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.

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!

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]

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?

[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?

[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. )

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.

[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!

[fujimaru]

No matter where you go, people are people.

[ She says it with good humor, amused rather than annoyed. Even in a world ruled by a singular tyrant human, there are things that have felt comfortably (and uncomfortably, let's be honest) familiar. ]

I'd say Christmas is more... universal? As long as you get out of Japan. I think it's some kinda religious thing in other places, but I mostly know it for cake and presents and KFC.

...which is a fried chicken restaurant. They're pretty good if you're just looking for something fast and basic, most of the time.

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!!!]

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.

u/n: vox_persona

[heart_demands]

Have you considered an internet search targeted at videos?

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]

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.

[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.

[saxum]

The difference in the regard held between the people of our nations and their Archon is quite vast. Many in Liyue say that the absence of their God is... well, Godless. However I have come to learn that this is not true. Barbatos, while absent, has left his people with very much, and they choose to celebrate that which he has given them in this manner. To display their love for his sacrifices, and the freedom he has given them, so they may live in peace and joy.

We of Liyue find it difficult to see, perhaps because those of Mondstadt carry their love for their Archon in their hearts.

[ And he has to wonder, for how long he's been present to the people of Liyue, how long they'll continue to love and remember him... will he be as much of a permanent, loved staple as Barbatos? Or will he fade away to the winds of time?

He can only wait to see what happens in the future. ]

Perhaps, were I to return to Teyvat, I may find myself the time to travel to Mondstadt and see this festival of love for myself.

[ He's not giving flowers to Venti though. Fuck that guy. ]

[saxum]

Ah, I have read of this location known as Japan. It seems to hold customs similar of what resides within the nation of our land known as Inazuma. And I've come to understand that which is referred to as fried foods, though I have not had the opportunity to sample what one calls fried chicken. This is produced with the machine known as an air fryer, yes?

[ He's not sure why y'all would want to make fried chicken so important on a religious holiday but good food always tends to coincide with grand festivals. ]

[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. ]

[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. ]

[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.

[angelolatry]

I'll have to look into it and ask. Maybe one of the friends I've made here knows more about this Halloween and Christmas....but that does sound so pretty. And that's nice. A nice way, I think. To remember them and welcome them back even if just for that night.

[Her mother. Her grandmother. Even Lloyd's, Anna, Kratos had told her about. There were losses. People she misses or at least wishes Lloyd got to see again. So this really seems like a bittersweet celebration of sorts. If a beautiful one. Colette would certainly join in if they had such a thing here.]

[snaccs]

( he's nodding on his end of the call, humming in understanding. )

I see. That sounds similar to Obon. ( lanterns, remembrance of the dead, and all. he wonders if Rumi goes to the festivals now, the loss of her parents just a long faded memory, a twinge of melancholy but not the trauma it once was. ) Though... that's hosted in August.

( and not at all here, though that's hardly surprising. )

Traditionally, new year is spent visiting temples and shrines back home. People will make their prayers for the year and purchase charms to bring them luck.

[sos_pilot]

Oh, Halloween is the BEST! Everyone dresses up in costumes, and kids scour the neighborhoods for candy... while we adults wait in the shadows, ready to scare them!

[fujimaru]

Inazuma...

[ Like the same word in Inazuma Eleven? And isn't that just the word for "lightning"? But maybe there's someone out there who has just as bad of naming sense as she does... ]

--Uh, anyway, there's also a deep fryer, if you're willing to just kind of take your life in your hands.

[ Both in the sense of so much more fat, and also, boiling oil is kind of scary. Ritsuka is also not sure why the association is there, but she does like pretty much all fried foods, so she's not complaining. ]