Festival (TCG)

Festivals were one of the most important aspect of the religion of the fortunes. They were hosted and coordinated by the local lords. Emerald Empire: The Essential Guide to Rokugan, p. 24 Festivals
acknowledged the changing seasons and commemorated important historical events, and they were held in honor of the Fortunes, honored ancestors, and other spirits. Emerald Empire: The Essential Guide to Rokugan, p. 151
== Festivals and the Brotherhood of Shinsei ==
The Brotherhood of Shinsei began to sponsor festivals in cities and towns across the Empire to spread correct teachings of Shinsei and the Tao. These festivals featured dramatizations of events from the life of Shinsei interspersed with sermons and readings from the Tao. These performances soon gave rise to the form of theater known as Kabuki. Emerald Empire: The Essential Guide to Rokugan, p. 15
== Customs ==
The priest or shugenja performed a ritual purification of the shrine and the path where the venerated spirit was expected to travel, undertaking grueling purification rituals, such as plunging their hands into boiling water or standing on burning coals. Then, the spirit of the festival was entreated to awaken. Once the shugenja confirmed that the shintai was inhabited, it was placed within a portable container and paraded through the city or village, where citizens greeted it according to local custom and conducted performances for the spirit's entertainment. The spirits were
pleased when mortals drink, frolic, and enjoyed themselves, so the entire village participated in the revelry, with unique festival foods and games offered throughout. Near the festival's end, a great banquet was held in the spirit's honor. The meal was communal and shared by all who attended the festival. Blessed sake was a frequent feature, as were foods that were forbidden
throughout much of the year but permitted during these feasts. Once the banquet had conclude, the shugenja petitioned the spirit for its favor throughout the year. Then, the final ceremonies were conducted and the spirit was sent on its way, returning to the shrine or from wherever it came. Emerald Empire: The Essential Guide to Rokugan, pp. 151-152
== External Links ==
* Festival for the Fortunes (Masters of the Court)
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