The Festival of The Moons is a grand and vibrant celebration held in the Dragon City of Hojo, marking the entire cycle of the moon. This three-week-long festival is a deeply cherished tradition among the Y'azi Dragonborn and Hengeyokai citizens, symbolizing harmony and balance between the twin draconic gods, Fujin and Raijin.
Duration: Three weeks.
Significance: Celebrates the moon cycle and honors the twin draconic gods, Fujin (the god of wind) and Raijin (the god of thunder). It symbolizes the eternal dance and harmony between the elements of wind and thunder.
Each day of the festival is filled with various cultural and festive activities, from street parades and dance performances to culinary feasts and craft exhibitions. The streets of Hojo are adorned with vibrant decorations, lanterns, and banners depicting dragons and moon phases.
Dragon Dance Parades
The festival features daily dragon dance parades, where performers wielding elaborate dragon puppets dance through the streets. These parades symbolize the movements of Fujin and Raijin, embodying the harmony between wind and thunder. Local performers, artisans, and even visiting adventurers join in the dance, creating a colorful and dynamic spectacle.
Cultural Exhibitions
Artisans and craftsmen showcase their skills in pottery, blacksmithing, and carpentry. The Artisans Apprentice tournament is a notable event during this period, where apprentices compete to create the finest works of art. This year's tournament included Tariq, the Thri-Kreen potter's apprentice, and Toshiro, swordsmith apprentice to Kaito, the legendary blacksmith.
Firework Displays
Every night, the skies over Hojo are illuminated with dazzling firework displays. The fireworks are designed to mimic the colors and movements of dragons, adding to the enchanting atmosphere of the festival. The grand firework show on the final night is the highlight of the festival, sending off the celebration under the light of the full moon.
Lantern Festivals
Citizens and visitors alike participate in lantern festivals, where they release paper lanterns into the sky or float them down the river. Each lantern represents a wish or a prayer to Fujin and Raijin for prosperity and harmony. The lanterns lighting up the night sky symbolize the guidance and blessings of the twin gods.
Grand Feast
The festival features a grand feast where traditional dishes, delicacies, and beverages are served. The feast is a time for community bonding and celebration of shared heritage. Dragonfruit pastries, mooncakes, and sake are some of the popular items enjoyed during the feast.
Culminating Celebration
The Festival of The Moons culminates in a grand dragon dance, performed under the full moon. This final dance is accompanied by an elaborate firework show, symbolizing the peak of harmony and celebration. The entire city of Hojo gathers to witness this breathtaking display, which serves as a fitting end to three weeks of joyous festivities.
The Festival of The Moons is a testament to the rich cultural heritage and spiritual beliefs of the Y'azi Dragonborn and Hengeyokai, celebrating the celestial dance of their revered gods, Fujin and Raijin, and fostering a sense of unity and joy among the people.