At Spring Equinox or Mitterfruhl, known as Start Growth among common folk[4a], peasants sacrifice a firstborn lamb to Taal and Rhya. Manann also receives a sacrifice, so that he might calm the seas and spare the land from flooding rivers.[1a] This animal is either thrown into the sea, drowned in a large river, or buried in the woods, depending on the person's location.[4a] The followers of Ulric ritually lament their god's passing and his priests remain in mourning until the autumn.[1a]
A notable custom in Altdorf is the offering of a painted griffon's egg to the Temple of Sigmar. Adventurers comb the mountains for a suitable egg in the preceding months. Few return, and only the largest egg is chosen. Military disaster is foretold for a year when no egg can be presented.[1a] Also in Altdorf, the Emperor's Tournament occurs, the glamorous but deadly culmination of a Reiksguard's training.[2a][3a]
Children born on Start Growth are thought to be quick-tempered and flighty, prone to wanderlust and adventure later in life.[4a]
Trivia[]
- The painted Griffon's Egg is a reference to our own real-world Easter Holiday, the egg representing new life and rebirth within many western traditions and Christian customs. The griffon eggs association with the Church of Sigmar and the need for adventurers to find them only further illustrates its similarities with Christian and Catholic customs.