The Alphabet of Outer Beings - F is for Festival

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F is for Festival

Festivals are, broadly, celebrations of religious holy days, or other significant and important dates. They are often celebrated through feasting, music, ritual, ceremonies, and/or other observances. Festivals for patrons may be times when the patron's followers are required to enact a certain ritual during a cosmic event such as an alignment or solstice. Religious holy days commemorate the important events within the religion and/or the life of the deity. While many festivals are celebratory some may be sombre occasions, or may be preceded by fasting or other periods of denial.

Table F1: Duration of Festival (roll 1d6)

1. 1d3 days (calendar)
2. One day (sunrise to sunset)
3. One full day (calendar, sunrise to sunrise)
4. One night (sunset to sunrise) 
5. 2d4 nights (observances only after sunset)
6. 2d3 significant hours (e.g. the hours around midnight, sunrise, the solstice, etc.)

Table F2: Purpose of Festival (roll 1d3 and 1d3)

1. Remembrance of...
1. a significant battle
2. the death of a saint
3. one's ancestors or dead relations
2. Celebration of...
1. a miracle
2. a major celestial event
3. a saint (birth, canonization, etc.)
3. Observance of...
1. Harvest Season
2. New Year
3. Planting/Spring

Table F3: Festival Focus (roll 1d8 twice and combine)

1. Food
2. Drink
3. Music 
4. Dancing
5. Contemplation of religious teachings/writings
6. Ritual Sacrifice (see S if for Sacrifice)
7. Games or contests
8. Reflection on the meaning of the festival

Table F4: Prohibited Conduct (roll 1d6)

1. Overindulging
2. Singing
3. Working during the festival
4. Preparation of food during the evening hours
5. Consumption of food during the daylight hours
6. Consumption of a specific substance

Table F5: Festival Accoutrements (roll 1d4)

1. None
2. Specific style of dress (e.g. traditional, costumes, lack of clothing, etc.)
3. Symbolic Decoration (e.g. use of decorated eggs to symbolize the changing of winter to spring)
4. Iconic Decorations (e.g. images of ancestors/relatives, Idols of a Deity, etc.)