Harvest Moon

**Harvest Moon** is a Thelsh holiday in *The Demon's Light*. It occurs every Vritras 27-29.

## Origin

The holiday dates back to pre-war times, having been celebrated in some form for centuries before the portal opened. Its origin can be traced back to the nomadic peoples that inhabited the Silivian area before settlers arrived. It remains one of their few lasting impacts on regional culture.

Originally, the holiday spanned thirty days and honored the Power Tuisco. Tuisco was once thought of as the being who ruled over death and famine but also harvest, growth, and nourishment, before the latter role later became associated with another Power, Palvatar, as dictated by Silivian tradition. For example, in ancient times, when Silivia was once a part of Arifti, some would dress up as the deity and offer gifts to poor children. Over time, however, the festivities would drift from their beginnings and become what the holiday is in the present day. Now, Tuisco and his connections to the festival are sparse in some areas and unthought of in others, though certain small communities take great interest in the deity.

## Customs

Harvest Moon is celebrated over the course of three days — Istopos (present), Thyriesa (future), and Ahassunu (past).

* On the **first day**, known as ***Istopos***, a banner varying in size is hung on the door of one's residence and place of business. However, many families take it further. Some decorate the entire interior or exterior with various seasonal items, like strings of popcorn or paper figures, or place scented candles and pinecones around rooms. In the evening, the day is ended with a large feast, usually with one's family or friends. This day celebrates the incoming harvest and surplus of food.
* The **second day**, known as ***Thyriesa***, is celebrated by an outing to festivals within one's town. Silivia holds one of the biggest festivals alongside Port City. The festival consists of vendors, games, competitions, as well as occasional performances. Lights are strung up, food is sold, people dance and sing, and joy is spread throughout. In Silivia, the day ends with a large fireworks display funded by a few private donors. This day celebrates birth, rebirth, and new beginnings.
* The **third day**, known as ***Ahassunu***, is a solemn one. It is one of remembrance of those who have passed away, as well as one's ancestors. A small shrine is set up in one's house, filled with pictures and a bowl of oil in the center. A feast at the end of the day is accompanied by the lighting of one candle set in the front window of one's house.

### Individual traditions

* Samuel Brownlee often celebrates it alone. During the holiday, he will usually read a book or get a snack at a café.
* The Cane family offers holiday-themed pastries at their bakery.
	+ In past years, Blossom's parents would take her and her sister to see the light displays and performances in the city.
* The Laboratory of the Unexplainable and the Devlin family go all-out — flags are hung on every door and decorations adorn every piece of open wall. The family hosts a large celebration every Harvest Moon.
	+ Beth Darwin doesn't really like Harvest Moon.
	+ Richard Devlin tends to be exceedingly charitable during the holiday.
* The Li family has a humble Harvest Moon. They hang a flag in the doorway of Plant Empire and play a few holiday songs to celebrate.
	+ Shen Li donates a few fireworks displays to the governments of Port City and Silivia. He also appraises badgers for a badger show competition during the holiday. Previously, he has won several times.
	+ Wen and Yu Li go out on a date every year during the holiday.
* Many small businesses close their shops over the holiday, though it is not required.