usually wear covering garments. Fasting during the day is expected.

After the solstice, festivities wind down, and slowly, life goes back to normal. The Feast of Lanterns is how the Achtethians honor their ancestors.