What is the Overworld?
In short, the Overworld is the culmination of every space between planets, solar systems and galaxies. Certain beings live out here in grand cities made from stardust.
Sure, there are millions upon millions of planets with billions of cities, but what of the seemingly empty voids between these planets? The eyes of humans tend to ignore these spaces. It just so happens that these null voids are host to vast kingdoms made from stardust. These beings come in a variety of forms and have their own hierarchy similar to the wealthy/poor/middle classes on Earth. Their culture is super complex so each holiday and festival will be explained further down below!
Months/Year System
They have a similar system to the US day-month-year although they rarely actually use written dates or times. They also tend to go off of Earth years when needed. Their months are more based on seasons than the Earth 12 month cycle. There are four months, Calor (summer), Viam (fall), Duite (winter), Increm (spring). Each season has 91 days, every 4 years Calor has a 92nd day.
Calor
- On the 1st day of Calor is the New Year's celebration. Everyone lines the streets and awaits the large parades that pass by. There are huge food tents, dancing, competitions, sports. It's pretty much like New Orleans during Mardi Gras on hyperdrive.
- A religious festival centering on the sun dance takes place during the 30th day of Calor. Mostly young children and respected elders dance around a pole topped by a Valfflo's head. The Valfflo is a symbol of plenty, and dancers wish for good fortune in the year ahead.
- A week long festival starting on the 84th day is the Renaming. This is a right of passage every being in the Overworld goes through. It symbolizes leaving behind the nonsense of childhood and by taking up a new name you inherit the responsibilities of the rest of eternity.
- Every 4 years Calor has a 92nd day, kind of like a Leap Year on Earth. This is treated much like an April Fool's day on Earth.
Viam
- On the 2nd day of Viam a festival of lights is held. Everybody is painted with white body paint and shimmers. It is a day and night of drinking only and right before midnight a large feast is held to break the day long fast. Lanterns are released, these are what many people on other planets think are "shooting stars".
- The Overworld holds a celebration on the 18th day of Viam, they celebrate the closing of Calor with the strungbuck (a deer-like creature) hunting festival. Two teams of men and boys, dressed in bright costumes, compete to be the first to bring back a live deer to present to the high king's court. Then they all dance together in front of a large bonfire.
-The 80th day of Viam is celebrated with a day of thanks. It is similar to American Thanksgiving. Large groups of family or friends come together to eat and give thanks. Often shrines are made to send greetings to dead loved ones.
Duite
- The 21st day of Duite is somber and sad. It is a day dedicated to help those coping with loss, usually death. Temples are usually crowded with guests and priests. Everyone takes care of each other on this day.
- A 14 day long celebration occurs starting on the 77th day of Duite honors the changing of the seasons. Gifts are given between people, most often parents to children and couples to each other. Each night, a special candle is lit and placed in a special holder, they then stay lit for all 14 days and nights. On the last night a large parade is held where all march through the streets wearing green, white, silver or yellow silks. These colors symbolize the new growth in the upcoming season.
Increm
- On days 1 and 2 of Increm a celebration of color begins. Everyone will dress in green. Children then squirt each other with water pistols filled with yellow, red or silver colored liquid. They also blow colored powder on each other. Everyone gets soaked — and colorful to celebrate Increm and the hope of the good season.
- On the 25th day of Increm a celebration starts that honors an ancient tradition of arranged marriage. This is primarily celebrated by young boys and girls, boys sprinkle girls with perfumed water this symbolizes choosing a future wife— and in return, girls prepare a traditional holiday dinner for them, representing the acceptance of the "proposal". These dinners often contain fruit, vegetables and nuts. This is a meatless holiday because purity and cleanliness are valued.
-On the 50th day of Increm a kite festival begins. Traditionally, young boys celebrate with exciting kite-fighting contests. After putting powdered glass on their strings, they use the strings to try to cut off each other's kites. Whoever keeps his kite the longest wins. The winner is then said to have good fortune finding a girlfriend throughout the season.
