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Winter Solstice is one of the most important festivities held in the Courts of Prythian on December 21[1] to celebrate the passing from one year to the next.
Description[]
It occurs on the longest night of the year. The main celebration is in the Winter Court and the Solar Courts especially the Day Court and Night Court, although all the Courts celebrate it. It is unclear if the holiday originated in the Winter Court or in the Day Court, therefore both Courts claim it to be their holiest festivity. Winter Solstice is also largely celebrated in the Night Court because it falls during the longest night of the year. The celebrations have the purpose of escorting people from one year to another as the sun died and was born anew. During the celebrations, people decorate with evergreen wreaths and garlands and get together to exchange gifts.
Winter Solstice is also celebrated in the Mortal Lands where the highest classes attend balls and parties, that Feyre's mother loved to organize and attend, and decorate their houses with holly and evergreens.
History[]
A Court of Mist and Fury[]
After the fall of Amarantha and the destruction of Under the Mountain, Tamlin and his court return home and celebrate the Winter Solstice shortly thereafter.
The ceremony is presided over by the newcomer to court from her stay in Vallahan, Ianthe, one of the twelve High Priestess of Prythian.
Feyre Archeron participates in the Winter Solstice ceremony that takes place in the Spring Court, being her first Winter Solstice in Prythian. It consists of three days of feasting, drinking, and exchanging small presents, culminating in two long and rather odious religious ceremonies on the top of a hill. One at sunset to begin the endless night and honor the old sun's death, and one the following dawn to welcome the sun's rebirth. The ceremony culminates with the High Priestess standing with her arms upraised, the sun rising and filling them with light. Feyre receives a paint set as a present from Tamlin and a bejeweled sheath for her knife from Lucien.
A Court of Frost and Starlight[]
Feyre celebrates the Winter Solstice in the Night Court where it is a great celebration. It is a tradition to gather with family and friends to celebrate and exchange gifts.
Feyre receives a sketchbook, satchel, and scarf from Rhysand, he later reveals to her his true present, a estate by the Sidra. Feyre gives two presents to Rhys: the first is the painting she made of herself in her beast form she saw in the Ouroboros. As for the second gift, she announces to Rhys that she is ready and wants to have a baby with him, letting him see the vision of the Bone Carver with the appearance of their future son.
Gifts Exchanged[]
To Feyre (Specifically mentioned as birthday gifts)[]
- Sketchbook bound in soft black leather. Stamped in silver on the front are the initials “F.A.” (From Rhys)
- A soft, sky-blue wool scarf, so she would stop stealing Mor's (From Rhys)
- A new satchel for her painting supplies, containing pencils and charcoal. Marked with Feyre's initials and the Night Court insignia (From Rhys)
To Feyre (Solstice)[]
- An illuminated manuscript (from Amren)
- Rare, vibrant paint from the Continent (from Azriel)
- A proper leather spine-sheath for an Illyrian blade (from Cassian)
- Brushes monogramed with Feyre’s initials and Night Court insignia (from Elain)
- Bright pink fleece-lined slippers (from Mor)
- The riverfront estate, to make a home big enough for their family (from Rhys)
- Three bottles of fine liquor with a note saying "you'll need it" (from Lucien, to Feyre and Rhys)
- The tapestry of the Illyrian Insignia made of black thread "void" and silver thread "hope" purchased from the artist Aranea in Aranea's Gallery (a gift for herself)
To Rhysand[]
- The painting of Feyre’s true self, as seen in Ouroboros (from Feyre)
- The decision to start trying for children, since it could take years anyways (from Feyre)
To Mor[]
- Red negligee, specifically requested (from Cassian)
- An unspecified painting of a special moment in her history (from Feyre)
To Azriel[]
- A set of embroidered bright blue towels with his initials (From Mor)
- An unspecified painting of a special moment in his history (from Feyre)
- A powder made by Madja to mix into drinks to help ease the headaches everyone gives him (from Elain)
To Cassian[]
- Red silk undershorts to match Mor’s negligee (from Mor)
- An unspecified painting of a special moment in his history (from Feyre)
To Amren[]
- (Unknown gifts from Varian before Solstice)
- Pearl and diamond earrings (from Azriel)
- A folding travel carrier for her puzzles (from Feyre)
- Ruby and silver broach shaped like extended wings (from Feyre, earning her a kiss)
- Three jewel pieces, large stones, dainty settings - selected by Neve purchased at Palace of Thread and Jewels (from Rhysand
- Unknown gift in a small box (from Varian)
- Ermine coat (from Varian)
To Elain[]
- A pale blue cloak with armholes to allow for gardening in the chilly spring and fall (from Feyre)
- Enchanted gloves that won’t tear or become sweaty when gardening (from Lucien)
To Nesta[]
- Five romance novels in a leather box (from Elain).
- Money (enough for rent (her price for attendance) and more on top of it, from Feyre)
- Box with unknown content (from Cassian - not actually given)
- Later revealed in A Court of Silver Flames to be a miniature illuminated manuscript, crafted by the skilled hands of the smallest of the lesser Fae—one of the first printed books in existence.
To Nuala[]
- Pink or purple blanket (from Elain)
- Solstice bonus - large enough to be a whole year's pay (from Rhys)
To Cerridwen[]
- Pink or purple blanket (from Elain)
- Solstice bonus - large enough to be a whole year's pay (from Rhys)
The People of Windhaven Camp[]
- Winter coats, gloves, etc. from Emerie's Shop (from Cassian, delivered by Emerie - He asked her to say it was gift from Rhysand)
Trivia[]
- Feyre's birthday falls on the Winter Solstice.
- The importance of this celebration could be compared to Christmas in the real world.
- As a tradition Cassian, Rhys, and Azriel have an annual snowball fight at the cabin followed by a steam in the birchen (an Illyrian tradition)
References[]
- ↑ The A Court of Thorns and Roses series is American and since the United States is in the northern hemisphere, the Winter Solstice is on December 21, not like in the southern hemisphere where is on June 21.