Lore:Holidays

There are many, varied holidays celebrated by the people of Tamriel throughout the year, ranging from joyous festivals to solemn remembrances. The following is a list of known holidays and celebrations.

Morning StarEdit

New Life FestivalEdit

• Morning Star 1^st

The New Life Festival (also shortened to New Life) is a Tamriel-wide event that celebrates the birth of a new year and the death of the old year. In contrast to the Old Life Festival, New Life takes place at the beginning of Morning Star. It was originally the celebration of the sun god, Magnus, but over time it changed into a celebration of the gift of New Life, heralded by the sun. The New Life Festival also marks the start of the Winter Solstice, when Magnus the Sun begins his return, and the days start to grow longer. Almost all major races in Tamriel celebrate the New Life Festival in their own culturally unique way, and the celebrations themselves have been known to change over time. Many of the celebrations are symbolic of a historical event or have some deeper meaning. Celebrations include races, feasts, games, and dancing.

The Breton holiday of Saturalia shares some elements with the New Life Festival, with it managing to become connected (or at some points synonymous with) the festival. This is thanks to the efforts of merchants from the trade hub that is Wayrest capitalizing on the holiday through consumer goods. Widespread adoption of Saturalia-themed trees, decorations, and more across Tamriel for usage in the New Life Festival make for a booming market during this time of year, touching even Tamrielans that grew up with their own New Life traditions. This convergence of these Breton-influenced practices and aesthetics were started during the time of the Daggerfall Covenant, and has carried onto the Fourth Era.

Clavicus Vile's Summoning Day coincides with the New Life Festival, the 1st of Morning Star.

Scour DayEdit

• Morning Star 2^nd

Scour Day is a celebration held in most High Rock villages on the day after New Life. It was once the day one cleans up after New Life, but has changed into a party of its own.

Ovank'aEdit

• Morning Star 12^th

Ovank'a is the day the people of the Alik'r Desert offer prayers to Stendarr in the hopes of a mild and merciful year. It is considered very holy.

Meridia's Summoning DayEdit

• Morning Star 13^th

In Daggerfall, this is the Summoning Day for Meridia.

South Winds PrayerEdit

• Morning Star 14^th/15^th

The 15^th of Morning Star is a holiday taken very seriously in Tamriel. The South Wind's Prayer is a plea by all the religions of Tamriel for a good planting season. Citizens flock to services in the cities' temples, as the clergy is known to perform free healings on this day. Only some will be judged worthy of this service, but few can afford the temples' usual price...

Day of LightsEdit

• Morning Star 16^th

The Day of Lights is celebrated as a holy day by most villages in Hammerfell on the Iliac Bay. It is a prayer for a good farming and fishing year, and is taken very seriously.

A possibly unrelated Festival of Lights is a tradition in the Skyrim city of Dawnstar. Little candies are given out to celebrate.

Waking DayEdit

• Morning Star 18^th

The people in Yeorth Burrowland invented Waking Day in prehistoric times to wake the spirits of nature after a long, cold winter. It has evolved into a sort of orgiastic celebration of the end of winter.

Sun's DawnEdit

Mad PelagiusEdit

• Sun's Dawn 2^nd

Mad Pelagius is a silly little tradition in High Rock in a mock memorial to Pelagius Septim III, one of the maddest emperors in recent history. He died about 350 years ago, so the Septims since have taken it with good humor. In Daggerfall this is the Summoning Day for Sheogorath.

OthroktideEdit

• Sun's Dawn 5^th

The people of Dwynnen have a huge party to celebrate Othroktide, the day when Baron Othrok took Dwynnen from the undead forces who claimed it in the Battle of Wightmoor.

Day of ReleaseEdit

• Sun's Dawn 8^th

The people of Glenumbra may be the only people to remember or care about the battle between Aiden Direnni and the Alessian Army in the first era. They celebrate it vigorously on the Day of Release.

Feast of the DeadEdit

• Sun's Dawn 13^th

Celebrated in the Skyrim city of Windhelm. During the feast, the names of the Five Hundred Companions of Ysgramor are recited.

Heart's DayEdit

• Sun's Dawn 16^th

Heart's Day (also called Lovers' Day) is a holiday celebrated all over Tamriel on the 16th of Sun's Dawn. In almost every house, the Legend of the Lovers is being sung for the younger generation. In honor of these lovers, Polydor and Eloisa, the inns of various cities offer a free room for visitors. If such kindness had been given these Lovers, it is said, it would always be springtime in the world. The Legend of the Lovers is a tale that mythologized a real story, whose original bardic performance gets closest to the truth with its ending. Ironically, Heart's Day originated as the Summoning Day for Sanguine, a Daedric Prince who represents debauchery. Heart's Day however had Sanguine's influence sanitized by the newer religions that appropriated it, in efforts to solidify the worship for the new over the old. Since its invention, it has been commercialized to the point where some consider the holiday to have been invented by merchants as a way to make money.

To properly set the mood in the bedroom in honor of Heart's Day, flower petals, various sweets, and much more are brought in. Common recommended foods to share with a lover are Elsweyr fondues and sweetrolls, while Elves often have snowberry cordials for their preferred beverage. Each item helps those so inclined to fulfill on the day's delightful promise with their partners in the adventure called life. Flowers associated with Dibella are picked for the occasion.

Perseverance DayEdit

• Sun's Dawn 27^th

Perserverance [sic] Day is quite a party in Ykalon. It was originally held as a solemn memorial to those killed in battle while resisting the Camoran Usurper, but has since become a boisterous festival.

Aduros NauEdit

• Sun's Dawn 28^th

The villages in the Bantha celebrate the baser urges that come with Springtide on Aduros Nau. The traditions vary from village to village, but none of them are for the overly virtuous.

First SeedEdit

Hermaeus Mora's Summoning DayEdit

• First Seed 5^th

In Daggerfall, this is the Summoning Day for Hermaeus Mora.

First PlantingEdit

• First Seed 7^th

On the 7^th of First Seed every year, the people of provinceName celebrate First Planting, symbolically sowing the seeds for the autumn harvest. It is a festival of fresh beginnings, both for the crops and for the men and women of the city. Neighbors are reconciled in their disputes, resolutions are formed, bad habits dropped, the diseased cured. The clerics at the temples run a free clinic all day long to cure people of poisoning, different diseases, paralysis, and the other banes found in the world of Tamriel.

Day of WaitingEdit

• First Seed 9^th

The Day of Waiting is a very old holy day among certain settlements in the Dragontail Mountains. Every year at that time, a dragon is supposed to come out of the desert and devour the wicked, so everyone locks themselves up inside.

HogithumEdit

• First Seed 21^st

In Daggerfall, this is the Summoning Day for Azura.

Flower DayEdit

• First Seed 25^th

Flower Day is a holiday held on the 25th of First Seed and is a joyous celebration of the springtide after the past winter. It is arguably one of the oldest holidays in the province of High Rock, along with Waking Day from the Yeorth Burrowland. It is observed all over High Rock, originally from the smaller villages.

Children go out and pick the new, blooming flowers while the older folk come out to dance and sing. The celebration in Camlorn is especially vibrant, colorful, and exciting; compared to the other cities of High Rock. Similarily, Camlorn's people fashion tophats with flowers and shamrocks for the arrival of spring.

Festival of BladesEdit

• First Seed 26^th

The Festival of Blades is a holiday held on the 26th of First Seed. It is created in honor of the first Redguard's victory over Malooc's Horde, an army of giant goblins that lived in Hammerfell. Although modern scholars believe that the story is a myth, the holiday is still popular across the Alik'r of the southern Iliac Bay.

Rain's HandEdit

GardtideEdit

• Rain's Hand 1^st

On Gardtide, the people of Tamarilyn Point hold a festival to honor Druagaa, the old goddess of flowers. Worship of the goddess is all but dead, but the celebration is always a great success.

Peryite's Summoning DayEdit

• Rain's Hand 9^th

In Daggerfall, this is the Summoning Day for Peryite.

Day of the DeadEdit

• Rain's Hand 13^th

The Day of the Dead is one of the more peculiar holidays of Daggerfall. The superstitious say that the dead rise on this holiday to wreak vengeance on the living. It is a fact that King Lysandus' spectre began its haunting on the Day of the Dead, 3E 404.

Day of ShameEdit

• Rain's Hand 20^th

All along the seaside of Hammerfell, no one leaves their houses on the Day of Shame. It is said that the Crimson Ship, a vessel filled with victims of the Knahaten Plague who were refused refuge hundreds of years ago, will return on this day.

Jester's FestivalEdit

• Rain's Hand 28^th

The Jester's Festival, also known as Jester's Day, and the Festival of Fools, is an annual holiday that falls on the 28th of Rain's Hand. During the event, troupes of jesters and fools encourage the people of Tamriel of all walks of life to celebrate the foolish and absurd. Performers roam the streets and openly mock the powerful, towns celebrate with festive pranks, and silly games are held with joke prizes rewarded as an incentive. During this time, the Thieves Guild takes advantage of the insanity and strike people's pockets.

The origins of the Jester's Festival are speculated, with some stating that it originated with the Daedric Prince Sheogorath once turning the whole world mad. Indeed, there appears to have some association with Sheogorath, as his fellow Prince Sanguine once manifested under the alias of a Breton named "Samuel Gourone" during the celebration to spice it up in honor of his daedric sibling. Others believe that it sprung from Mer emulating a caricature of Men. Other theories tie it closely to the invention of alcoholic beverages, or Ysgramor teaching Mer humor.

Second SeedEdit

Second PlantingEdit

• Second Seed 7^th

The celebration of Second Planting is in full glory this day. It is a holiday with traditions similar to First Planting, improvements on the first seeding symbolically to suggest improvements on the soul. The free clinics of the temples are open for the second and last time this year, offering cures for those suffering from any kind of disease or affliction. Because peace and not conflict is stressed at this time, battle injuries are healed only at full price.

Marukh's DayEdit

• Second Seed 9^th

Marukh's Day is only observed by certain communities in Skeffington Wood. By comparing themselves to the virtuous prophet Marukh, the people of Skeffington Wood pray for the strength to resist temptation. In Daggerfall, this is the Summoning Day for Namira.

Koomu Alezer'iEdit

• Second Seed 17th^th

The Koomu Alezer'i Yaghoub (Yoku for "We Acknowledge Yaghoub"), also simply called Koomu Alezer'i is a holiday held on the 17th of Second Seed and observed by the Redguards of Sentinel. It is a day made in remembrance of the city's founder, Yaghoub the Seafarer, who discovered the city's harborage on that day in the early-mid First Era by following the Steed constellation and named it after the watchman who first saw it.

Fire FestivalEdit

• Second Seed 20^th

The Fire Festival in Northmoor is one of the most attended celebrations in High Rock. It began as a pompous display of magic and military strength in ancient days and has become quite a festival.

Fishing DayEdit

• Second Seed 30^th

Fishing Day is a big celebration for the Bretons who live off the bounty of the Iliac Bay. They are not usually a flamboyant people, but on Fishing Day, they make so much noise, fish have been scared away for weeks. The holiday was also adopted in Skyrim and in other parts of Tamriel where fishing is both a livelihood and a way of life.

Mid YearEdit

Pelinal's Midyear MassacreEdit

• Unknown Date

Pelinal's Midyear Massacre is an Imperial celebration that dates back to the fall of the Ayleids. Celebrants remember Pelinal Whitestrake's slaughter of the Ayleid forces at Heldon Bridge, a key battle to capturing the Imperial City. During the celebrations, warriors are anointed with a red blood-like substance in honor and mimicry of Pelinal, whose face and hair was said to be covered in the blood of "righteously slaughtered Ayleids". This ritual is said to invigorate warriors and imbued them with righteous power or even grant visions of St. Alessia herself. The celebrations are presided over by the priests of St. Alessia. They are charged with delivering sermons and offering blessings to combatants, who are said to become renowned for their brave deeds in days thereafter.

Drigh R'ZimbEdit

• Mid Year 1^st

The festival of Drigh R'Zimb, held in the hottest time of year in Abibon-Gora, is a jubilation held for the sun Daibethe itself. Scholars do not know how long Drigh R'Zimb has been held, but it is possible the Redguards brought the festival with them when they came in the first era.

Hircine's Summoning DayEdit

• Mid Year 5^th

In Daggerfall, this is the Summoning Day for Hircine.

Mid Year CelebrationEdit

• Mid Year 16^th

Today is the 16^th of Mid Year, the traditional day for the Mid Year Celebration. Perhaps to alleviate the annual news of the Emperor's latest tax increase, the cities temples offer blessings for only half the donation they usually suggest. Many so blessed feel confident enough to enter the (dangerous) dungeons when they are not fully prepared, so this joyous festival has often been known to turn suddenly into a day of defeat and tragedy.

Dancing DayEdit

• Mid Year 23^rd

Dancing Day is a time-honored holiday in Daggerfall. Who started it is questionable, but the Red Prince Atryck popularized it in the second era. It is an occasion of great pomp and merriment for all the people of Daggerfall, from the nobles down.

TibedethaEdit

• Mid Year 24^th

Tibedetha is middle Tamrielic for "Tibers Day." It is not surprising that the lorddom of Alcaire celebrates its most famous native with a great party. Historically, Tiber Septim never returned once to his beloved birthplace. It is also his birthday.

Sun's HeightEdit

Merchants' FestivalEdit

• Sun's Height 10^th

The bargain shoppers of the known world are out in force today and it is little wonder, for the 10^th of Sun's Height is a holiday called the Merchants' Festival. Every marketplace and equipment store has dropped their prices to at least half. The only shop not being patronized today is the Mages Guild, where prices are as exorbitant as usual. Most citizens in need of a magical item are waiting two months for the celebration of Tales and Tallows when prices will be more reasonable... In Daggerfall, this is the Summoning day for Vaernima.

Divad Etep'tEdit

• Sun's Height 12^th

During Divat Etep't, the people of Antiphyllos mourn the death of one of the greatest of the early Redguard heroes, Divat, son of Frandar of the Hel Ansei. His deeds are questioned by historians, but his tomb in Antiphyllos is almost certainly genuine.

Sun's RestEdit

• Sun's Height 20^th

You will have to wait until tomorrow if you are planning on making any equipment purchases, for all stores are closed in observance of Sun's Rest. Of course, the temples, taverns, and Mages Guild in the (city) are still open their regular hours, but most citizens chose to devote this day to relaxation, not commerce or prayer. This is not a convenient arrangement for all, but the Merchants' Guild heavily fines any shop that stays open, so everyone complies.

Fiery NightEdit

• Sun's Height 29^th

Few besides the natives of the Alik'r Desert would venture out on the hottest day of the year, Fiery Night. It's a lively celebration with a meaning lost in antiquity.

Last SeedEdit

Maiden KatricaEdit

• Last Seed 2^nd

On the day of Maiden Katrica, the people of Ayasofya show their appreciation for the warrior that saved their county with the biggest party of the year.

Feast of the TigerEdit

• Last Seed 14^th

The Feast of the Tiger in the Bantha rainforest is like other holidays in praise of a bountiful harvest. It is not, however, a solemn occasion for introspection and thanksgiving, but a great celebration and festival from village to village.

Appreciation DayEdit

• Last Seed 21^st

Appreciation Day in Anticlere is an ancient holiday of thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest for the people of Anticlere. It is considered a holy and contemplative day, devoted to Mara, the goddess-protector of Anticlere.

Harvest's EndEdit

• Last Seed 27^th

Perhaps no other festival fires the spirit of settlementname as much as the one held today, Harvest's End. The work of the year is over, the seeding, sowing, and reaping. Now is the time to celebrate and enjoy the fruits of the harvest, and even visitors to regionName are invited to join the farmers. The taverns offer free drinks all day long, an extravagance before the economy of the coming winter months. Underfed farm hands gorging themselves and then getting sick in the town square are the most common sights of the celebration of Harvest's End.

Bretons celebrate the Harvest Festival in an attempt to placate Sheor, the Bad Man - the ancient Breton god of crop failure. According to tradition, appeasing the Bad Man will ensure good fortune and a bountiful harvest. Fresh apples and bags of grain are burned on a sacrificial altar in his honor, followed by a feast. This day in 3E 433 marked the beginning of the Oblivion Crisis.

Dishes such as Goatherd's Pies and vegetable soup are commonly served during that day. The taverns offer drinks free of charge during the festivities. One of the more common drinks served that day is Water of Life.

Hearth FireEdit

Tales and TallowsEdit

• Hearth Fire 3^rd

No other holiday divides the people of settlementname like the 3rd of Hearth Fire. A few of the oldest, more superstitious men and women do not speak all day long for fear that the evil spirits of the dead will enter their bodies. Most citizens enjoy the holiday, calling it Tales and Tallows, but even the most lighthearted avoid the dark streets of settlementname, for everyone knows the dead do walk tonight. Only the Mages Guild completely thrives on this day. In celebration of the oldest magical science, necromancy, all magical items are half price today. In Daggerfall, this is also the Summoning Day for Nocturnal.

KhuratEdit

• Hearth Fire 6^th

Every town and fellowship in the Wrothgarian Mountains celebrates Khurat, the day when the finest young scholars are accepted into the various priesthoods. Even those people without children of age go to pray for the wisdom and benevolence of the clergy.

RiglamethaEdit

• Hearth Fire 12^th

Riglametha (in the Banthan dialect of Yoku for "grateful-offering") is a holiday held on the 12th of Hearthfire and observed across the province of Hammerfell, but has much more significance in the Barony of Lainlyn. It is generally a festival of the graces, which the gods have bestowed upon Lainlyn for centuries. As is tradition, performances are held to depict great moments in Lainlyn's history.

The Proving FestivalEdit

• Hearth Fire 18^th — 22^nd

Children's DayEdit

• Hearth Fire 19^th

Children's Day in Betony is a festive occasion with a grim history. All know though few choose to recall that Children's Day began as a memorial to the dozens of children in Betony who were stolen from their homes by vampires one night never to be seen again. This happened over a hundred years ago, and the holiday has since become a celebration of youth.

Frost FallEdit

Dirij TereurEdit

• Frost Fall 5^th

The fifth of Frost Fall marks Dirij Tereur for the people of the Alik'r Desert. It is a sacred day honoring Frandar Hund, the traditional spiritual leader of the Redguards who led them to Hammerfell in the first era. Stories are read from Hund's Book of Circles, and the temples in the region are filled to capacity.

Malacath's Summoning DayEdit

• Frost Fall 8^th

In Daggerfall, this is the Summoning Day for Malacath.

Witches FestivalEdit

• Frostfall 13^th

The Witches Festival (sometimes spelled as Witch's Festival or Witch's Fest) is an annual holiday that falls on the 13th of Frostfall, coinciding with Mephala's summoning day. During the festival, the denizens of Tamriel defy their superstitious fears. Ghosts, demons, and evil spirits are mocked and celebrated by both occult occurrences and outrageous costumes. Beggars take to the street and ask for alms, while children ask for festival treats, and people are obliged to provide it to them. The youth often engage in wanton vandalism as a part of one of the festival's traditions. Pumpkins are iconic within the Festival. They are carved into hollowjack lanterns, cooked, or smashed for fun. The Undaunted practice a tradition intended to test dexterity known as Autumnal Ornamental Gourd Triple-Toss, wherein they juggle pumpkins. Festival themed foods are intended to look ghastly, with naming schemes fitting the theme. Three examples are Frosted Brains, Bowls of "Peeled Eyeballs", and Bewitched Sugar Skulls. Throughout the festival, cities across Tamriel embraced the spirit of the Witches Festival and were adorned in a style reminiscent of the Reachfolk wickerwork.

Broken DiamondsEdit

• Frost Fall 23^rd

Broken Diamonds is a holiday observed on the 23rd of Frostfall, in the Glenpoint and Glenumbra Moors regions in western High Rock. It is a day in remembrance of Empress Kintyra II, who was imprisoned in Glenpoint and executed by the orders of her aunt, Queen Potema of Solitude and her cousin; the usurper Emperor Uriel III. It is named after the torn flags depicting the Red Diamond, which were trampled in the hunt for Kintyra II's killer.

Emperor's DayEdit

• Frostfall 30^th

Once the 30^th of Frostfall, the Emperor's Birthday, was the most popular holiday of the year. Great traveling carnivals entertained the masses, while the aristocracy of settlementname enjoyed the annual Goblin Chase on horseback. Recently, these traditions have fallen into neglect. It has been decades since there was a big carnival in settlementname and longer still since a regentTitle of the cityClass sponsered [sic] a Goblin Chase. It is rumored that the Emperor has even begun refusing any audience.

In 4E 171, the Great War began on this day when then-Emperor Titus Mede II rejected a Thalmor ultimatum.

Sun's DuskEdit

GauntletEdit

• Sun's Dusk 2^nd

In Daggerfall, this is the Summoning Day for Boethiah.

Serpent's DanceEdit

• Sun's Dusk 3^rd

The Serpents Dance in Satakalaam may or may not have begun as a serious religious holiday dedicated to a snake god, but in this day, it is a reason for a great street festival.

Moon FestivalEdit

• Sun's Dusk 8^th

On the 8^th of Sun's Dusk, the Bretons of Glenumbra Moors hold the Moon Festival, a joyous holiday in honor of Secunda, goddess of the moon. Although the goddess has no active worshippers, the traditional celebration has continued through the ages as a time of feasting and merriment. The festival is also known to be enjoyed by the Khajiit.

Hel AnseilakEdit

• Sun's Dusk 18^th

Hel Anseilak, which means "Communion with the Saints of the Sword" in Old Redguard is the most serious of holy days for the people of Pothago. The ancient way of Hel Ansei is never practiced by modern Redguards, but its rich heritage is remembered and honored on this day.

Warriors FestivalEdit

• Sun's Dusk 20^th

Today is the 20^th of Sun's Dusk, the Warriors Festival in settlementname. Most all the local warriors, spellswords, and rogues come to the equipment stores and blacksmiths where all weapons are half price. Unfortunately, the low prices also tempt many an untrained boy to buy his first sword and the normally quiet settlementname streets ring with amateur skirmishes. The regentTitle has pardoned most of these ruffians in the past, but has promised to be less merciful this year. In Daggerfall, this is the Summoning Day for Mehrunes Dagon.

Evening StarEdit

North Winds PrayerEdit

• Evening Star 15^th

Today is the 15^th of Evening Star, a holiday reverently observed by the temples as North Wind's Prayer. It is a thanksgiving to the Gods for a good harvest and a mild winter. Some years, like this one, the harvest was not particularly good and the winter unseasonally harsh in settlementname, but as the regentTitle is fond of saying, It could be much worse. The temples offer all their services blessing, curing, healing for half the donation usually requested.

Emperor Pelagius II had reportedly died during the North Wind's Prayer festival in 3E 98. It was considered a bad omen for the Empire.

Baranth DoEdit

• Evening Star 18^th

Baranth Do is celebrated on the 18^th of Evening Star by the Redguards of the Alik'r Desert. Its meaning is "Goodbye to the Beast of Last Year." Pageants featuring demonic representations of the old year are popular, and revelry to honor the new year is everywhere.

Chil'aEdit

• Evening Star 20^th (1)
• Evening Star 24^th (2)

1. Chil'a, the blessing of the new year in the barony of Kairou, is both a sacred day and a festival. The archpriest and the baroness each consecrate the ashes of the old year in solemn ceremony, then street parades, balls, and tournaments conclude the event. In Daggerfall, this is the Summoning Day for Molag Bal.
2. Local Iliac Bay New Year's festival on the 24th of Evening Star. It was probably moved from its original date to correspond with the notion of the year defined in Tamriel.

SaturaliaEdit

• Evening Star 25^th

Saturalia is a Breton celebration that heralds the New Life Festival, and is held on the 25th of Evening Star. Originally a holiday for a "long forgotten god of debauchery", it has become a time of gift giving, parties, and parading. Visitors are encouraged to participate. Reindeer are traditionally associated with the holiday.

A tale covers a miraculous rescue by Sanguine. During a winter storm, a lost and abandoned mercenary prayed for rescue, and Sanguine answered it by creating a frozen steed for her, which allowed her to take vengeance against the lord that betrayed her on Saturalia morning. Saturalia Bitter Mulled Wine is a alcoholic drink enjoyed during this day.

Saturalia shares some elements with the cross-continental New Life Festival, with it managing to become connected (or at some points synonymous with) the festival. This is thanks to the efforts of merchants from the trade hub that is Wayrest capitalizing on the holiday through consumer goods. Widespread adoption of Saturalia-themed trees, decorations, and more across Tamriel for usage in the New Life Festival make for a booming market during this time of year, touching even Tamrielans that grew up with their own New Life traditions. This convergence of these Breton-influenced aesthetics and practices were started during the time of the Daggerfall Covenant, and has carried onto the Fourth Era.

Old Life FestivalEdit

• Evening Star 30^th/31^st

The Old Life Festival, sometimes simply called Old Life, is primarily an Imperial holiday but it is also celebrated throughout Tamriel by other cultures in their own unique ways due to the reach and influence of the Empire. It falls at the last day of the year, and is a time people write messages of remembrance for their dead loved ones, and may occasionally receive an answer from Aetherius. Old Life pilgrimage shrines can be found throughout Tamriel, from the west in Summerset's Auridon, all the way to the east in Morrowind's Stonefalls. People who are unable to travel to the pilgrimage sites can have a proxy deliver their messages, and if they receive a response, they will know.

During the Third Era in the Septim Empire, the holiday was celebrated by going to the temple to reflect on their past. Some would go for more than this, for it is rumored that priests will as the last act of the year perform resurrections on beloved friends and family members free of the usual charge. Worshippers know better than to expect this philanthropy, but they arrive in a macabre procession with the recently deceased nevertheless.

The Old Life Festival complements the New Life Festival, and both are considered two sides of the same coin. By acknowledging those that have passed, one can begin to move forward, as the pilgrimage shrines serve as a vessel for letting the departed know the things people held to themselves while they were alive. Those who receive a response from a spirit may feel it is a life-changing experience.

The Rite of Akatosh is an endeavor held by Cyrodiilic elders on Old Life in which they go on a pilgrimage where their group challenges the manifested Avatar of Akatosh. By successfully defeating this avatar, the elders hope the God of Time will grant them youth or more time, to be at peace, or that the feat will grant them respect.

Unspecified HolidaysEdit

Black FredasEdit

Black Fredas is a holiday associated with ill luck, chaos, and mischance. Certain beasts are associated with Black Fredas due to their dark coloration, and countless legends and tales of woe begin with a Black Fredas beast crossing one's path. The holiday is usually a time of sales and special offers.

CarnavalEdit

Carnaval is a holiday with little information on it, and the exact time it takes place is unknown. It is sometimes associated with Sanguine, as it is easy find his worshipers at the holiday's celebrations. It is a portmanteau of carnal and carnival. The Golden Eye Gaze, an effect which colors the eyes golden and is said to emulate the glint of gold that "tempts many", is worn at local Carnavale parties to draw a "greedy gaze". Some celebrants will buy each other roses during the festival.

Feast of St. RilmsEdit

The Feast of St. Rilms is a holiday that was known to take place in Gnisis.

Festival of ForbearanceEdit

Festival of Forbearance, also known as the Fast of Forebearance is a Tribunal Temple and House Indoril days-long holiday honoring the Healing Mother Almalexia. Bards play music as celebration of this holiday. Some priests of the Tribunal don a crown evoking Blessed Almalexia's ceremonial War Mask and wear exquisite garbs and attires during the days-long observation. Several coronets are fashioned in her honor and rewarded to those who have lived up to her name during this ecclesial holiday.

Festival of the MadEdit

The Festival of the Mad is a celebration associated with Sheogorath. Daedric cultists have been known to gather at the Shrine of Sheogorath in Blackwood during this festival.

Fishing DayEdit

Originally celebrated by Bretons of High Rock, Fishing Day is holiday that is also popular among Nords of Skyrim as well as among other cultures with affinity for fishing. It is usually accompanied by feasting and meals such as Coastal Clam Chowder, Rye Crisps, Seared Nordic Barnacles and Horker's Loaf are commonly consumed.

KonunleikarEdit

The Konunleikar was a traditional celebration held in Skyrim on the tenth anniversary of a High King's coronation. It included a lot of events, such as drinking, hunting, fighting and racing contests.

The only known Konunleikar was held in Windhelm in 2E 582, when King Jorunn's tenth anniversary as the Skald-King was celebrated. This Konunleikar was unique, because it was also the tenth anniversary of the formation of Jorunn's Ebonheart Pact. Because of that, an unusually high number of Dunmer and Argonians participated in the celebration, some even working as judges in contests.

Malacath's Vengeance DayEdit

Malacath's Vengeance Day is a holiday celebrated by the Orcs; this holiday is dedicated to Malacath, and vengeance.

Red ParadeEdit

In honor of Saint Pelin's sacrifice at the Bangkorai Garrison, an annual celebration is held where the priest's sacrifice is reenacted.

Rites of Xarxes' MemoryEdit

Rites of Xarxes' Memory is an annual ceremony at the Southpoint Cathedral, during which leg-sized tallow candle are used.

Serpent's GloryEdit

A holiday established to commemorate the date of signing the Khenarthi's Roost treaty between Maormer and Khajiit. The holiday was afforded at the expense of the people of Mistral to demonstrate peace between the parties and adherence to the treaty. On this day, Maormer dignitaries and selected guests of note are invited to the Island of Khenarthi's Roost for feasting, music, and revelry. Attendance of general festivities during Serpent's Glory was permitted to residents of the Port City of Mistral, though only Maormer invitees and few guests approved by the Embassy could participate in the feast. The holiday was discontinued in 2E 582 when Maormer lost control over the City of Mistral.

Sovereignty DayEdit

Sovereignty Day is a Breton holiday that celebrates High Rock's independence from the First Empire. The day of the holiday is the day when Baroness Falinne Guimard lead a defense of Bangkorai Pass against the Alessian Legions in 1E 2305.

Wintertide FestivalEdit

The Wintertide Festival is a yearly Nordic holiday occuring during snowfall, where wealthy households save snow in sealed jars.

ReferencesEdit

Note: The following references are considered to be unofficial sources. They are included to round off this article and may not be authoritative or conclusive.