Holidays and Festivals of the Nords

Discussion of Elder Scrolls lore and how it will be used in SHotN
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Gallowglass36
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Holidays and Festivals of the Nords

Post by Gallowglass36 »

Like any other race living on Tamriel, the Nords love their holidays. Many of them focus on the deeds of gods, heroes, kings, or events that had a big impact on the Nords/Skyrim in general. Some holidays have been imported from foreign lands such as High Rock or Cyrodiil, but usually have a little Nordic flavor attached to them. Keep in mind many holidays tend to be localized within a certain city/kingdom, and even ones that are celebrated across Skyrim tend to vary from place to place. While most have events have a set day on which it occurs, some dates will vary depending on where the solstice falls that year.


Feast of the Dead 13th of Sun’s Dawn - A feast exclusively held in the city of Windhelm. The day is traditionally thought to be the anniversary of Ysgramor’s death, and is celebrated by reading the names of all 500 companions, as well as reciting tales of Ysgramor and his exploits. Additionally, families will often leave out a lit candle on the graves of their ancestors in the city cemetery.

Heart's Day 16th of Sun’s Dawn - The famous holiday of love is likewise celebrated by the Nords, though its popularity mostly lies in the more cosmopolitan holds of Skyrim. The holiday is a popular date amongst young Nords seeking to be wed, as those who marry on this day are said to be blessed with long, fruitful marriages. Priestesses of Dibella often direct the celebrations during this holiday, and celebrate the goddess with feasts, music, and more…intimate acts.

Festival of Lights 20th of Sun’s Dawn - A local festival observed by the people of Danstrar and surrounding villages, it is celebrated by crafting tiny boats out of wood or bone, placing candles in them, then releasing them into the Sea of Ghosts. The lights are thought to serve as a beacon for the restless spirits of sailors wandering the sea, and offering them a chance to find their way home through the fog. Additionally, small treats of candies and sweets are given out to the youth of Danstrar who participate in the day’s activities.

Day of Jhunal's Wisdom 7th of First Seed - A rather new holiday to the Nords, primarily centered around the city of Winterhold, the days activities are sponsored by the Hermetic Order of the Owl, an ancient cadre of clever-men that have become more committed to spreading the teachings of Jhunal in recent years (In fact, they were the ones who petitioned the king to make it a holiday in the first place). The Order offers free services of enchanting and potion making during this day, provided the customer first listens to the tenants and teachings of Jhunal. Other than this, most residents of the city care little for the holiday, much to the chagrin of the members of the order.

Day of the Return 5th of Rain’s Hand - A holiday marking the anniversary of when Ysgramor and his companions landed on Skyrim’s shore to avenge the fallen of Saarthal, and retake the lands from the Snow Elves. Elves living in Skyrim’s cities ought to be wary on this day, for anti-elvish sentiments will reach a fever pitch, and the youth of Skyrim have been known to play pranks, or even harass elven citizens during this holiday.

Jurgen's Day 23rd of Rain’s Hand - A holiday primarily observed by the people of Hrothgar, the feast is dedicated to Jurgen Windcaller’s meditation on the voice and the founding of the Greybeard order. Tradition dictates that the king/queen of Hrothgar and their court make the pilgrimage up to High Hrothgar and hold a feast there with the Greybeards.

King Harald's Day 14th of Second Seed - A holiday dedicated to the former high king of Skyrim, King Harald. The day marks the anniversary when Harald relinquished all holdings in Atmora and established Skyrim as its own independent Kingdom. The day is especially popular in the area of Riften, where festivities are held honoring the king at the ancient ruin of Forelhost, where Harald subdued the last of the Dragon Cult.

Kyne's Week Summer Solstice - A week of celebration, feasting, and prayer dedicated to the goddess Kyne beginning on the summer solstice. The festival is celebrated in a variety of ways throughout the various holds, but common practices include feasts, bonfires, reduced prices at shops, and other forms of merrymaking. Children who are born during this week are said to be especially blessed.

Week of Strength 23rd-29th of Sun’s Height - One of the most ancient and revered festivals of the Nords traditionally held at the city of Whiterun, the event occurs every five years and includes contenders from every hold in Skyrim. According to legend, the festival was started by the first King of Whiterun, who sought to bring the squabbling kingdoms of Skyrim together in an event symbolizing peace and goodwill. The festival includes a large array of athletic competitions such as horse riding, wrestling, sword fighting, running, and more. The winners of said events are awarded an ebony torc, carved by the master craftsmen who work at Whiterun’s skyforge. Though foreigners are barred from entering these events, those who gain the favor of a hold can be allowed to compete in the festival.

Burning of King Olaf/Fire Festival 18th of Last Seed - A holiday exclusively celebrated by the city of Haafingar, the festivities have been traditionally led by the members of the Bard’s College for generations, the main event being the burning of Olaf's effigy for his betrayal of the city during the War of Succession. This festival is generally disliked amongst the more conservative Nords of Skyrim, who consider burning the effigy of a past king to be dishonorable and offensive.

Day of Dizzy Heads 9th of Hearthfire - A very popular holiday amongst the Nords, it marks the anniversary when Dibella (supposedly) taught them the art of making mead. The day is, unsurprisingly, spent drinking copius amounts of mead. Mead tastings and drinking competitions are popular activities, and large suppliers such as the Black-Briars or the Honningbrew Company are often the major financiers behind these events.

Orkey's Walk 8th of Frostfall - A Day of superstition and loathing amongst many Nords, this day is seen as a time when Orkey is free to walk the land of Skyrim, causing havoc and mischief wherever he roams. Most merchants refuse to do business on this day, and many Nords choose to stay inside their homes, using it as a time of quiet contemplation and prayer to the gods. Any misfortune that befalls a person on this day is usually attributed to Orkey’s mischief. (this holiday correlates with Malacath’s summoning day)

Shor's Feast 6th of Sun’s Dusk - An important holiday to many Nords in Skyrim, thought to be the day when Shor descended into the underworld after his death and took his place as the ruler of Sovngarde. Celebrated with large feasts and banquets to mimic the feasting of fallen heroes in the Hall of Valor, the leftover food being burned in a ceremonial brazier as an offering to the deceased god.

King Wulfharth's Day 24th-27th Sun’s Dusk - A three day festival honoring the most famous king of Skyrim, Ysmir Wulfharth. The festival is often celebrated with great feasts, athletic events, and telling stories about Wulfharth’s many exploits. Those who are gifted in the Thu’um are especially honored during this festival, and the College of the Voice in Markarth is known to host many of the city's festivities during this event.

Alduin's Day winter solstice - An important holiday falling on the winter solstice dedicated to the dragon god Alduin, ceremonies are held at the ancient Dragon Cult temples to keep the god asleep for another year. Offerings of strong mead are preferred, as it is thought to keep the dragon asleep for a longer period of time. Superstition holds that Nords are to keep as quiet as they possibly can on this day, so as to not rouse Alduin from his slumber.

Old/New Life Festivals 30th of Evening Star and 1st of Morning Star - Imperial holidays that have managed to make their way into Skyrim, the twin celebrations have generally been accepted well by the Nords,(although many Nords see the Old Life Festival as unnecessary, considering it to be an unneeded addition to Alduin's Day) who have weaved their own traditions and customs into the holidays.


Anyway, I hope you enjoyed this little writeup! I felt that providing the Nords with holidays and festivals to celebrate meant giving them an extra sense of realism, as well providing the player with an extra opportunity to explore the Nord culture and religion a little deeper while playing the mod. Please let me know what you think about these holidays, and I would love to hear your ideas for potential holidays as well. :D

Violet
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Post by Violet »

I've only skimmed so far, but I love it. A grossly underrated Arena/Daggerfall feature.

There was one that I had thought up as a brief mention in a book series I'll probably never finish. Feast of a Thousand Songs, held on 21st of Sun's Dusk. It's a feast commemorating a great Nordic Thu'um user and bard who would use the Voice to create illusions and reenactments of stories and such within a song. Think the Holophoner recitals from Futurama, but done by incorporating Thu'um usage in the songs.

It was originally celebrated by the College of Bards in Haafingar, as he was one of the more famous members, but has also been adopted by the College of the Voice in Markarth Side over the years.

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