Exiles of Eire: Aos Si Samhain Traditions

In the Exiles of Eire series, Maya and Daire tell the story while Tir Na Nog is in a state of extreme change. But what about business as usual? The Aos Si are an endangered civilization trapped in world caught in eternal stasis, but they still love their traditions.

First off, it's a given that these people love their parties. Any excuse to get together with their plates full of food, their cups full of alcohol, and their ears full of music is worth putting together a big table and holding a feast. Samhain isn't any different in that respect. But it's the most important celebration of the year, so it has to be the longest.

Everyone leaves their homes and goes to the capital, Tara, through the through mirrors set in the standing stones that surround its grand courtyard. Tara's  underground fortress transforms into more of a hotel from that point on until the High King and/or High Queen brings the celebration to an end. How long is that? It can be days to weeks, depending on the stamina of the guests. No one is allowed to take up arms against anyone, though. Spoiling the peace with unsanctioned violence ruins everyone's good time. If guests break the rule, the High King/High Queen grants them a punishment fitting the crime. If the host is the source of the trouble, then they could have a riot on their hands. Bad hospitality from Tara's leadership has inspired anything from public scorn to dethroning.

The big monarch in charge of hosting works with the sacred treasure that supplies their food to deliver an appropriately themed menu that honors the coming of the new year. Traditionally it's heavier fare full of sweet and savory autumnal pastries and meat dishes designed to fuel everyone's fun for the all-day-long festivities. The wine and ale of choice will have cinnamon notes and more of a kick than the rest of the year. Nobody goes home with an empty stomach or a dry throat.

They get the ceremonial pledges and toasts to honored rulers out of the way first. Their feudal style system of government reserves this peaceful time to thank their higher ups. If something important comes up, like an election or coronation for instance, they'll get those political pleasantries out of the way before the real fun starts.

Musicians of all levels are welcome to perform on the open stage, but only the best stay there long. The dance area around the giant bonfire at the center of everything rarely goes completely empty, and that happens during sunup hours when many flee inside to recharge or engage in more intimate entertainment with each other. Anything from line dancing to individual couples showing off their skills surrounded by clapping onlookers can fill it at any given time--sometimes the more exhibitionist crowd will take their antics into NC17 territory.

I hope you enjoyed this glimpse into Exiles of Eire's hidden fae society before a certain human came in and proceeded to wreck everything (it wasn't her fault, really, she was just the match that lit the fuse to the dynamite pile they'd been building forever).