First Snow
A traditional yearly celebration of the native faith, First Snow is traditionally celebrated on the first day of the year when there is a snowfall that accumulates without melting after hitting the ground. This date is usually predicted in advance by individuals trained to observe and predict weather trends. Historically, the ceremonial part of the celebration is conducted by priestesses of Fuyuzora, the goddess of winter in a special region of Underhill. As of 2006, First Snow has begun to be celebrated outside of Underhill as well, although in slightly altered form.
A typical First Snow ceremony takes place in a clearing or open glade in a forested area, often in the late afternoon or early evening. As many dead leaves as possible are cleaned off the trees so as to leave their bare branches arcing overhead; the trees are then hung with charms and ornaments in shades of white, silver, and pale blue. While the ground is cleared of any large sticks or rocks that may impede movement, dead leaves, snow, and smaller sticks are left as is; the area is kept close to it's natural state.
The primary ceremonial part of the celebration consists of a dance performed by a triad of individuals touched by winter, most often but not always priestesses of Fuyuzora. Ritual garb for the dance consists of a knee length flowing tunic and loose trouser of white wool, layered over grey silk garments of the same cut. An icy blue scarf is tied under the bust, holding two long scarves of white gauze close to the body above that point. The dance moves in an inward spiral, typical of Yuriban and Lilian magic intended to invoke the past; performed successfully the dance creates a brief illusion of the actual first snow to fall upon Yuriban soil. Music for the dance consists of nine crystal chimes, each played by a different individual and tuned to different notes. The rhythm of the music follows common native patterns: tempo changes often and in, to the Western ear, unusual ways; the tonality is in minor key.
After the performance of the dance, the celebration becomes far less structured, close to what might be called a 'church social'. Traditionally, the first batch of tea from that year's earliest crop of dried Sun Berries is brewed and shared among all present. A variety of bread, pastries, and other warm foodstuffs are often provided, with the remainder of the evening given over to socialization, the sharing of meals, and watching the snow fall.
The ceremony above the hill was conducted in 2006 by breisleach, Moriko, and Nagisa Vendaris in lieu of a priestess of Fuyuzora. In 2007 it was performed by Whisper, Lyra Shade, and Mirabelle O'Shea, in 2008 by Whisper, breisleach, and Nagisa, and in 2009, by a record six dancers, consisting of breisleach, Lisa Moonbeam, Merin, Mirabelle, Soled, and Whisper.
In 2010 the dance was performed by Whisper, breisleach, Lisa, Merin, Kesla and Moriko. Beyond the usual ritual significance the event marked the moment of Moriko's death, the dryad vanishing from Yuriba at the end of the ceremony.