#feast of remembrance

[raya-shadowmane]

Roleplay Event Announcement

Details

Three years is but a blink of an eye for most of the longer lived races. We have settled into a beautiful state of peace free of the wars that have plagued our people for far too long. So much was lost and the heartbreak made so many numb to the cascade of tragedies that befell Azeroth. Now that we are able to breathe a little easier, there are those who wish to honor the great gift that was given to our people. Hope for a new beginning for the Kaldorei. Join us in celebrating the life of those we lost, and in honoring those brave souls who endured the Maw and then sacrificed their eternal peace in Ardenweald to fuel a seed of hope for our people.  

Time: 7:00 PM CST, February 5th

Location: The Shady Sanctuary, Ohn’ahran Plains, Dragon Isles Anchors: Ollimos - MG, Shalíene - MG, Shirayà - MG

Community Feast This event will start off with a casual community feast. We encourage participants to bring their favorite food and/or drink to add to the menu and share with those who gather. This part of the evening is purely social, meant for mingling, eating, drinking, and enjoying the company of friends, both new and old. 

Wrestling Matches

What better way to work off a big meal than to enjoy feats of strength and endurance? Sign ups will be open to participate in a series of wrestling matches. This is a bracketed brawl, so spots will be limited. Please contact <Shaliene> for more information and to join the roster! Prize: 20k in-game gold. (Must be MG to accept winnings.)

Archery Tournament Feats of strength and endurance? Now we have feats of arms and precision! For all the marksman, hunters, rangers, bowmen, Sentinels, and more! Not looking to do hand to hand? Better at ranged attacks? This is the activity for you. Sign ups are open. Please contact anchors to add your name to the competitor's roster. Prize: 20k in-game gold. (Must be MG to accept winnings.)

Lantern Vigil A bittersweet and beautiful end to the evening. Join your fellow participants in a short walk to an overlook. There we will light paper lanterns and send them into the night sky, honoring the fallen and all those we lost. Lanterns and Inky Black Potions will be provided by the hosts so that all can participate.

This event is a Kaldorei roleplay event. While allies are welcome, because of what we are celebrating, we are asking for Alliance participation only.

[queerprayers]

i want to say first of all that i fully respect a community's/denomination's/culture's right to have closed practices. i am not entitled to other people's traditions, and when i am a guest in a space i understand that everything is not automatically for me. and i know i do not have to understand to respect.

and also! when i go to a catholic church and can't receive communion i want to fall on the floor weeping. what do you mean i can't have him he's right there. sorry my baptism was the wrong kind of baptism. i'm hungry and you want me to become someone else before being fed.

[dreaminginthedeepsouth]

For the Feast of All Saints :: [Robert Scott Horton]

* * * *

“He had developed a superstitious fear of the instant, that tiny hole through which all the time available to human beings must pass.”

— César Aira, Varamo [exhaled-spirals]

[a-god-in-ruins-rises]

after a night of boisterous fun i just got back from the local cemetery for some more solemn contemplation. said prayers for and made offerings to not just my own ancestors who are buried here but to the ancestors of my people in general.

[exactlyonespoon]

[artwithdrawl]

Does anyone know what the new days of nature creature is???

[fretriftle]

[lilianasgrimoire]

Every Pagan Holiday

JANUARY 

KALENDS 

1st January 

Origins: Ancient Greece/Rome 

Observed by: Hellenic/Roman polytheists 

Honouring Janus/Juno, first day of the Year. Kalends brought us the word 'calendar'. 

ÞORRABLÓT (THORRABLÓT) 

End of January/beginning of February 

Origins: Iceland 

Observed by: Heathens, Asatru 

Midwinter Festival honouring Thor, usually by feasting and poetry. 

FEBRUARY 

IMBOLC 

2nd February 

Origins: Celtic polytheism /Ireland, as St. Brigid's Day 

Observed by: Most neopagans, Wiccans, Druids, Asatru (as Charming of the Plow)  

Imbolc is the most widely known and observed pagan holiday in the months of January and February. It falls at the beginning of spring/end of the winter for the Celtic peoples; marking the changing of the seasons, as most holidays do. St. Brigid is a Christianised form of or inspired by the Celtic fertility goddess Brigid who is celebrated on this day.  

PARENTALIA 

13th-21st February 

Origins: Ancient Rome 

Observed by: Greco-Roman polytheists 

Translating to 'Ancestors Day', Parentalia is a nine-day celebration of deceased ancestors. Historically it was observed by feasting and making offerings and sacrifices to the dead and spirits of the underworld.  

VÁLI'S BLOT 

14th February 

Origins: Old Norse 

Observed by: Heathens, Asatru, Norse polytheists 

Váli's Blot is considered by some Asatru to be the Norse equivalent of Valentine's Day but is widely acknowledged as a season changing festival. A day for marriage and celebrating with family and friends, and for remembrance of Váli, the son of Odin who defeated Höðr on this day.  

LUPERCALIA 

15th February 

Origins: Ancient Rome 

Observed by: Greco-Roman polytheists 

Festival thought to honour a wolf who raised abandoned princes, celebrated originally by sacrificing goats to the gods, feasting, and, for fertility, nudity and fornication. 

LESSER ELEUSINIAN MYSTERIES 

17th-23rd February 

Origins: Ancient Greece 

Observed by: Hellenic polytheists 

Initiation to the cult of Persephone and Demeter by sacrificing a pig. Prelude to Greater Mysteries, initiations held on these dates. Once completed, initiates could then move onto Greater Mysteries in the autumn.  

ANTHESTERIA 

27th February - 1st March 2021 

Origins: Ancient Greece 

Observed by: Hellenic polytheists 

Athenian festivals dedicated to Dionysus and the dead. Held around the full moon in the month of Anthesterion, which in the Gregorian calendar this year roughly translates to 27th February. 

THE DISTING/DÍSABLÓT 

End of February/beginning of March 

Origins: Uppsala, Sweden 

Observed by: Heathens, Asatru, Norse polytheists 

Celebration of Valkyries and other female spirits, called dísir. Sacrifices were made for a good harvest. Celebrated still by an annual market in Sweden.  

MARCH 

KALENDS 

1st March 

Origins: Ancient Greece/Rome 

Observed by: Hellenic/Roman polytheists 

Honouring the god Mars/Ares. Kalends brought us the word 'calendar'. 

OSTARA/EARRACH 

20th March 

Origins: Anglo Saxon paganism, popularised as Ostara by Wicca 

Observed by:  Anglo Saxon Pagans, Wiccans, Neopagans, Druids (as Alba Eilir), Heathens (as Summer Finding), Ásatrú (as Sigrblót)  

The northern hemisphere's vernal equinox, the word Ostara was introduced though Wicca and named for the goddess Eostre. Surprisingly unrelated to Easter in all but name, Ostara symbolises the beginning of spring. As a seasonal holiday it is widely celebrated by many different groups of pagans.  

RAGNAR LODBROK'S DAY 

28th March 

Origins: Icelandic Sagas 

Observed by: Ásatrú  

Day of remembrance for Ragnar Lodbrok, Viking King of legend  

APRIL 

KALENDS/VENERALIA 

1st April 

Origins: Ancient Greece/Rome 

Observed by: Hellenic/Roman polytheists 

Celebration of the first of the month, this one honouring the goddess, Venus. 

REMEMBRANCE FOR HAAKON SIGURDSSON 

9th April 

Origins: Norway, C9th 

Observed by: Ásatrú 

Day of remembrance for ruler of Norway who claimed lineage to Odin in the Icelandic Sagas.  

WALPURGISNACHT 

30th April 

Origins: German Christianity, originally Saint Walpurga was known for banishing witches and other pests 

Observed by: LaVeyan Satanists 

Anton LaVey chose to celebrate this holiday as a follow up to the spring equinox and due to its past association with witchcraft.  

HEXENNACHT (WITCHES' NIGHT) 

30th April 

Origins: German folklore, as Walpurgisnacht but witches were alleged to convene with the devil in this night 

Observed by: Temple of Satan as 'a solemn holiday to honour those who were victimized by superstition'.  

MAY 

BEALTAINE/BELTANE 

1st May 

Origins: Celtic (Ireland/Scotland/Isle of Man)  

Observed by: Wiccans, Neopagans, Celtic reconstructionist, Ásatrú/Heathens (as May Day)  

One of the more well-known pagan festivals, Beltane is a festival of fire and the beginning of the summer. Also widely referred to as May Day, it is celebrated by lighting fires.  

KALENDS 

1st May 

Origins: Ancient Greece/Rome 

Observed by: Hellenic/Roman polytheists 

Honouring the goddess Maia, for whom the month may have been named.  

REMEMBRANCE FOR Guðröðr of Guðbrandsdál 

9th May 

Origins: C11 Norway, Icelandic Sagas 

Observed by: Ásatrú, Norse, heathens 

Guðröðr had his tongue removed by Óláfr for rebelling against violent conversion from Norse paganism to Christianity.  

JUNE 

KALENDS 

1st June 

Origins: Ancient Greece/Rome 

Observed by: Hellenic/Roman polytheists 

Anniversary of temples to Juno Moneta (protectress of money, her temple was where coins were made), Mars/Ares (God of war), and the Tempestates (goddesses of storms).  

ARRHEPHORIA 

3rd Skirophorion (translates to mid-June)  

Origins: Ancient Greece 

Observed by: Hellenic reconstructionist 

Feast in celebration of Athena and fertility.  

MIDSUMMER/SUMMER SOLSTICE 

21st June 

Origins: Agricultural holiday/longest day observed for centuries by many civilisations. Christianity can date to as early as C4th 

Observed by: Wiccans/Germanic neopagans (as Litha), Asatru/Heathens, Druids (as Alban Hefin)  

One of the main four holidays in the Wheel of the Year and popularised by Wiccans and neopagans as Litha which is taken from the Anglo-Saxon words for June/July, this is the longest day of the year and the middle point and sometimes considered the beginning of summer.  

JULY 

REMEMBRANCE FOR UNNR/AUD THE DEEP MINDED 

9th July 

Origins: C9th Iceland 

Observed by: Ásatrú, Heathens, Norse reconstructionist 

Aud was a traveller in the 9th century moving between Dublin, the Hebrides, Orkney, and finally Iceland following the deaths of her husband and son. This day is to honour her memory.  

HERACLEIA 

July/August  

Origins: Ancient Greece 

Observed by: Hellenic polytheists  

Festival dedicated to Heracles the demigod and his death, involving feasting and celebration.  

AUGUST 

LUGHNASADH/LAMMAS 

1st August 

Origins: Celtic Britain (Ireland, Scotland, Isle of Man) 

Observed by: Wiccans, Neopagans, Christians (as Lammas), Ásatrú (as Freyfaxi)  

Named for the god Lugh, this festival is one of the Celtic harvest festivals and marks the beginning of the harvesting months. It was celebrated by climbing mountains, bull sacrifice, offerings, and feasting. Handfasting is commonplace with Wiccans in modern times.  

REMEMBRANCE FOR REDBAD, KING OF THE FRISIANS 

9th August 

Origins: C7th Frisia (area of Germany/Netherlands)  

SEPTEMBER 

NOUMENIA 

8th September  

Origins: Ancient Greece 

Observed by: Hellenic polytheists 

Celebration of new Hellenic lunar month. Offerings of honey and incense made to household deities.  

REMEMBRANCE FOR HERMANN THE CHERUSCAN 

9th September 

Origins: C9th CE 

Observed by: Heathens, Ásatrú 

Hermann the Cheruscan, also known as Arminius of the Cherusci tribe, led the defeat against the Romans at the Battle of Teutoburg Forest and is lauded for saving Eastern Germanic peoples from being conquered by the Roman Empire.  

AUTUMN EQUINOX (NORTHERN HEMISPHERE)  

22nd September  

Origins: 1970s neopaganism 

Observed by: Wiccans and Neopagans (as Mabon), Ásatrú (as Winter Finding)  

Named Mabon by prominent Wicca and Neopagan Aidan Kelly, after the Welsh mythological figure Mabon ap Moldron, the autumn equinox is one of the harvest festivals and marks the beginning of autumn in the northern hemisphere. Mabon is a relatively new pagan holiday not based on any specific historical festival, but traditionally people around the world would celebrate some kind of harvest festival around the end of September/beginning of October. 

OCTOBER 

PYANOPSIA 

7th October 

Origins: Ancient Greece 

Observed by: Hellenic polytheists 

Pyanopsia, or Pyanepsia, is a festival to honour Apollo, one of the most important deities, God of music, the sun, knowledge, healing, and archery - amongst other things. During the festival, two special offerings would be placed on doorways and carried to the temple. These offerings were a bean stew, and an olive branch wrapped in wool with honeys, pastries and seasonal fruits hanging from it. 

REMEMBRANCE FOR LEIF EIRIKSSON 

9th October  

Origins: C10th CE 

Observed by: Heathens, Ásatrú, Norse pagans 

Remembrance for Leif and his sister Freydís Eiríksdóttir, children of Erik the Red, who are cited with being the first Norse explorers in North America.  

THESMOPHORIA 

12th-14th October 

Origins: Ancient Greece 

Observed by: Hellenic polytheists 

Festival held in honour of Demeter Thesmophoros, goddess of agriculture, and her daughter Persephone, goddess of death and life, Queen of the Underworld. Celebrated primarily by women, this festival is linked with fertility, and we know very little about it due to its secretive rites. It is thought that it involved the sacrifice of pigs (although some sources say women), and abstinence.  

REMEMBRANCE FOR ERIK THE RED 

28th October 

Origins: C9th CE 

Observed by: Heathens, Ásatrú, Norse pagans 

Erik the Red, probably named for the colour of his hair and beard, was the first permanent European settler in Greenland. His children were explorers too, who went to America, and although his wife converted to Christianity, Erik remained faithful to his Norse pagan gods. 

SAMHAIN (HALLOWE'EN) 

31st October-1st November  

Origins: Gaelic - Scotland, Ireland, Isle of Man 

Observed by: Celtic pagans, Neopagans, Wiccans 

Pronounced SOW-in (sow rhyming with cow), Samhain was originally a harvest festival marking the beginning of winter. The day itself is the 1st November, but celebrations begin on October 31st, and this has become the accepted associated day. It's a festival of the dead, where the síthe, fae and spirits, can enter this realm from their own. Wiccans talk of a 'veil' thinning, meaning the boundary between worlds. Similar death related festivals around this time can be noted in other faiths from across the globe, and of course in the modern Hallowe'en. 

WINTER NIGHTS (VETRNAETR), ÁLFABLÓT/DÍSABLÓT 

31st October 

Origins: 

Celebrated by: Heathens, Ásatrú, Norse pagans 

Winter Nights is mentioned in the Ynglinga Saga as one of the three greatest blessings of the year, the other two being Sigrblót in April, and þorrablót in late Jan/early Feb. Winter Nights is the celebration of the beginning of the winter season; Álfablót is a sacrifice to the elves, and Dísablót a sacrifice to the female spirits (dísir) and Valkyries.  

NOVEMBER 

REMEMBRANCE FOR SIGRID THE HAUGHTY 

9th November 

Origins: C9th CE 

Observed by: Heathens, Ásatrú, Norse pagans 

It is not actually known whether Sigrid Storråda, or Sigrid the Haughty, was an actual historical figure, an amalgamation of a few, or simply a myth. The lore goes that she was proposed to multiple times and turned down many but went on to orchestrate conflict when a potential suitor - Olaf Tryggvason, King of Norway - attempted to convert her to Christianity.  

DECEMBER 

REMEMBRANCE FOR EGILL SKALLAGRÍMSSON  

9th December  

Origins: C10th CE  

Observed by: Heathens, Ásatrú, Norse pagans  

Day celebrating the poet, farmer, and berserker Egill Skallagrímsson, who is recalled in The Icelandic Sagas by Snorri Sturluson. Egill is known for his many killings and escaping death by writing an epic poem after being captured when washing up on our Northumberland coastline.  

SATURNALIA  

17th - 23rd December  

Origins: Ancient Rome  

Observed by: Roman polytheists, some Hellenic  

Like Yule and Lesser Dionysia, Saturnalia was the Roman winter festival celebrating the coming return of the sun and honouring the god Saturn. The standard feasting and drinking feature, and slaves would be treated as equals like Dionysia. Saturnalia is another festival cited as being picked up by Christians and used as inspiration for Christmas.  

WINTER SOLSTICE (YULE/MIDWINTER)  

21st December  

Origins: Germanic nations, as early as C4th CE  

Observed by: Norse pagans, Wiccans, Neopagans, LaVeyan Satanists, Ásatrú, Heathens, many Germanic nonpagan peoples  

Yule is the midwinter festival known commonly among pagans as a time for feasting, being with loved ones, remembering ancestors, and looking forward to the return of the light and warmer days. Many pagans will celebrate Yule for more than one day, some celebrating a week either side, some for longer, up to two months, and some for twelve days afterwards. True Yule would have originally been in January for midwinter, but King Haakon the Good  

moved it to coincide with the Christian celebrations in the 10th century, as told in the Ynglinga Saga.  

On the 24th of December, Anglo Saxons are said to have celebrated 'Mothers Night' honouring female ancestors. 

RURAL/LESSER DIONYSIA  

End of December/beginning of January  

Origins: Ancient Greece  

Observed by: Hellenic polytheists  

Smaller festival honouring the god Dionysus (Greater Dionysia took place in cities at the end of winter). Feasting, mask wearing to stop distinction between classes so that everyone could feel equal, sacrifices, parades, and phallic display were all used to celebrate.

[fearandhatred]

ok so what if the reason crowley likes watching aziraphale eat is because nothing he does for himself can give him back the pleasure he felt when creating his stars, so the next closest feeling to that is through experiencing someone else's greatest pleasures. but it will never be enough

text below the cut

hunger is a funny thing; multifaceted, duplicitous there's a hunger to give and a hunger to take the hunger of passion and the hunger of greed

i knew only of the first type of hunger, before time, before sorrow back when there was just the explosions of supernovas, the heat of the cosmos, the planets in my grasp and the world at my feet back when i was the barycenter of the universe and all my steps created consecrated ground the souls at my tabernacled fingertips, helpless, hopeless, defenceless the power to do whatever i wanted to them and choosing only kindness

that was before i knew how it feels to have it all stripped away to go from being larger than life to living in it; from creating to the realisation of having been created, at the mercy of things of my own design to be helpless, hopeless, defenceless, in a world that was never kind to me

that was before i knew the agony of hunger pangs, bone deep and spiritual that carved out my marrows, left me substanceless and corrosive everywhere and nowhere, that nothing i did could satiate that nothing can satiate but grace

there's a hunger to give and a hunger to take and the damned have nothing left to give

but you do.

you take and you take and you take, never left wanting a taking borne not from desperate emptiness, for once, but one of indulgence you gorge yourself with selfish pleasure, glut yourself with food unneeded fulfilment, hunger stacked upon already-there satisfaction and in taking, so also do you give

with each fistful you grabbed of that ox rib i could imagine snatching my stars out of the sky pressing them down between my palms, permanent claiming marks seared into my hands i imagined swallowing them down, eruptions of light and neutrons on my tongue with each sip you take of wine i imagine myself sucking in the universe galaxies and planets orbiting in my stomach, the centre of the world's gravity i imagine breathing in liquid life, the warmth of existence stinging my throat

and for the first time, my hunger is sated by watching you sate yours for now, it's enough for me to just watch

so establish this covenant with me: take your fill of animals, of drink, of everything within reach stuff your heart full, consume the world raw, and i'll do the same with my eyes but after that, tear the flesh off my frame, gnaw on my hollow bones strip me of the little i'm still worth, leave me bare and stranded feast on my body, broken for you do this in remembrance of me, and maybe i'll do the same

because that hunger of creation i can never get back, no matter how much i try so now i just gorge myself on you

[anantaru]

cw. none, established relationship, gn! reader

for each date you have with kaveh, he covertly collects a little something which would randomly meet his eyes throughout the length of the day— it didn‘t matter to him if it was something small off the ground or minuscule in its entirety, of insignificant importance to the people crossing paths with you.

so, what about a pretty flower or a random stone on the edge of the sideway? he realizes it's perfect— indistinctly beautiful.

or a sudden fallen leaf which traverses right on top of your head he now, obviously, has to fish out of your hair— all awkwardly and shy, while kaveh was the first to grunt out in frustration because his hand kept being too shaky, too difficult, unable to free you off the featherlight leaf tangled in your pretty hair.

but then he realizes something, something he had never really thought about more throughout; what about that smile you hold close to your heart? the precious split that you only show once in a while— but with him, you were proudly wearing it all day long, again and again, lips easily formed with the corners trailed upwards and glued on your face.

there's a brief moment in time where kaveh thinks you stopped moving altogether as the world was silenced and frozen within itself, it's when his soft eyes cross your own and shocker, unmistakably he couldn‘t feast himself satiated off your smile— face and eyes, so kaveh made sure to grab a camera on your next date, yet be warned, he didn't tell you about it nor mentioned it— aside from that, the camera was not just a random one, but a particular exemplar that he had once purchased off a wandering seller from the nation of justice, with money he certainly could‘ve saved up.

a transient second on your following date carved in a flawless harness for his mission, his digit nervously hovering over the button and kaveh was certain he had to be a little sneaky with it.

most memorable remembrances usually develop in midst the unplanned and coincidental— in his eyes, catching a moment so pure and candid, so sweet and warm, without any unnecessary posing nor real awareness, was so much more beautiful and preferable than anything else.

*click* *click* *click*

you‘re turning around in confusion from the sudden three flashes of light concealing your view, "what the?!" and quietly wonder what your lover has been up to now or where he had gotten that awfully expensive camera from, "why?!"

"because.." kaveh lifts his chin and brushes away an unruly strand of hair as he sighs out.

"i needed something that i'm certain would exist forever."

"..."

"..."

"don't look at me like that!"

"like what?" you question, slanting your head to the left as you watched his usual expression divulge into that of a soft one— a kind but easily flustered shade, "like you‘re about to say something weird again."

a giggle, expelled and kindly slipped past your lips, "you‘re cute kaveh." and his heart stammers when you lean an inch closer to hide yourself in his neck, "just let me have this one."

2023 anantaru do not repost, copy, translate, modify

[honeybeezgobzzzzz]

☠️ Something Dread, Something Red: Chapter Twenty

Something Dread, Something Red: Stuck in a proposal to a Marine Commodore, you escape minutes before your wedding in one last ditch effort to avoid getting married to a tyrant. Barely making it to the port of your town, you stumble across a ship just starting to leave and beg for passage off the island. You fail to notice that the people you beg for help, are pirates.

Warnings: None.

To Note: “Red Haired” Shanks x FemReader

Word Count: ~2.4k

Previous | Masterlist | Next

You lean over the rail of the ship, the salty breeze whipping your hair around your face. The sea stretches endlessly, but you can already see the faint outline of Satō Island on the fading horizon. You'll arrive tomorrow. Your heart races with excitement.

"I've heard so much about Satō Island," you say, more to yourself than anyone else.

Gab saunters over, a grin plastered on his face. "Wait until you see the hummingbirds. They're unlike anything you've ever seen."

Your eyes light up. "Really? Tell me more."

He chuckles, leaning against the rail beside you. "They're about the size of a parrot, ya know, the one's the nobles like to keep as pets? They're coloring is amazing. They love the sugar sap from the palm trees. You'll see them darting around everywhere, sipping from flowers and trees."

Your mind races with images of vibrant birds flitting through lush greenery. "I can't wait to see them." While your mind lingers on the beautiful pictures of Satō Island hummingbirds you had seen, your mind begins to wander.

The tension between you and Shanks has palpable, almost intense. It's been weeks since that night, and every shared glance, every accidental touch (which may or may not have intentional), feels charged with electricity and yearning. You can't stop the pull between you, nor the heat that simmers just beneath the surface.

It certainly doesn't help that you sleep next to him every night.

Yet a heaviness now hangs between you. You were living your life in utter bliss on board, while Shanks keeps bringing up the idea that you were limiting your life by staying with him. He loves you but at the same time was pushing you away. You had taken to staying busy during your waking hours, away from him. You couldn't argue about your future if he wasn't there to argue with.

The savory scent of Lucky Roux's cooking wafts through the air, drawing you away from the rail. Your stomach growls, reminding you that breakfast was a long time ago. You follow your nose to the galley, hoping to distract your mind from the persistent thoughts of Shanks.

Lucky Roux stands at the stove, a large rack of meat sizzling in a pan. He hums a cheerful tune, his round face lit up with a smile that never seems to fade. Despite his imposing figure, there's something comforting about him, like a giant teddy bear.

"Need any help?" you ask, stepping into the warm, fragrant space.

Roux looks up, goggles glinting in the light. "Aria! Perfect timing. Grab that bowl of potatoes and start peeling. We're having a feast tonight! Gonna need that strength for the island tomorrow!"

You nod eagerly, grateful for something to keep your hands and mind busy. You take the bowl and sit at the small table in the corner, peeling potatoes with practiced ease. The repetitive motion soothes your racing thoughts.

"Your hand is getting better," Roux comments, glancing over his shoulder.

"I've been practicing, Gab and Limejuice are teaching me knife tricks" you reply with a small smile.

Roux chuckles, turning back to his pan. "Does Shanks know that?"

"What he doesn't know, won't hurt him… but I think he suspects." You reply, flicking a potato peel off your wrist. "He is still salty over the teachings of words."

Lucky Roux giggles in remembrance. While you certainly didn't curse like a sailor, the crew had been subtly coaching you on not sounding like a stuck up noble nitwit born with a silver spoon in her mouth. You called it the teachings of words, a gentler way of describing them teaching you how to curse in vulgarity.

"What's next after these potatoes?" you ask, wanting to keep the conversation light.

"Carrots," Roux answers without missing a beat. "And then onions. Lots of onions."

You laugh, shaking your head as you finish peeling the last potato. "You're going to make me cry."

He winks at you. "All part of the job." A job you decidedly hate. You putter around the galley, gathering the needed onions from the storage barrel. You remain silent for the next few minutes, fingers on autopilot. "Seems like someone's got their mind elsewhere," Lucky Roux comments, not missing a beat as he slices through a carrot.

You hum in response, focusing on peeling onions. "Just thinking about Satō Island."

Roux chuckles, shaking his head. "Sure, sure. It's not a certain red-haired captain occupying your thoughts?"

Before you can respond, Shanks strides into the galley. His presence commands attention without effort. Like you could ever keep your eyes off him when he was around. He pauses when he sees you, a slow smile spreading across his face.

"Aria," he says warmly, his voice sending shivers down your spine.

You nod in acknowledgment, your heart racing. "Shanks."

He leans against the doorframe, crossing his arms over his chest. "How's dinner coming along?"

"Almost ready," Roux replies, giving Shanks a wink. "Aria's been a big help as usual. Best sous chef I ever had."

"You've never had a sous chef on board," You comment dryly, lifting your eyes. Shanks' gaze locks onto yours, and for a moment, it's as if no one else exists in the room.

"I'm sure she has." Shanks drawls out. The air grows thick with unspoken words and lingering glances. You can't help but wonder what he's thinking—if he's as consumed by these feelings as you are. He is.

Roux clears his throat, breaking the spell and tension that blooms every time you and Shanks are in a room together. "Well, I'll leave you two to it then. Don't let the pot boil over." He exits the galley with a sly grin, leaving you alone with Shanks.

Shanks steps closer, his eyes never leaving yours. "You've been avoiding me, treasure.”

You swallow hard, trying to find your voice. "I've been busy, I wouldn't say avoiding you. The upcoming island is—" Shanks cuts your diverting mumbles off with a touch against your lips.

His fingers move to brush a strand of hair from your face. His touch is gentle but makes your body tremble in delight. "It's okay," he murmurs. "I get it."

Your breath hitches as his hand lingers on your cheek. "Shanks, it is far more complicated than 'I get it' and you know that." When you aren't wrapped up in his arms at night, you have fallen into keeping him at arms length, avoiding the building pressure that is your relationship. He wants you to be free, you want him.

He leans in closer until your lips are just finger widths apart. "I've missed you," he confesses softly. Your heart pounds in your chest as you meet his gaze. The longing in his eyes mirrors your own feelings—feelings you've tried to bury but can't ignore any longer. Need.

"I've missed you too," you admit finally, your shoulders drooping.

A slow smile spreads across his face before he closes the distance between you—his lips capturing yours in a searing kiss that leaves no room for doubt or hesitation of his affections.

"When we arrive on Satō Island, you and I are going to spend some quality time together, okay?" He proposes, stroking your cheek.

You nod, feeling the heat rise to your cheeks. Shanks' smile grows, and he presses a soft kiss to your forehead before stepping back. The air feels lighter, the tension melting away as you turn to check the simmering pot on the stove.

"I need to get back to chopping," You softly comment. "Lucky's weird sofrito won't fix itself and he needs more to finish dinner."

Shanks pulls away, his hand lingering on your cheek for a moment longer before he steps back. "I'll leave you to it," he says, his voice a low rumble that sends shivers down your spine. "Don't burn dinner, okay?"

"Who do you think you talking to," You say managing a small smile and nodding as he turns and strides out of the galley. The door swings shut behind him, leaving you alone with the simmering pot and your racing thoughts.

The Red Force glides smoothly into the harbor of Satō Island as the sun begins to rise. You stand at the bow, your heart fluttering with anticipation. The island looks like a paradise—lush greenery, sparkling blue waters, and the unmistakable hum of oversized hummingbirds flitting through the air.

You feel a presence beside you and turn to see Shanks, his eyes fixed on the island with a soft smile. "Ready the day?" he asks, his voice full of warmth.

You nod eagerly. "Very much so." You hadn't slept well the night prior, your mind consumed by the trivial matters of your relationship, but it hasn't impacted your excitement. You are dressed in your hiking attire and your matching boots are securely tied.

Benn and Yasopp deploy the gang plank with practiced ease, their movements synchronized like a well-rehearsed dance. You can’t help but admire their efficiency as the Red Hair Pirates begin to spill onto the sandy beach of Satō Island. No time is wasted setting up a makeshift camp. Blankets are spread out, crates are unloaded, and laughter fills the air as everyone prepares for a day of relaxation.

Shanks stands beside you, his hand resting gently on the small of your back. "Ready to go, treasure?” he asks, his voice warm but eyes still echoing what you and he had spoken the prior night. You needed to talk. At least you would have time to enjoy yourself first. His eyes crinkle at the corner and he strokes your back with his thumb. "Let's just have a relaxing day, forget everything that's been bothering you. okay?"

"Okay," you agreed, liking the sound of his words. With a charming smile, you begin to walk in a random direction, your eyes everywhere and nowhere.

The soft crunch of sand under your boots blends with the distant hum of oversized hummingbirds. Shanks walks beside you, his presence comforting. The two of you veer away from the bustling activity of the crew, stepping into the dense foliage of Satō Island.

"Let's see what we can find," Shanks says, his eyes scanning the surrounding foliage. This would surely take some of the stress off your face. He pushes a low-hanging branch out of your way, and you duck under it, stepping into a world that feels untouched by time.

The forest is alive with the buzz and chatter of creatures hidden among the trees. You hear the hum before you see them—the hummingbirds. Their vibrant colors blur together as they dart from flower to flower, their wings beating so fast they’re almost invisible.

You giggle as one hovers near your face, its tiny eyes meeting yours for a brief moment before it flits away. "They're amazing," you breathe, turning to Shanks with wide eyes and a glowing smile.

He grins, his eyes twinkling. "Told you, you'd love it."

You walk deeper into the forest, marveling at the rich tapestry of life around you. Shanks stays close, his hand occasionally brushing against yours and fingers reaching for yours. Each touch is a reminder of his presence, of his love. He loves you, and that has not changed.

You reach a clearing where sunlight filters through the canopy, casting dappled patterns on the ground. There's a group of rocks you decide to sit on and take in the nature around you.

As you settle down, a hummingbird lands on a nearby branch, its iridescent feathers shimmering in the sunlight. It cocks its head at you and trills in interest.

"Knowing you, it probably wants to perch on your arm for a closer look," Shanks murmurs in your ear. He's taken a seat next to and his fingers now brush against your inner arm.

"Are you sure it isn't just trying to figure out if I will leak sugar sap?" you tease, glancing at him with a playful smile.

"Sweet enough to attract a hummingbird, huh?" Shanks murmurs, his voice dropping an octave, laden with suggestion. "I can think of other ways to test that theory."

You roll your eyes but can't help the small smile tugging at your lips. "Oh, really? Like what?"

He leans in closer, his breath warm against your ear. "I have a few ideas," he whispers, the teasing lilt in his voice unmistakable.

You laugh softly, pushing him away playfully. "Behave yourself, Captain."

Shanks grins, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Can't make any promises there. Not when you are with me."

With a sigh of exasperation that's more affectionate than annoyed, you turn your attention back to the hummingbird still perched on the nearby branch. "Let's see if your theory holds up," you say, extending your arm slowly.

Shanks slides his fingers up your extended arm, pressing against your back as his longer arm enables his fingers reach yours. His touch is gentle but firm, a comforting presence that steadies your nerves.

The hummingbird watches you curiously, its head cocked to one side. It flits its wings briefly before lifting off the branch and hovering in mid-air. You hold your breath, feeling Shanks' fingers tighten within yours.

After what feels like an eternity but is only a few seconds, the hummingbird finally lands on your wrist. Its tiny feet are surprisingly light against your skin, and you can feel the rapid flutter of its heartbeat.

You glance over your shoulder at Shanks, your eyes wide with wonder. "It worked," you whisper, barely daring to move.

Shanks' smile is soft and genuine as he looks at you and the hummingbird. "Told you," he says quietly, his words brushing over your lips from the proximity of his face. You can't help but laugh at the triumphant look in his eyes.

"So you have," you reply. The hummingbird flits its wings again, a blur of iridescent color, and you can feel its delicate movements against your wrist. The tiny creature's presence fills you with a sense of wonder and connection to the natural world. Where else would you get to experience this if not out in the world?

Shanks watches you with an expression of pure adoration, his eyes reflecting the light of the sun filtering through the trees. "You're amazing, you know that?" he says softly, his voice filled with emotion.

You smile, feeling a warmth spread through your chest at his words. "I think you might be a little biased," you tease, your eyes twinkling with amusement.

"Maybe," Shanks concedes, his grin widening. "But it's true."

Date Published: 6/21/24

Last Edit: 7/29/24

Previous | Masterlist | Next

[devildomwriter]

Beelzebub Birthday Special 100 Fun Facts

1. Beelzebub makes up elaborate stories about befriending food to try to avoid eating it

2. Before his fall, Beelzebub was a cherub and recommended for Seraph

3. Beelzebub dislikes Mammon’s cooking

4. The only food Beelzebub refuses to eat is Solomon’s cooking

5. As an angel, Beelzebub initially wanted to use his strength to fight but became depressed after Raphael made fun of him. Instead he focused on protecting thanks to Lucifer’s advice

6. Beelzebub used to guard the gates of the celestial realm

7. Beelzebub considers him and Belphegor twins because they were created the same day

8. Beelzebub is usually quiet except when around Belphegor

9. Beelzebub has survivors guilt

10. Beelzebub blames himself for Lilith’s death since he chose to save Belphegor instead and until MC got him to open up to Belphegor, he believed Belphegor blamed him too

11. Beelzebub picks his loyalty based on if he’s offered food

12. Beelzebub will usually follow orders from any of his brothers, especially when it comes to helping restrain another brother

13. Beelzebub claims he never felt insatiable hunger up until the exact moment he fell from grace

14. Beelzebub is completely unaware of his surroundings when he is eating food

15. Beelzebub was the only brother not angered that MC had a plan with Belphegor to make pacts with them all

16. Beelzebub used to be Lucifer’s personal body guard

17. Out of all the brothers, Beelzebub insults Mammon the least

18. Beelzebub is able to feel Belphegor’s feelings and to an extent, read his mind

19. Beelzebub’s name in Hebrew translates to “Lord of the Flies”

20. Beelzebub’s worst subject is potions because he tends to eat the ingredients

21. Beelzebub’s favorite song is the jingle for the ad from Hell’s Burger

22. Beelzebub prefers pop music

23. Beelzebub loves Devilcat and feels he can relate to him

24. Beelzebub mentions his type of person is someone who will make him piles of food

25. Beelzebub prefers dogs because he believes they’re loyal

26. Beelzebub states he loves food from every world equally

27. Beelzebub prefers to work out in silence

28. Beelzebub’s favorite activity is working out

29. Beelzebub hates high heels, they hurt his feet and always snap because of his weight

30. Beel’s motto is “You can’t fight when you’re hungry”

31. Beelzebub usually eats the plates his food is served in alongside the food

32. Diavolo states Beelzebub once ate a pillar at the Demon Lord’s Castle

33. If the Devildom disappeared tomorrow Beelzebub said he’d eat all the food because it’s be a pity

34. Beelzebub states he probably starts his baths washing his head but can’t remember

35. Beelzebub is the active one when it comes to love

36. When asked if he’d bind or be bound by his lover he chose “other” because he wasn’t sure

37. Beelzebub easily forgets special dates of remembrance and anniversaries

38. For a relationship with obstacles his choice is to just give up

39. He won’t have sleepless nights thinking about the person he loves

40. Beelzebub is able to express his feelings frankly

41. Beelzebub can call forth a legendary rock giant

42. Beelzebub is shown to have wind related powers

43. Beelzebub, like all demons with wings, can fly

44. Beelzebub has such a strong sense of smell he can tell if someone is a human, demon, or angel

45. Beelzebub once attempted to diet, it didn’t work out

46. Beelzebub recalls Michael smelling tasty, due to him always eating sweets

47. During dance battles Beelzebub will sometimes shout “here comes my next meal” and “that was a nice feast”

48. Beelzebub sometimes states that MC looks delicious

49. The angrier Beelzebub is the hungrier his gets

50. In exchange for food, Beelzebub will groom and walk Cerberus

51. Beelzebub thinks it’s dumb Mammon likes money, since he can’t eat it

52. According to Beelzebub poison jellyfish don’t sit well in his stomach

53. Beelzebub binged TSL with MC and Mammon specifically for the popcorn

54. Beelzebub chooses his outfits based on if they’re easy to eat in

55. Beelzebub helped choose Mammon’s human world outfit

56. Mammon usually gives Beelzebub treats, he even mentions it on the home screen

57. The first time Beelzebub attempted to attack MC it was because they were convinced by Mammon to eat his custard

58. Beelzebub seems to be the only one who knows Simeon is hiding candy from the celestial realm

59. Beelzebub still considers it his duty to protect Lucifer

60. Beelzebub is a terrible artist but doesn’t seem to realize it

61. Beelzebub believes Solomon wouldn’t taste good

62. Beelzebub loves Luke’s cakes

63. Beelzebub believes Simeon’s pancakes are the best

64. Simeon’s wishes he could clone Barbatos so he’d have him to make him food every day

65. Beelzebub thinks it’s important to work so you have money to buy snacks

66. Beelzebub asks MC if they’re good at cooking, if they are he never wants them to leave his side

67. Beelzebub refers to MC as his angel

68. Beelzebub doesn’t like it when things get mushy and gross

69. Beelzebub will take home random fauna to see what it tastes like, he once brought home a giant black slug that scared Asmodeus

70. Beelzebub mentions on several occasions to love Red Spider Sandwiches

71. When given chocolates (a special item) Beelzebub tells MC he has his eyes and ears out to make sure no drunk people lay a finger on MC

72. Beelzebub thinks trees are delicious

73. When gifted a scarf, Beelzebub initially believes it was a long donut

74. When MC gifts Beelzebub a handmade Devilcat plushie, he isn’t sure what it is

75. Beelzebub says when he was eating a cat shaped pancake that Satan was giving him suspicious looks

76. Beelzebub says he can play the music from the Hell’s Kitchen ad on the Otomatone

77. Beelzebub mistook fireworks for churros

78. Beelzebub reveals to MC he sometimes wishes they were kind only to him

79. Asmodeus would prefer not to say what the most shocking thing he saw Beelzebub eat was

80. Beelzebub often mistakes shaped bath bombs for food

81. Beelzebub was banned from the Devildom botanic gardens for eating all the cherries off the cherry picking trees

82. Beelzebub once ate a tomato meant to make you reveal things, apparently it tasted like nothing to him and Mammon says he’d never seen him look so sad while eating

83. When going out to swim, Beelzebub chose to hunt and grill squid instead

84. Beelzebub always tries to eat all the hidden Easter eggs

85. As I asked Beel for advice on cleanly eating candy apples and was disappointed when Beel recommended just eating them in one bite

86. When Beelzebub expressed interest in a car his brothers were excited and then shocked when they realized Beelzebub only likes the shape as he saw it would be good to dead lift

87. Beelzebub gave MC a Devildom star

88. Beelzebub once tried bribing Mephistopheles into allowing him to help the newspaper club by kidnapping him and trying to force him to eat mountains of food

89. Beelzebub believes a cruise ship anchor is light weight

90. Beelzebub believes he can rely most on Lucifer and Belphegor

91. Beelzebub can run .3 miles (500 meters) in two seconds

92. Beel still enjoys games of tag

93. Beelzebub once put a whole in the RAD building

94. Beelzebub often accidentally breaks through doors and walls

95. Beelzebub is very slow to reply to texts

96. Beelzebub always lifts weights before bed

97. Beelzebub often chews on his pillows in his sleep and frequently sleep walks to the kitchen

98. Beelzebub ate a keychain Barbatos gave Luke and Luke was so angry he scared Beelzebub enough that Beelzebub was running away from him

99. According the Belphegor they once decorated a cake with fireworks but Beelzebub ate them too

100. Beelzebub has been banned from drinking Super Soda water

[whirlybirbs]

the day i write my pre-bg3 astarion fic is the day you all will regret.

picture it: you've died of an epidemic sweeping through the city only a month after marrying one of the city's most influential magistrates. you're heralded as being the beauty of baldur's gate, and your widower will do anything to bring you back — like bringing your exhumed casket to cazador's palace in the middle of a stormy, summer night.

cazador assures your grieving love, yes, yes he can bring you back, of course. but there are unspoken conditions.

when you awake, you're hungry and you're cold and all you can see is the thrumming, fulfilling heat of a feast before you. you dine, you breathe, you ignore the sticky tang of blood that runs down your chin and chest. it is warm, after all.

love is best served alive.

astarion and the others do well to hide their winces. to cazador, it's better than any comedy he's ever seen: he's just had the beauty of baldur's gate fall into his grasp. now, you've gone and drained the life from the one person you've ever truly loved. no easier pawn has been played.

the horror of realizing you've reveled in your love's blood is a sound astarion thinks about often. and so, you're new in the ranks. perhaps it's pity that has astarion burdened. perhaps it's the remembrance of kindness. you haven't had that snuffed out of you quite yet.

you grieve. it cracks him wide open in private. you swear you'll never love again. astarion honors the oath. friends are forged and a hundred years winds away. you've become his one reprieve. as close to sunshine on his skin as he'll ever get again.

[ENTER BRAIN WORMS]

[serene-faerie]

Elven Dessert headcanons

Sindar: Tarts are the most popular dessert among the Sindar. The Elves of Doriath like to use fresh berries in their tarts— the most popular one being blackberries. Blackberry tarts also happen to be Lúthien's favorite kind of dessert. Strawberry tarts are also well-liked, but it’s saved for special occasions. Melian, however, has a preference for cherry tarts. The Doriathrim are also known to use floral ingredients in their tarts, like elderflowers, lavender, and even roses. Their signature delicacy is the strawberry rose tart— an exquisite dessert that’s eaten during the annual Midsummer Feast, and during weddings. A special blackberry rose tart was served at the wedding of Beren and Lúthien, and the strawberry rose tart was served at the wedding of Dior and Nimloth. Among the Sindar of the Falas, egg tarts are very popular, and they also happen to be Thingol's favorite kind of tart as well. The Sindar of the Falas also enjoy treacle tarts during the Yuletide holiday, and this tradition continues well into the Third Age among the Elves of Mirkwood. Even Elrond himself has a preference for fruit tarts, and he had a cherry tart made for his wedding with Celebrian.

Vanyar: Cakes are their most preferred desserts. They have invented many different varieties of cakes in Valinor, and they are also skilled in the art of elaborate cake decorating. The most popular cake variety among the Vanyar is the sponge cake— it's served as a three-tiered cake, coated with rich buttercream icing of different colors, and these cakes will typically have very intricate decorations on each tier. Three-tiered sponge cakes are commonly served at Vanyarin weddings, including the weddings of Finwë and Indis, and Turgon and Elenwë. After the destruction of the Two Trees, the Vanyar Elves of Valimar create a special two-tiered cake colored silver and gold, and it's only ever served in remembrance of the Two Trees themselves. And following the War of Wrath, they create a white and gold cake to celebrate their victory over the forces of Morgoth, which becomes a tradition on every anniversary of Morgoth's imprisonment in the Void.

Teleri: Though the Teleri are renowned for their ship-building, they are just as well-known for their beautiful pastry desserts. Their most commonly-used ingredients are chopped nuts, honey, and other sweet syrups. The most popular Telerin desserts are frangipane sweets, baklava, and mille-feuille. Baklava is especially popular among the Teleri of Alqualondë, and it’s a favorite dessert of Princess Eärwen herself. Her father, on the other hand, prefers rose-flavored lokum, the chewy gelatinous candy coated in powdered sugar, which is a delicacy mostly enjoyed during festivals and weddings. A commemorative box of lokum and baklava was given out to the people of Alqualondë during the wedding of Finarfin and Eärwen. Lokum is especially popular among the Teleri of Tol Eressëa, and it was one of the sweets they shared with the Dúnedain of Númenor during the early years of the Second Age— where it would become a very popular Númenórean dessert.

Noldor: Biscuits and cookies are their preferred dessert. They’re quick and easy to make, and they can be enjoyed while they’re reading or smithing. Butter biscuits are very popular among the Noldorin population of Aman, and they happen to be Fëanor's favorite kind. When Fëanor and Nerdanel were married, Finwë handed out commemorative tins of butter biscuits to celebrate their union. The same thing happened for the wedding of Fingolfin and Anairë as well. These butter biscuits are also enjoyed in Nargothrond and Eregion, and are a common gift given during the Yule holiday. The Noldor of Gondolin, on the other hand, prefer sandwich biscuits with a rich ganache filling. When Tuor and Idril were married, a tin of these biscuits were given as commemorative gifts to the city's population. And though the ingredients of Middle-earth aren't the same as those in the Blessed Realm, the Noldor were quick to adapt and utilize these new ingredients to make these biscuits.

[theworldbrewery]

1d8 Holiday Celebrations and Rituals

The Feast of Saint Rakhbar, a feast day for a half-orc martyr at which volunteers are stripped down, oiled, and publicly flagellated to absolve the community of its sins. Locals insist it's not a kink thing. No one is quite sure what else it could be. The feast day also features footraces, incense mixing, and a whole roast aurochs.

Hellebore Night, a celebration of life taking place in spring the first evening after hellebore flowers bloom in the graveyards. During this time, celebrants take the name of a deceased loved one and make up their face and clothing to resemble a risen zombie. In some regions, the celebration lasts an entire week, although the costume is usually only worn at night.

HurdyFest, an annual three-day hurdy-gurdy music festival. It started off as a very indie event but it’s gotten really corporate in the last few years. It’s still popular with bards who are trying to garner fame, but most who try realize they’re being completely drowned out by some of the biggest names in the hurdy-gurdy business.

Libration, a holiday that hybridizes winemaking with prison abolition. It is celebrated on the anniversary of a riot that destroyed a massive penitentiary and liberated thousands of starved prisoners, but it also happens to line up with the season for crushing grapes for wine, so over the years the two events have merged into one decadent, hedonistic festival.

Remembrance Day, a national holiday recently established in memorial to a particularly successful military general, several generations ago, of whom the current monarch is a special fan but nobody else really cares about his historical importance. It features pyrotechnics and prestidigitation effects to simulate war, sort of generically, and cakes iced to look like a generic elven man since no one really knows what this general looked like.

Starstone’s Eve and Starstone, a celebration that occurs the night of, and the day after, a particularly impressive meteor shower each year in midsummer. On Starstone’s Eve, spectators stay up until the wee hours of the morning to watch the beautiful display. Starstone itself is considered a day of rest for most after the night’s festivities. However, for metalworkers, it is often a day of hard work tracking down bits of cooling meteorite to use as materials for their craft.

Harvestman’s Toll, a ritual day that occurs at the start of a period of prescribed burning, usually after a harvest or before planting season. Throughout the day, the people clear strips of land to act as a firebreak and meditate on their status as stewards of the land and sustainers of the community. To kick off the burn, celebrants dance and sing unaccompanied on the chaff left behind in their fields, scattering reserved seeds with wild abandon. Only after the dancing has ceased and the fields are empty do the celebrants ignite the burn.

A nameless tradition practiced on the day of the first hard freeze, on which all other activities cease in favor of preparing The Soup. The Soup is a recipe that varies from family to family, but generally involves a very large cauldron, a lot of water, and the addition of any ingredient that won’t last until spring or which feels weather-appropriate. The Soup is eaten by the household, shared with visitors, and eventually foisted on passersby when the household gets sick of eating it. Fortunately, you can always visit a friend’s house to have a different variety of The Soup.

[chamberofthespirit]

As September approaches:

Let's talk about Michaelmas 𓇢𓆸

As a Catholic folk witch, I must say I'm pretty excited for Michaelmas cause I haven't been good at keeping up with Catholic holidays, but I'm gonna start trying so I can have fun stuff to look forward to.

Michaelmas, also known as the Feast of the Archangels, is a holiday on September 29th that celebrates the Archangels and St. Michael's defeat of Lucifer. It also celebrates the end of the harvest and the autumn equinox.

Now here is some popular Michaelmas foods:

~ Goose

Also known as a "Stubble Goose", which is prepared around the time of harvest and fattened on stubble fields.

~ Michaelmas Bannock

Bread or cake made from equal parts barley, oats, and rye. In remembrance of absent friends or those who have passed, breads that have been blessed at Mass were given to the poor in their names.

~ Nuts

A tradition was cracking nuts on Michaelmas Eve (September 28th)

~ Blackberries

Folklore in the British Isles say that Michaelmas is the last day to pick blackberries due to the legend that Lucifer fell on a prickly blackberry bush when he fell from Heaven. So blackberries shouldn't be eaten the days after Michaelmas. Before Michaelmas, people would make blackberry jams and pies.

Now, the Michaelmas flower:

Asters (Michaelmas daisy), was one of the few flowers left around at that time of year when a procession was held at the Isle of Skye in Scotland. This got the rhyme, "The Michaelmas daisies, among dead weeds, Bloom for St Michael's valorous deeds." People like to plant these during the harvest time so they'll be around during Michaelmas or use them as decoration for the holiday.

Some ways people celebrate Michaelmas:

~ Having a gathering for family and friends

~ Preparing autumn harvest foods like pumpkins and squash

~ Giving to the poor

~ Attending church

Sorry for not being active for so long!