The mountains aren’t a particularly forgiving place to live, and the depths of winter are frequently the hardest. On the longest night, one Ghost is chosen to stand watch over the mountains and guide the souls of those who passed during the year.

It’s a position of honor, but also a difficult one. During the dinner beforehand, others may make requests - look for my mother. Look for my child. Look for my friend. Make sure they move on. Tell them I love them. If possible, those who lost loved ones quite suddenly (especially parents losing children) are chosen, but only if they can stand the long night in the cold. It’s one of the few times they bundle up.

Snow on this night is considered good fortune, as the cycle of water is similar to how they interpret the cycle of souls.

The following day is Naming Day. Couples that mated in spring are by now certain if there’s going to be a child, and the pregnancy making it through to the other side of the longest night is a good sign that it will be successful. It’s also something of a romantic holiday, as those who don’t currently have long-term partners will look for one.

The benefit of being the Guide for the Soul Vigil is that, if they don’t already have a partner, they’ve usually got one at the end of Naming Day.

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I’m so happy with this one, you guys. T_T

I may re-name the holiday later, but the gist of it will stay the same. Enjoy!