Fast of Cheelen
History[edit]
This ritual fast is a tradition that began near the beginning of the modern era. It celebrate the end of a harsh famine. It's celebrated exclusively in Parora. It wasn't widely celebrated until after the famine of 286 when the reigning monarch made it a mandatory holiday.
Execution[edit]
This holiday occurs on the third new moon of autumn. It is heavily associated with gluttony. The celebrations occur over two days. On evening of the first day, those over the age of 16 (generally anyone who's had at least one set of shoes), is permitted to participate in the ritual fast. Exceptions are made for nursing mothers, the ill, and the elderly. Candles are lit and prayers are spoken to Kielah the Harvest god and Naenoe, the God of Abundance as a part of the ritual to end the famine.
On the second day, the fast is broken with a ritual giving of bread to your neighbor as a way to commemorate the gift of food the Paroran people received from their Ciheian neighbors. Some take this a step further and dress in the Ceheian colours of red and green. Others carry a torch, Ciheim's emblem as they take their traditional gift to their neighbor.
After the fast is broken, each family prepares a celebratory feast, giving thanks to the gods for their delivery from starvation.
The contents of the feast are a little different in each town.