Raise a goblet to give thanks, outstretch a hand to give aid. Feed those who hunger, give kindness to those who need peace.
– Blessing of the Feast Of Qana
History
After the 30-Year Winter, Arnathians began the process of rebuiding their world. It was early spring, and the ground had begun thawing and life was slowly returning to the surface. Many worked to bring back some semblance of normalcy by returning to the ground – planting and tending fields of grain, root vegetables and anything else they could find seeds for. They worked and harvested the few remaining orchards and brought their emaciated livestock out to graze.
They worked under the warming sun all spring and summer, finally starting to provide sustenance for all. When the change of seasons to fall was upon them, they held the first celebration of the Festival of Qana – the Festival of Kindness. While the harvest was not what might be called bountiful, all shared what they had with anyone who needed. Chickens and other fowl were roasted and the meat shared. Grain was harvested and ground for meal and for bread. On this day, the first day of fall, no one would go hungry, no one went unfed. This was a time to give thanks for their survival, and to ensure the survival of all.
Over the centuries since, the Festival celebrations have grown. In small villages, it is a chance to bring neighbors from near and far together for a day of celebration. In larger cities and in some kingdoms, the celebration may last two to three days, with groups going through the streets helping and feeding the down-trodden.
Execution
The basic celebration is the same across Arnathia, with perhaps small regional changes.
In the Kingdom of Orsholon – Region, the celebration is a national holiday, including a grand feast in Orsholon City. The feast includes a wine and cheese festival as well as hosting for meals by every restaurant in the city.
The wine festival features wines from the various wine producing areas of Orsholon, with those near the northeastern border usually producing the most sought after wines. In addition, the Royal Family has great stockpiles of Koronni cheese brought in from Fubdo's Farm in Tremer. This cheese is only produced for the Royal Family and can only be obtained from the royals. But for the Festival of Qana, the cheese is brought in by the wagonload, and any who wish to taste it may take a wedge with them, courtesy of the Royal Family.
In fact, in Orsholon, the Festival is of such import that there is a committee specifically designated to plan each years’ festivals around the country, and the Royal Treasury pays for the needs of each festival.
