Mondstille, the Winter Solstice, is also known as World Still. It is the height of Ulric's time in the Old World, when his hungry wolves begin circling farms and villages in search of easy meals of Livestock—and the occasional Human victim.[1a] It is dark time, for the winter months are extremely hard and food is scarce, yet also a time of joy and feasting in spite of poverty, for after this day the wheel turns once more to Taal and Rhya's eventual return.[1a][2a] Bonfires are lit in hopes of guiding Taal and Rhya back into the world.[1a]
Verenans see the solstice as a symbolic barrier between the old year and the new, the past and the future, the known and the unknown. The scholars among their number are fixated on the instant when the world literally stops still before continuing on its course. The Cult of Sigmar has also managed to co-opt Mondstille celebrations, mainly through the claim that Sigmar, when he walked in the world, may have taken part in same the Mondstille traditions celebrated today. It's possible that Mondstille observances have even more ancient roots in the Old Faith. In any case, all major Imperial cults recognize the importance of Mondstille. The harsh elements foster a sense of fellowship amongst the people of the Old World, and sense of ecumenism amongst its cults.[2a]
Children born during World Still are known for their laconic and subdued demeanour.[1a]
Traditions[]
- Bonfires are a major tradition on Mondstille, either in order to guide Taal and Rhya back into the world[1a] or in honor of Ulric.[2a]
- The Taal-log is a log meant to be kept burning in the hearth for the entire week of Mondstille. It is said to ward away monsters, and it's certainly considered unlucky to let it go out.[2a]
- Mondstille is something of a beginning to the new year. On Mondstille Eve, families often recount the blessings or, more commonly, bad things that happened in the previous year.[2a]
- Gift-giving is a relatively new custom and is especially popular in Altdorf (though some say it originated in Marienburg as a money-making ploy). In rural Reikland, close family give each other simple gifts. A cosmopolitan Altdorfer, however, would be offended at receiving a cheap or improper gift.[2a]
- In the farthest reaches of the Empire, the pelts of wolves are raised on sticks outside village perimeters, both as a sign of respect for Ulric and a warning for his “children” to stay far away.[1a]