Yeneasira (Winter Solstice) - December 21st
Yeneasira draws inspiration from the weaving of the tapestry of Life at the hands of
Vaïre, the Valier of Time and Fate. This time also marks the end of Elven
year, for it is the last cycle before nature is reborn in the spring. Much
of the land is hard and frozen, and Nature lays sleeping in wait for the
warmth of the sun. As Yeneasira is one of the shortest days of the year,
making much of its activities take place inside Elven homes or
temples.
In the early morning, Elven homes and public buildings are cleaned and rose
water is sprinkled around the threshold. Not only does the rose water
leave a sweet smell within the home, but it is also said to call for
spring to come more quickly. At least a portion of the day is spent in
silent meditation, when the past year is observed. Elves often share
significant stories of their past with their loved ones, reliving the
emotions that the stories invoke. In the evening, families come together
for a special meal. Thanks are given to all of Valar, as well as to
Labelas Enoreth, the patron of longevity and passage of time; for he is
one who gave the Elves their long lifespan. The meal is accompanied by
special ale, which was brewed on the Yeneasira eve' of the previous year.
After the meal, Elves disperse and engage in various activities: be it
brewing Yeneasira ale, or completing some of their annual projects. Unlike
most holy days, much of Yeneasira is spent working and completing various
tasks. This work honors the efforts Elves have put into completing their
goals in the past year, as well as symbolizes that not a moment of the
long Elven life is wasted.
One of the more important parts of Yeneasira is the wishing ceremony. During
the day, whenever the Elf finds a quiet moment, wishes and goals for he
future are sent in prayer to Vaïre. She, then, weaves these wishes into
the tapestry of fate, where they become a part of the spiral of time. The
wishes that are not sent to Vaïre must wait another year before being
granted, and thus risk being forgotten by the Spirits of Arda.
As Yeneasira is a holy day of time, it is possible on this day for an Elf to
become short-lived, like an Edan. Though it is rare that an Elf wishes to
give up their longevity, Vaïre may grant such a request to those that
ask. Most often, those asking feel the flames of passion for another
short-lived. Hanali Celanil, then, may descend to Sosaria to test
the love of the two, thus ensuring that an Elf is not betrayed by their
lover. In rare cases, an Elf may ask for a short life as punishment for
their sins and transgressions. Sehanine, herald to Namó's judgment then
descends upon Sosaria and pronounces whether a short life is an adequate
punishment. Elves who request to give up their longevity must go through a
painful ceremony, where their body is cast away. Many come from the
ceremony disfigured in mind or spirit, and thus Vaïre will not grant the
request easily. The Elf asking for a short life must have a strong will
and a strong reason to do so, else Vaïre will ignore their pleas.