The Calendar of the Middle World
There are two main calendars for the Middle World: the Celestial, and the Majirahan. They are both equally acknowledged, although the Celestial tends to see more use. Both calendars are lunar, following the Moon for its 28-day cycle.It is currently spring, if players have been keeping track. The waters of the mountains were beginning to thaw and open up trade between Majriah and Tahirah.
The Celestial Calendar
The Celestial Calendar was established by Katsumoto, the first Emperor of Taishan, after the departure of the Celestials to the Celestial Stage. It is composed of twelve months, divided into four seasons. I've put reference months for our own calendar to help it make sense.
It should be noted that Taishan does not experience much terrible cold during the "winter" months. It is fairly temperate, although it does get colder (perhaps 5 degrees Celsius) and the rains become non-existent.
The Calendar starts at the beginning of the Third Age, with the reign of Katsumoto. Each Era is logged by the Emperor on the throne. The current age is the Thirty-Seventh Year, in the Age of Nobukazu, the current Emperor.
The Season of Planting
The Month of the Dragon (February)The start of the new year begins with homage to the Emperor, granted power by Di Lung the Earth Dragon and sovereignty by his blood of the Jade Emperor.
Holidays: The Day of Honor
The Month of Buds (March)
As Taishan begins to blossom, the people celebrate. Planting Day marks the beginning of the growing season for the outlying domains. The Flower Festival is held in the capital, a day for love and honor of the beauty of nature.
Holidays: Planting Day, The Flower Festival
The Month of the Tortoise (April)
As the tortoise moves slowly through time, so must a person: aware of its passing and its life, and memory of those now gone are cherished to strengthen those in the present. The major holiday of this month is Ancestors' Day, in which people pay tribute to their long line of ancestors and family standing, which is important in Taishan.
Holidays: Ancestors' Day
The Season of Growth
The Month of the Horse (May)The beginning of working farming season and travels, the Month of the Horse is often seen as the start of merchants' travels through the Empire, often bringing back riches from the western deserts of Majirah (before the heat settles there).
Holidays:None
The Month of Pinwheels (June)
The Month of Pinwheels is the time for love and elegant parties. Often it is seen as the luxury downtime of the nobles, while the lower castes of Taishan use it as an opportunity to ply for favor from those in power. The Festival of Hearts is the equivalent of Valentine's Day.
Holidays:Festival of Hearts
The Month of Kui (July)
The rainy season in Taishan is strongest during the Month of Kui. It is often either a blessing or a curse for the outer farming provinces, and those who work along the coasts avoid tsunami and storms. The Plum Festival at the beginning of the month celebrates the ripe harvests of that fruit, a symbol of Taishan's elegance.
Holidays:Plum Festival
The Season of Harvesting
The Month of the Fox (August)As farming begins to settle down, the Month of the Fox allows the noble and priest castes of Taishan to travel the outer lands and check on the subjects of the Empire. The Courtly Hunts are performed by the provincial lords in an effort to cull any dangerous or overpopulating beasts, and the largest trophies are brought before Emperor Nobukazu.
Holidays: The Courtly Hunts
The Month of Reaping (September)
The majority of farms are tended to in order to bring in produce for the coming colder months.
Holidays:None
The Month of the Owlbear (October)
Leaves begin falling from trees, and the Month of the Owlbear reminds the Empire that autumn is closing around them. The Festival of the Moon honors the spirit world and the autumnal equinox.
Holidays: Festival of the Moon
The Season of Respect
The Month of the Peacock (November)
The Month of Sapphires (December)
The Month of the Snake (January)
The Majirahan Calendar
The Majirahan Calendar revolves around passing seasons only. Life in the desert does not afford different horticulture, so the people of the desert rely mostly on seasons "being cooler" or "too hot."
The Majirahan Calendar follows the rule of the Shahs, which goes back some 1000 years to the close of the First Age. The current ruler is Shah Kalid, who is relatively young. The current age is the 12th Year of Kalid.
Season of the Moon
(November-January)
Festivals:Feast of El-Alrairah, Celebration of Memory
Season of the Flower
(February-April)
Festivals: Fete of the Shah
Season of the Sun
(May-July)
Festivals: Shadesong, Festival of the Burning Tree
Season of the Star
(August-October)
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