[Kitten-Girl-500]

Username: KittenGirl2005
Link to pride: Summitfall Pride - in my sig
Prompt Number: E31
Completed Prompt: Summitfall Pride has their own holiday: the Northern Lights Celebration. For a whole week, the pride gets together and has a series of competitions. It's a way for them to keep warm and celebrate at the same time.

The Northern Lights Celebration came from the mountains. When Tupelo joined the pride, he brought his home pride's traditions with him. The mountain prides celebrate the Northern Lights Celebration, but they do it a little differently. The mountain prides have huge mountain-wide competitions, where all the prides in the mountain range get together. Then they have a huge competition where the male lions compete against one another for the title of Northern Lights Champion. They hold it for a year, then defend their title the next year.

When Yang heard of how the mountains prides did it, he decided he wanted to make some changes. For Summitfall Pride's version of the competition, there are different classes for different age groups, and lionesses can compete if they want to. There is one Northern Lights Champion per class, with the youngest getting first pick of the kill as their reward, while the older champions get bragging rights.

The Northern Lights Celebration concludes with a huge feast. For the last day of the festival, the hunters go out and have a competition to see who can catch the best prey. Then at the end of the night, everyone gathers together to have a great meal and share stories of valor and courage. 247 words

Username: KittenGirl2005
Link to pride: Summitfall Pride - link in my sig
Prompt Number: E32
Completed Prompt: For the Summitfall Pride, when winter sets in, they all huddle inside their dens and share stories. Mates cuddle together for warmth and listen as the older lions tell of old, when powerful lions had control of the prides and waged war against one another.

The cubs aren't interested in hearing tales of revelry, though. All they want to do is play. Before a snowstorm hits, Yang transforms his den into a huge obstacle course for the cubs. They love gallivanting about and seeing who can complete all the obstacles first. The reeds Yang threads into the rock crevices hang down, and the cubs leap upward, trying to bat at the cattail. Tanger is always there with the cubs, though, while Yang goes and listens to the stories and tells some of his own. Tanger doesn't really mind; to him, hanging out with the youngest members of the pride is way better than hearing stories of old. 157 words

[Frisco]

Username: Frisco
Link to pride: The Dreamcatchers

Prompt Number: E31 [ 225 words ]
Completed Prompt:

During the winter season there is a special night that lions all throughout the realm celebrate. It is the winter solstice, the longest night of the year. The way it is celebrated differs with region. The Dreamcatchers like to find a quiet place, high on a cliff or in a quiet plain, where the sky isn’t obscured by trees and observe the night sky. They watch the stars appear and sometimes even the aurora borealis. It is a time of reflection and appreciation.

Since the creation of the Moon Initiative lions have been using their human forms more than every before. Because of that they adapted some human habits and culture, including the Christmas holidays. They did not squire the religious part, they do not know it and aren’t really interested. They do however found it that celebrating with decorations and gifts during winter, when the nights are longest and the sky is darkest is a neat idea. They use colourful lights to decorate and, on a special day, some of them gift each other when the first star appears in the sky. There is no deeper meaning behind it and it is celebrated solely for fun and to relive the stress of day-to-day life. It does however give them a feeling of belonging and unity when they decide, hang and discuss about the ornaments.

Prompt Number: E32 [ 168 words ]
Completed Prompt:

Cold winters and snow are rare in the Dreamcatcher’s territory, but this year it has been snowing almost every day, as if the weather is trying to make up for all the lost years. The lions found themselves rather stumped, not knowing how to deal with this. They’re used to draughts, sand, sunny days and eventually mud and rain. Now they’re forced to leap through the piles of white fluff to get anywhere.

Many of them prefer to stay within the walls of the headquarters, where the fires are lit and give more warmth than their fur. The new recruits who have to stay outside on the training grounds huddle up together whenever they’re not practising and hide under trees from the falling snow.

Only the cubs are thrilled. They love hiding in the snow, digging tunnels and eating it. The most fun is catching the snowflakes by sticking their tongues out when it’s snowing. They’re fascinated by how shiny the adults’ manes become when sprinkled with snowflakes.

[-Isabella-]

Username: Isabella45
Link to pride: xxXxx
Prompt Number: E31
Completed Prompt:

Katonda Pride celebrates The Days of Giving. This is a twelve day period in which lions exchange gifts they have purchased or made earlier in the season.
Families tend to celebrate in private on the twelfth day, giving their gift to their family members and enjoying a meal together and perhaps some games.
Before that is the time to give gifts to friends and share meals and games with those outside your family.

The royal family usually hosts some kind of festival or feast for the whole pride as their gift to everyone and every lion is able to attend from the most lowly to the highest ranking members. Usually this feast or festival takes place on the eleventh day and on the twelfth day the royal family, like so many others, retreats to celebrate in private with their loved ones.

While this is not necessarily King Chikondi's favorite holiday he keeps it up year after year since it is a long standing tradition that many lions would hate to lose.
(171/150)


Prompt Number: E32
Completed Prompt:
King Chikondi has made sure the royal family is well supplied with furs for the cold. The dens that serve as the royal chambers are all well protected in the hills anyway and any windows are covered with thick curtains to keep out the cold.

Some of the nobility, the princess in particular, will give out some furs to the lower ranking lions and those skilled in weaving or sewing will fashion blankets for the season.

Before the cold arrives lions are assigned the task of making sure all the structures around the pride are sturdy and not too drafty. If any are found to be lacking they will be reinforced before the cold comes.

Some of the lowest ranking lions might be on their own figuring out how to fortify their homes so creativity can be required at times. More often than not these lions will have hidden away material or furs throughout the year to be brought out and utilized when the cold arrives.

(166/150)

[MySpoons]

Username: MySpoons
Link to pride: The New Guard
Prompt Number: E31, E32

E31

Winter holidays are more of... end of the year holidays in the rainforest surrounding the Silver Ruins. Families and those who traveled to the Silver Ruins from more northern lands or from the nearby mountains have holidays that have more to do with a real winter.

Astrona enjoys the bounty holidays. They are holidays related to extra stock or food at the end of the year, where the community gathers surplus items and goods. Bounty celebrations are a mix of trading, sharing, or donating to those who have less. Gifts are often purchased or given at this time as well.

When Astrona lived at the Silver Ruins she helped run the festivities and keep everything as organized as running as smoothly as possible. Gifts were given to the Guard, donated to the Guardians. Individual gifts were exchanged amongs the rooks and apprentices, as well as mentor to apprentice. But Astrona loves the celebration the most, seeing all the families get together and enjoy the end of the year. She wants to keep the a similar tradition for here in the valley.

[181/150]

E32

Summer in the Valley was very warm-- even to Astrona, who is used to the stifling humidity of the rainforest she grew up in. But the heat in the Valley is dry and sucks the energy right out of you. She thought the heat was bad... until winter crept into the gorge from the mountainous terrain far north.

The first time she wakes up and frost is on the ground she half-things it is an act by the gods. Some god she doesn't know. But then she gets over herself and goes about her daily chores, internally grumbling. At least the sun takes care of it by mid-morning.

Snow, though? That's some ungodly ridiculousness. Astrona didn't get out of bed 'til late afternoon that day, curled up in her bed of dried grass and wishing for a thicker coat and a fur pelt to keep her warm. Winter was not something she ever thought to prepare for!

[157/150]

[Mid-life]

marking ;)

[EchoIre]

Username: EchoIre
Link to pride: Motoheri Pride
Prompt Number: E31, E32
Completed Prompt:

E31 [297]
One the very last day of the year, lions of the Motoheri Pride father to celebrate Hayahiba - an ancient celebration honoring the gift of life. To have survived a year is a great accomplishment, a blessing. It is a day-long event, generally celebrated by the entire extended family. For this reason, parties often shift and change throughout the day as lions visit every reach of their familial connections. Gifts are exchanged throughout, and the day of Hayahiba is one that is much anticipated by lions young and old. Elders are celebrated in the morning; a feast of the eldest lion's favorite prey is often prepared, and the family will spend this time together to show thanks for their progenitors and learn the tales of their lineage.

Come midday, it is the adults who are celebrated with brisk competitions that are often crafted by those they celebrate. Some families participate in a battle of wits, while others attempt to stack pebbles on a partner's nose - whatever competitions may be thought are are generally carried out heartily. This is a time for laughter and life, of vitality and strength.

As the night falls, attention shifts to the youngest members of the family. Here, traditions vary, likely due to a shift in culture as the Pride became more segregated. Families of predominately Scouts or Gatherers will prepare hunts for colorful prizes for their cubs, while Hunter families bestow finely crafted trophies to their youngest members. Guard and Warrior families celebrate with a feast as large as they can gather, and often invite unrelated neighbors to join - so long as they share a similar status in the pride. These celebrations have begun to mingle and mix in recent years, but a noticeable devise still exists between the traditions of each faction.


E32 [187]
While it rarely gets very cold in the desert, 'cool' is almost too cold for lions who wilt in the harsh midday sun. As such, they craft fires much earlier in the year than other lions might, and swathe themselves and their homes with the best pelts they can find. Families of any size tend to sleep in a pile to ward off the chill of the night, while lions who find themselves alone may turn to friends in a similar position, or simply get more pelts.

Snow is an extremely rare occasion, first, it must be cold enough for such weather. Then, there must be enough water in the atmosphere, which is especially rare in a place that s a rekey gets any rain. When it does snow, though, it is generally agreed that a lion should work as little as they can get away with - but still allow the pride to operate - while snow sits on the ground. It is much better to enjoy such a rare instance than spend the day hunting or scouting! On snow days, these desert dwelling lions welcome the cold.

[Tiger♥Bear]

Username: Tiger♥Bear
Link to pride: Pekee Pamoja
Prompt Number: E31
Completed Prompt: The Pekee Pamoja pride celebrates Christmas with a few alterations to tradition. Cubs are told about Santa Claws who brings gifts not only to the cubs who are well-behaved but also to those who are selfless and sharing. Gifts range from cute accessories like hats and scarves to fun toys similar to those for house cats to simple boxes to useful brushes and scratchers. The cubs leave out special treats for Claws such as meat scraps. Santa Claws is described as a large lion with a large mane who wanders the valley and has somehow been around for ages. In addition to Claws gifts, the pride convenes for a dinner feast to exchange more gifts and celebrate the season of giving. Later in the season, they have another large feast to welcome the new year which kicks off the wet season. This season has the most holidays and celebrations. October, November, and December are the three months in the season which combine to make up the autumn and winter. Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years eve, as well as the Coming of Age ceremony (or Kuja Kwa Uzee) and Msumi wa Upendo. (191 Words)

Prompt Number: E32
Completed Prompt: The valley Ukumbi wa Paradiso doesn't really know winter as most of the world does. Even during the colder months the temperature doesn't drop much lower than forty degrees Fahrenheit. Chilling winds, colorful leaves, dying grass, and plants losing their fruits- these are what can often be seen during this time of year. They rarely see snow, if at all. Snow is usually only seen in the Kilele Cha Juu mountains to the north just before reaching the high snowy region known as Msitu wa Baridi. Despite the weather seeming to be not too bad, the lions still feel it's a bit chilly. It's not as nice as they're used to. To keep warm, families tend to huddle much closer in the night. The royal family has the most shelter within the den by the pond. There are a few hills scattered around the plains that offer some shelter from harsh winds. (152 Words)

[TheSongOfTheStars]

Username:
Link to pride: Forum/viewtopic.php?f=103&t=4147574&p=128093834#p128093834
Prompt Number: E31
Completed Prompt:
They exchange gifts of the other lion's favorite prey

Username: TheSongOfTheStars
Link to pride: Forum/viewtopic.php?f=103&t=4147574&p=128093834#p128093834
Prompt Number: E32
Completed Prompt:

[Ravenshadow17]

Username: Ravenshadow17
Link to pride: Soul Pride
Prompt Number: E31 and E32
Completed Prompt:

The Soul Pride does not celebrate a particular winter holiday. However, they do enjoy how the cold winds make the stars above all the more clear. The pride enjoy spending cold winter nights curled up together in the center of their den to keep warm as they look up at the expanse of space above. The older lions will tell amazing tales passed down through the generations about how certain constellations were formed. Favorites include The Great Lion and the Dark Dragon about the constellations Leo and Draco, as well as The Journey of Two Bears, the story of Ursula Major and Minor. The younger lions who have not heard these tales, alongside great warrriors who have heard them numerous times, settle down with eager paws and listen to their elders weave these tales with the ease that comes with endless repetition. The entire pride often falls asleep like this on cold winter nights.

This winter Frozz stumbled upon a unique discovery in the territory. He had been looking for moss and feathers to line the dens to keep the pride warm as the weather turned cold when he noticed steam in the air. He followed it curiously and to his shock, nestled into the side of the gorge, just on the edge of the Soul Pride's territory was a hot spring! He quickly noted some landmarks and made his way back to the main den to report his finding. The entire pride soon returned with him and the warm water was a relief to them all. It chased away the winter chill, and it's location against the gorge prevented the wind from freezing them again as they stepped out of the water. A lion just had to wait for their fur to dry in one of the small caves that lined the gorge before heading home, and they wouldn't feel the cold at all. The after effects of the warm water keeping them nice and toasty.

[LoSt In PrOgReS]

Username: Lost in progres
Link to pride: Eternal snow
Prompt Number: E31
Completed Prompt:
xXx
In the winter the pride celebrates the past year. The beginning of the celebration is marked by a lion of the pride spotting the first snowy owl. When this owl is spotted the lion to first lay eyes on it will go and grab the leader, who starts off the celebration by roaring at the ancestors to let them know that the pride has survived and thrived another year.

The festivities are quite simple. They last for 10 days after spotting the first owl and usually the first thing the lions do is gather at the camp. There, all cubs born that year are given trinkets. These are small items, usually hand made, that are a kind of memento of the first year of their lives. They are usually highly treasured by cubs. These trinkets are usually carefully crafted, whoever is given the task to make one spends hours upon hours on them, often from the very moment the cub is born. Because of this, they are often items with very intricate designs. They are not only given to celebrate a cub's life, but also to remind the cub that they are, and always will be, treasured by the pride. It is meant to be an item kept by the cub for their entire life. Some trinkets are simple items while others function as accessories or weapons. Still, they are always kept and treasured, even if one were to break.

After that, the next 3 days are all about celebrating the last year. Couples see this as an 'anniversary' of sorts and give each other small gifts. Big achievements are also celebrated by small gifts, usually related to what they achieved. Most commonly these achievements are things like a cub gaining their pride role and being considered an adult and lions completing big missions or hunts but it can be for anything really.

The next day is dedicated to lions who joined the pride in the past year. The pride attached great value to their cub trinkets, but since many lions joining aren't cubs they don't get their trinkets on the same day. These lions are still valued the same as cubs, and the trinkets are still given for the same reason. The lions joining are mostly given their trinkets later on in the festivities since it feels slightly awkward to give them to adult lions at the same time as to the cubs after all this makes it seem a bit like the adult lions are given 'toys'. By given them the trinkets later on they can first see the tradition when the cubs are given their trinkets, so they know the meaning the trinkets have when they get one of their own. Sometimes, exceptions are made for this when an orphaned cub joins the pride, in which case that cub is given their trinkets on the first day, along with the other cubs.

The day after that is to celebrate the successful hunting of the past year. To celebrate this, the hunters and anyone else who wants to help try their very best to get everybody's favorite foods. It is usually quite a task, but they also end up with way more food than can be eaten in a day. The pride buries the rest of the food in the snow, as a reserve for the winter, to make sure everyone can enjoy their favorites for at least a little while longer.

The next three days are about forgiveness and leaving any mistakes made behind. Often, lions will use this time to apologize to each other. While in general it is very much frowned upon to hold grudges over what happened over the last year lions usually still take this time to apologize. Others will actually go out of their way to tell another that they have been forgiven for whatever happened. Usually, this is the quietest time of the celebration.

the final day is about the past years dead. During this time, the trinkets that were once given to the lions are buried by the leader or the oracle, if available. It is meant to show not only that the lion who died has not been forgotten but also to show that a piece of them will always stay behind. To the pride members that the lion left behind it is also a significant moment since to the pride, this tradition means that it's time to move on from a lion's passing and to leave behind the sorrow their death has caused and to instead embrace the happiness that the new year will bring them. Any lions who had not previously been given their trinkets are still given their trinkets. They are given to the care of another lion, preferably the oracle, and buried the next year.

The festivities are for everyone, and no member is excluded from them no matter what. (813 words)

Username: Lost in progres
Link to pride: Eternal snow
Prompt Number: E32
Completed Prompt:
xXx
The Eternal snow pride is very much used to the cold. Still, the winter months can be very harsh in the forest. During these harsh winters, special care is given to the cubs and other weaker lions. They are asked to stay inside the camp, preferably inside their dens, but if they find they are strong enough to go outside those wishes are also respected. The only exception to this is for cubs when the snow has layered thick enough to be higher than the cub. At night, the lions tend to all pile up in a big, warm lion pile to keep warm.

Some lions cover themself with furs, wearing them like cloaks or scarves to keep warm. Most lions don't bother with this though since making these clothes takes a lot of time, and most lions are able to just stay warm enough with just their own fur. (150 words)