The Ancient Order of Elves:Elven Holidays
Sheelala marks the beginning of a new cycle of Nature's life. The ground has become
soft again; it is a time to plant seeds for the autumnal harvest. The
holiday draws inspiration from Yavanna, the Valier of Earth and Flora.
When Yavanna saw how bare Sosaria looked, she took a part of Her celestial
being and formed it into a flower. The flower, most beautiful and perfect
of the creations, sprouted seeds and a new plant was born of each. Soon,
lush forests covered the bare ground, and Yavanna's flower became the
mightiest of trees: Oak of Wisdom and Immortality. With the coming of Dawn
on Sheelala, Aerdrie Faenya, patroness of fertility and herald to
Yavanna's mysteries, descends to Sosaria to melt the last of the winter's
snow. It is a day of great joy among Elves, for it symbolizes the
beginning of a new life - ideal cherished by each Elf.
Unlike Edanea (who only celebrate the vernal equinox if they own or inhabit
farmlands), all Elves celebrate Sheelala. Before dawn, families gather to
sing praises to Yavanna. Their songs are accompanied by a steady beat of
rain-drums. It is believed that these drums are a call for Aerdrie; a
beacon to aid her in finding Elven dwellings. At Dawn, Lembas bread is
broken and shared among family members as a symbol of plentitude in the
year to come. The morning is spent processing and discussing the personal
growth of each Elf, as well as the growth of the Elven nation as a whole.
At mid-day, tree saplings are planted around forests to ensure the growth
and prosperity of Nature.
Sheelala is also a day that honors Vána, Valier of birth, youth and
celebration. Young Elves, thus, are given much attention. It is no
wonder that they are fond of this holiday! The laughter of young Elves is
heard throughout the land. Many of them prepare games for their
compatriots or write stories and poems for their teachers. Yet the most
important part of Sheelala for the youth is the rites of passage from
childhood to adulthood. Those deemed worthy by the trials of the Valar as
well as those of their teachers, begin preparing for the rite as the sun
moves past the center of the sky. A cleansing bath is taken to prepare the
body followed by a quiet meditation to calm the mind. The rite itself is
performed at twilight, the time of Betweens. Though the details differ for
each young Elf, the ceremony is concluded with a welcoming chant on the
behalf of the Elven Elders.
The evening of Sheelala is spent in a grand and lavish celebration. Elves
partake in laughter and song, often dancing to the cheerful music played
by the mistrals and bards. Melira Taralen, patroness of bards and their
song, is said to visit Sosaria to inspire the jovial music played for
Yavanna and the Elves. It is no wonder, then, that Elves often whisper of
enchanted instruments which each must dance to, young or old, when but a
note is played. The celebration of Sheelala continues far into the night.
Lanterns are lit around Sosaria to show the Light of Birth as Life is
celebrated in all its beauty.
Sheelala (Spring Festival)
