At the end of each year, as the winter cold reaches its peak and the old year gives way to the new, villages, towns and even families build and light pyres that burn for 10 days, 'til the first day of the new year.

Into these pyres, the people of the settlement or family toss in small items to denote things they want to leave behind them in their lives as they themselves move on and grow.

They might be things they already had, or things they had made just for the occasion.

Small carvings, paintings, written notes, sometimes even comparatively expensive or valuable things that nonetheless hold memories they want to - or recognize that they need to - leave in the past.

On the last night before the new year, they come together in a feast.

Everyone brings something; whether its as simple as unleavened bread or a dish they poured their heart into. What matters is that they made it for others to enjoy. Everybody is welcome to take part, and all past grievances are, for that night, left at the door.

It's also customary to exchange gifts, although in the spirit of the season, it can once again be something simple and handmade, or something exotic and expensive - what matters is the act of giving. Of course, everyone tries to pick something meaningful to their gift recipient.

On the last night, no more fuel is added to the pyre, and when the last embers have burned out, the ashes are gathered and scattered as suits the community. Some use it as fertilizer for their fields, others use it for art, others still simply dispose of it; seeing the act of throwing the ashes of the memories they left behind to the winds or the seas as the final step in putting their past behind them.

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Have a lil lore dump :>