Solstice festivals of Atsiq

О̄nglezīm and Wabhezīm (Holy Sod: [ˈo:nglezi:m | wabhezi:m], Vernacular Sod: [xxxxx]) are two parallel festivals and holidays held in honor of both halves of the Atsiq Pantheon—the Pillars and the Roots, respectively. They occur on the solstices, with О̄nglezīm taking place on the shortest day of the year and Wabhezīm on the longest. These festivals serve the purpose of strengthening and reinforcing the gods of their respective pantheons in their eternal conflict. The names О̄nglezīm and Wabhezīm translate to "Toughening of the Pillars" and "Toughening of the Roots", respectively.

According to Atsiq mythology, the Pillars and Roots are locked in eternal conflict, one of Light against Darkness, Warmth against Cold, Good against Evil. These two sides are worshipped and revered, and both are considered fundamental parts of reality and creation. Both sides are considered necessary, and as such, must be kept in balance. On the darkest and coldest day of the year, it is believed that the balance of power is tipped too far in favour of the Roots, that the Night King threatens to engulf the world in eternal darkness, and that Evil, Ice and Chaos will be unleashed on the universe. Conversely, on the longest day of the year, it is believed that the Moon Mother and her children may shine so brightly as to blind all Dalar, removing all free will, all pleasure from life, and causing endless suffering by stopping the cycle of life and death from continuing. In order to avert these events, the two festivals are dedicated to the losing side of the conflict, strengthening these gods so that they may push back, continue the struggle, and maintain balance.

О̄nglezīm

О̄nglezīm is the winter solstice festival dedicated to the Pillars. It celebrates community, the bond between people and gods, and various aspects of the gods' domains.

As winter blankets the landscape in white snow, the people of Atsiq prepare for the festivities. Communities adorn the streets with colorful banners and wooden ornaments, transforming town halls and village centers into a beautiful display of The World Shaper's craftsmanship and diligence.

The festival kicks off with a Great Hunt, dedicated to the strength and courage of The Challenger. This sacred ritual symbolizes the harmony between people and the bountiful land. Led by the most skilled hunter in each community, participants embark on a journey into the forests to capture the strongest and most majestic creature with a pristine, healthy body. The hunt is a physical and spiritual journey, fostering bonds among the hunters and their community. A ceremony follows, where the chosen sacrifice is presented to the gods, and other captured or injured animals are tended to and released, showcasing the mercy of The Moon Mother.

On the eve of the festival, communities gather around local temples. A temporary altar adorned with symbols of the Pillar gods is constructed outside the temple for presenting the hunted animal to the gods. A ceremony, led by the priestess, involves skinning and carving the animal for the feast.

During the ceremony, villagers dance, sing, and revel in the godly domains of The Bard. Participants exchange kisses or hugs, displaying love for one another. In a display of The Traveler's cunning, attendees paint their faces with colors and symbols representing a chosen god to hide the weakened Pillars from the Root gods. It is believed that in doing this, the Root gods will not be able to find the weakened Pillars among the crowd, allowing them to rest and regain their strength.

The night continues with a grand feast, which begins with the community being served the meat of the hunted creature, typically cooked in a large bonfire made from burning the sacrificial altar. The feast itself features traditional dishes and desserts brought by the community. Festivities last until sunrise, so that the defeat of the darkness may be witnessed. Various activities are held, such as musical performances, flyting, poetry competitions, and storytelling.

Wabhezīm

Wabhezīm, the summer solstice festival, is an annual celebration paying homage to the Root gods of the Atsiq Pantheon. It underscores the essential role of balance between light and darkness in Atsiq theology, emphasizing the themes of strengthening darkness against light.

Participants don sinister ceremonial robes and grotesque masks representing various Root gods before taking to the streets. Attractions line the streets, each dedicated to one or more Root gods. Gambling tables, fortune-telling booths, and magic trick performances cater to devotees seeking to strengthen The Choir or The Skygazer.

A competition takes place, involving artisans carving elaborate masks representing the various gods. These masks are then displayed, and the most creatively crafted masks are placed on the statues of the Root gods at the local temple. The winners of the competition are honoured by the commmunity, and become the judges in the following year.

Men engage in a swordfighting competition, their bodies painted with the blood of sacrificial animals in honour of The Blood Seeker. In medieval times, the final combat of the tournament traditionally involved a fight to the death. However, this practice was outlawed by Empress Dānsasōlsy XIV Kāmbrindliryhtiy Bȳrozy in 1709, reflecting a shift towards a less fatal celebration.

As sunset draws near, the crowd begins a traditional dance, characterized by wild and unpredictable movements, embodying madness and chaos as a tribute to The Laughing Dwarf. The dance grows more frantic as the crowd watches the sun go down, culminating in the arrival of the night, symbolizing that balance has once again triumphed.

Participants fast the whole day, in solidarity with The Starving One. The fast is broken only once the sun is fully down, at which point there is a celebratory feast with traditional dishes.