Heraldry of Kislev
Shoika Day is the first day of the year in the Gospodarin Calendar, named after the first Tzarina of Kislev, Shoika. It marks the day Shoika finished construction of the City of Kislev,[2a] leaving behind her title as Khan-Queen of the Gospodars and adopting that of Tzarina, founding the nation of Kislev which stands to this day.[1a]
Shoika Day coincides with the summer solstice, the most important holy day for the Kislevite God of the Sun Dazh.[1b]
History[]
While Khan-Queen Miska conquered most of the land of modern Kislev, it was her daughter Shoika who turned those conquests into a new homeland for her people. Under the rulership of Shoika, the city that was to become Kislev was built, and the realm began to take shape into the nation it was today. After her new capital was finished, Shoika declared herself the Tzarina of Kislev, and the nation of Kislev was founded under her edict. In doing so, Shoika established the Gospodarin Calendar,[1a] with the day marking the first day of year 1.[1d] The day was summer solstice, the holiest of days of Dazh, Kislevite God of the Sun.[1b]
Celebrations[]
The summer solstice is the most important day for the worship of Dazh. On the solstice, Dazh’s power is at its height, and he spends the most time shining his fire down upon the world. To celebrate, a great pyre is lit and animal sacrifices burned upon it, typically whole ox, horse, or elk carcasses. In the capital, a dozen head of cattle are slaughtered for the pyre. The faithful also place in the fire pieces of parchment bearing special prayers to Dazh to intercede on their behalf. As the king of the sky, he has connections to all the Gods and so is petitioned for such things as good harvests, good health, and even love and riches.[1b]
In the farthest northern reaches, this ritual still exists in its original form, with a Human sacrifice instead of an animal. Typically, the victim is an unmarried girl, for she cannot grow to be a warrior and does not yet care for children. While a sad event, it is not seen as evil in any way—far worse would be to cause Dazh to hide his face and the whole stanitsa freeze to death.[1b]
The Ice Witches’ only formal gathering is the annual Erengrad Caucus in the Frosthome. This gathering starts the day after Shoika Day, as during summer solstice the cold flows of Ice Magic are at their most sluggish, which helps ensure magic is not used to settle arguments between the Witches. They use the gathering as an opportunity to discuss matters of import, record deaths, share lore, meet old friends and enemies, and generally politick. By the end, the most powerful witch declares the decisions made by her sisters for the coming year, which are decided by majority vote.[1c]