voice | un: G★pa

[saxum]

One is able to learn much from a people and their culture through that which they celebrate. The land of Liyue is known for holding many varied festivals through the year, one of which resides upon the first full moon of the year, known as the Lantern Rite.

Here I am told there are many of these sorts of festivities known as holidays. I believe I have heard one which is approaching soon is called Halloween, and upon the last month it has been told to me there is an event known as Christmas.

I would like to learn more about these holidays and others, and I find gaining this knowledge from other individuals comes to be a more fulfilling experience than reading of descriptions in books and text.

[ He's also brewing tea right now and wants something to talk about while passing the time.

Zhongli takes a long time to brew tea... ]

Comments

voice: un: capn_benny

[rotacalamitas]

I've heard about the Lantern Rite! Since it's all the way in Liyue, I've never been able to go, but I always thought it'd be cool to go. You know, see the lanterns, try lots of food... All that good stuff!

[He only vaguely knows what the Lantern Rite is like, to be honest. It's got lanterns, right?]

Back in Mondstadt, we've got the Windblume Festival.

[saxum]

All are welcome to participate in the Lantern Rite. All that is needed is one's wish for whatever they desire most, and a lantern to release unto the sky. Many lanterns are prepared for the occasion, and their intent is to rise into the darkness, illuminating the path for spirits and souls that have been lost to time through their efforts to protect the land. The light of the lanterns allows them to return to their companions for a brief moment.

I've heard passerby within the port speak of preparations for Windblume, though I have never experienced it. [ He's never bothered asking Venti either because, y'know, stupid ancient old man grudges. ] What occurs during the Windblume festival?

[rotacalamitas]

It sounds cool! Hopefully whenever I get the chance to go to Liyue, it's during the Lantern Rite!

[What he desires most... For someone like him, he gets the feeling it wouldn't be as simple as just making a wish on a lantern. His luck never is...]

Well... Windblume is... It's a love festival! We offer Windblumes to Barbatos, the Anemo Archon, and to the people we love and adore. It's not just romantic love, either, it can be to friends, family or even just people you admire! Plus, there's always tons of fun activities to do. Gliding courses, balloon shots, music games... It's a blast, haha!

[There's a pause.]

In the past, I used to mostly participate in the games, or give Windblumes to my dads. It's already too late for Windblume this year, but next time... I really wanna go all in!

voice; un: GIGOLO

[champagnetower]

[This only excites Hifumi, since he has many fun ideas planned for the host club and the upcoming holidays. Not only will Zhongli get to learn about them, but he will have the opportunity to be part of the celebrations as well!]

People wear costumes for Halloween! In fact, I have plans to do something special for Halloween with the host club. Customers coming in costumes will certainly be fun! I'm thinking about a specific costume theme for the hosts to add to the fun as well! I'd love to hear any of your ideas!

[saxum]

Costumes... I see. As I have little understanding of the traditions of Halloween, I am afraid I cannot offer very much in regard to ideas. The other hosts may prove more suitable for advice. However whatever decision you make, I shall agree in accordance and adapt to the best of my ability.

Is there any sort of importance to the costumes?

[champagnetower]

[Zhongli's question makes Hifumi laugh a little. Importance huh... the only importance is that they're a real treat! Or they will be to Hifumi anyway!]

It is simply something fun to do! Even if you're not familiar with that particular concept, did people dress up for special events in your world? Things such as formal wear for weddings, or costumes for performances, things of that nature. Except in the case of Halloween the special event is just to have fun!

video | un: maruchan

[fujimaru]

That sounds really similar to something in my world! Except it's usually in the summer, not the beginning of the year.

Christmas is like... it depends on where you are? Like, when I was home, it was was a whole romantic holiday, where you go buy KFC and cake and go on a date, but when I was visiting family abroad, it's a whole big fancy thing.

[ And when you're at Chaldea, it's a whole ridiculous hullabaloo. ]

Valentine's Day is hell, though.

[saxum]

I would not be surprised if we speak of similar concepts and traditions, yet they are know by differing names and dates. It says much to the will of living beings to hold to the same ideals among multiple universes.

[ In terms of the Lantern Rite, we all remember the deceased in different ways and want them to never be forgotten, and that never seems to change. The only difference is how you go about dealing with the deceased. Working at a funeral parlor has taught him a lot about that. ]

I was not present during Valentine's Day, however I came to learn it was also primarily seen as a romantic holiday to be enjoyed by lovers and the like. However, I wonder what differentiates it from Christmas.

Also, what is KFC?

voice; un: t.maruki

[snaccs]

So, the Lantern Rite is how you bring in the new year? ( because new year in Japan is always a fun time. )

[saxum]

Though they are events which occur in close tandem, one does not entail the other. Though it could be said that while it is necessary to celebrate the new year for the occurrence of new beginnings, the Lantern Rite allows us to remember our past and those who are no longer with us. As the people wish towards the future, lost souls are guided to return to Liyue, so the past is not forgotten.

Voice; un: colette

[angelolatry]

Christmas? What's that? I suppose, my birthday was sort of like a holiday back home. For the people of Iselia, we had a church ceremony celebration. But I guess outside of Emil and Kratos, nobody else here would know about the Church of Martel here and our celebrations back home. I wouldn't mind learning about these other celebrations either! Halloween and Christmas. And the lanterns! That sounds really pretty, a lantern festival.

[saxum]

We may both come to learn of these things together then. I've heard this Halloween occurs upon the final day of the month. I imagine as this date approaches we will see what its festivities entail, as well as that arrives in the future.

[ He hasn't gotten much info other than costumes and KFC. So far these holidays sure are odd. ]

During the Lantern Rite, lanterns are allowed to fill the night sky, and the beauty of the sight is certainly what brings many who are not native to Liyue to travel within the city for the display. However there is importance in the lanterns, of course. The degree of light given is essential in allowing souls of the lost and deceased to once more return to Liyue to seek those who are still living. For these few illuminated nights, as the people bid to wish for what they desire most, those they have lost come to be remembered.

voice; un; dandelionwine

[concierto]

Halloween? Christmas? What interesting names for holidays! What have you learned so far, Zhongli? We should celebrate how they would in this world, together!

[He wants to party!!!]

WHERE DID THIS NOTIF GO...

[saxum]

Though my inquiries are steadily bearing fruit, I must say the festivities of mortals are quite curious within this land and many others... they seem to enjoy much to the degree of over-indulgence.

They would suit you well, bard.

[ What with him just wanting a good time and loving to get drunk. ]

video; un: dellacacy

[sos_pilot]

I could tell you all about Halloween! It's my favorite holiday! And... we do have Christmas in my world, but before I came here, it changed in a big way for me, so I dunno if you want that from me.

[saxum]

You are welcome to share with me as much or as little as you are willing to, though as my location of employment seems keen to celebrate this holiday of Halloween, I would wish to understand it more so I am prepared for when the day comes.

[ His boss told them there'd be costumes and he doesn't really get why but he's gonna roll with it. ]

u/n: vox_persona

[heart_demands]

Have you considered an internet search targeted at videos?

[saxum]

I am afraid my understanding of technology such as that which you call the internet is very minimal. It is easiest for me to gain information of my inquiries through asking others individually or visiting the libraries in this world.

[ He's 6,000 years old and only knows how to reliably text and make selfies so far. He's taking it a little at a time okay. ]

voice; un: spirit_blade

[pureyang]

Halloween? Christmas? Fascinating... I have never heard of such holidays myself. I've been to the Lantern Rite, and I know of the Windblume Festival in Mondstadt, although I haven't gone myself.

It does make one curious, what sort of festivals would be commonplace to those from different worlds. Especially with so many from so many different worlds here in one place.

[saxum]

I am perhaps to find myself learning much more than I had intended, however being separated from one's home brings the melancholy of these lost opportunities, festivities intended to be spent with others, particularly those such as family and loved ones. Perhaps speaking of their traditions will bring them a degree of solace, or the opportunity to find others they have never known understand these festivals which they speak of.

voice; un: weaver

[chatwithdeath]

Which details in particular would you like to know? The holidays as present, or some historical information as well?

[Because she knows most people have already provided likely the essentials and maybe less the why.]

[saxum]

I am not selective of the details one wishes to share with me, though I have come to understand that while many may share the same customs and festivities, the reasoning behind their creation and their significance can differ greatly. Some do not care for history, however it is these events which have passed before us that hold much significance, and this should not be forgotten.

[ It is a very long-winded way of saying, "Tell him all the historical facts, he likes to listen to these things and he has the patience for it too." ]

voice; un: mr. priest

[mycrosstobear]

[Unfortunately, you've caught the attention of a priest who has Opinions about the commercialization of Christmas, courtesy of the last world he got sucked into.]

People will probably tell you some bullshit about "Santa Claus" and how Christmas is all about getting presents and having parties in ugly sweaters. But it's supposed to be a religious holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus, who Christians believe saves us from sin.

gonna cw: religious discussion here just to be safe!

[saxum]

It is not uncommon for the meaning of events to be lost through the passage of time, or for these events to hold differing meaning than what was their initial intention.

[ But he can understand it can be disheartening to see something with one meaning or intention lose what it used to be... people forget things as time goes by. He's 6,000 years old, he's seen it happen plenty of times. Human simply forget and form their own, different history. ]

If I may ask then, would you discuss with me the history of Christmas? I am not familiar with that which you call Jesus or Christians.

voice: un: sephiroth

[sefirot]

What is the point in learning about holidays? What information do you hope to gain from that kind of knowledge?