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video
[ The angle was a little awkward--I hope everyone appreciates a view up Zhongli's nose and of his chin. At least he has a nice tie on?? And the earring is something pretty to look at.
It's apparent, though, that the tablet is being carried around as its owner strolls comfortably down the streets. It catches some nice sights of the snow drifts, at least, and how lovely the storefronts and streetlights look reflecting on the white snow. ]
Good morning.
I've been sitting on the idea of organizing and hosting the Liyuan New Years festivities--or Spring Festival, as many also call it--since I'll be missing the events from my own homeland. It's quite a large event, however, and isn't something I could undertake alone, especially being a new arrival without much Dora to spend.
The New Year is heralded by the new moon that falls between specific dates in January and February, with this year's date falling on February 12th.
Typically, there are phases to the celebration, including cleaning and preparing the home a week before the date, making offerings at temples to allow our ancestors to eat first, feasts, parades, and fireworks. The day of the new year heralds the beginning of the Spring Festival, and there are specific customs performed on certain days, but it's mostly a time for families and loved ones to spend together.
Typically, all of Liyue harbor shuts down for the week during Spring Festival, and the Qixing provide meals and restitution for families that would otherwise be unable to take the time off during the holiday.
Then, on the fifteenth day of the new year, we celebrate the Lantern Festival, wherein we herald the coming of the year of the Metal Ox, a spirit of the earth.
That all said, I will be willing to make arrangements to procure the necessary Dora if you require such to provide food, fabric, paint, fireworks, performers, and other such supplies. I'm also capable of moving Earth in practical or fashionable ways, and can provide many other services if you would prefer a trade. Donations and assistance are likewise gratefully accepted.
I have a long list of required materials, and anyone interested in performing for parades or helping with the pyrotechnics would be much appreciated.
If there are any questions or concerns, please feel free to address me here. I'll also be busy about the shopping district and temples for the next few days.
It's apparent, though, that the tablet is being carried around as its owner strolls comfortably down the streets. It catches some nice sights of the snow drifts, at least, and how lovely the storefronts and streetlights look reflecting on the white snow. ]
Good morning.
I've been sitting on the idea of organizing and hosting the Liyuan New Years festivities--or Spring Festival, as many also call it--since I'll be missing the events from my own homeland. It's quite a large event, however, and isn't something I could undertake alone, especially being a new arrival without much Dora to spend.
The New Year is heralded by the new moon that falls between specific dates in January and February, with this year's date falling on February 12th.
Typically, there are phases to the celebration, including cleaning and preparing the home a week before the date, making offerings at temples to allow our ancestors to eat first, feasts, parades, and fireworks. The day of the new year heralds the beginning of the Spring Festival, and there are specific customs performed on certain days, but it's mostly a time for families and loved ones to spend together.
Typically, all of Liyue harbor shuts down for the week during Spring Festival, and the Qixing provide meals and restitution for families that would otherwise be unable to take the time off during the holiday.
Then, on the fifteenth day of the new year, we celebrate the Lantern Festival, wherein we herald the coming of the year of the Metal Ox, a spirit of the earth.
That all said, I will be willing to make arrangements to procure the necessary Dora if you require such to provide food, fabric, paint, fireworks, performers, and other such supplies. I'm also capable of moving Earth in practical or fashionable ways, and can provide many other services if you would prefer a trade. Donations and assistance are likewise gratefully accepted.
I have a long list of required materials, and anyone interested in performing for parades or helping with the pyrotechnics would be much appreciated.
If there are any questions or concerns, please feel free to address me here. I'll also be busy about the shopping district and temples for the next few days.
[Video]
No skills with preforming or fireworks but heavy lifting? I'm your guy.
[A pause, then a laugh.]
I'll try my hand at anything. Sounds like a good distraction, so count me in, Zhongli.
no subject
It's always a pleasure and honor to work with you. I was actually considering asking if you would like to help carry the dragon puppet as a performer, provided I can acquire a proper puppet.
That one would be a rather tall order.
no subject
I can do that.
[He was tall enough. And Gladio was really happy to help. Busy work was just the thing he needed.]
Whatever you need. Just ask.
Video
[ Incorporating a festival from another world into this one... It should be done more often, she thinks. ] I’d be happy to prepare whatever festival foods you’d like, or with decorations. Or, if you need additional dora, my hand is always willing to help.
[ Most curiously, though, is what he says about the earth: ]
And... [ Since he brought it up! ] I’m looking for someone who is able to cultivate the earth, too.
Re: Video
Traditional foods include rice dishes, dumplings, fish balls, and other foods, which I can show you how to make if you like.
[ There is a pause as he listens intently to her request, and gives it a moment's thought. ]
Yes. I can prepare the earth for cultivation, and transport suitable soil if it's available, but I'm afraid I cannot imbue the land with the necessary nutrients. I am good with plants from my homeland, however, so I'll be happy to help you.
no subject
Of course, if he has a specific way of making them or special ingredient he wishes to incorporate, she won’t say no to learning. ]
Your world sounds like it’s filled with wonderful people, especially as they all come together for the new year and honor this, ah— [ What did he mention... oh, yes: ] the Metal Ox and one’s ancestors.
[ ...Not that Pyra herself had any such ancestors, but there had been a similar tradition for those living upon a Titan-Continent long ago. As for the soil part, she nods to him; that can be discussed a different day, and perhaps off-network. ] Do you think that, if one gives food offerings to the gods here, they may appreciate it?
no subject
Yes, they often are, and it's wonderful to be part of it. The year of the Ox is one of my favorites, though that it's called a Metal Ox denotes this is the fourth cycle of the Ox in a sixty-year cycle, and the element of Metal lends its own unique qualities to those born under the sign this year.
[ He responds with a thoughtful nod, and takes the cue to move along with the subject change. ]
I believe so, yes. Even if the god does not physically consume the offering, the intention of setting aside one's own resources as a gesture of affection and gratitude is of far more importance than the food itself. But any dish made with care is always a treat.
no subject
...Which Pyra can appreciate, because here is a world of which she’s never heard until today. Also, would that she could go to this restaurant with him— he clearly enjoys its food.
Her eyes widen at the mention of there being a sixty-year cycle. Sixty! More than half a human lifetime. ] Oh, my... Spirits’ reigns truly do last a long time...
[ Briefly, she wonders if the local gods here had any such cycles too, besides some months with which they are associated. ]
Ah, you also mentioned that this Ox is an earth spirit ... What sort of extra blessings does this mean for those born during it?
no subject
Ah, pardon me if I was too vague--that is, there are twelve animals, and each one reigns for a year, blessing those born in that year. Each of the twelve animals then have five different elements associated with them, and that element changes every year they are exalted. A full cycle means that all twelve animals has gone through a full rotation of each of the elements: wood, fire, earth, metal, and water.
Characteristics often associated with those born under the sign often match the virtues and vices of an Ox, itself. Often, oxes are stubborn and set in their ways, and will do things their own way without being swayed by others, which can be seen as good and bad. They are hard workers and tend to ignore many things when their mind is set to something. Of all the signs, the ox's word is their bond, and they have a tendency to prefer setting their roots down in one place, rather than wandering. As you can imagine, this sign is known to be very patient. A slow, but steady mover that favors security, and very kind and patient, though once their temper is incurred, their wrath can be rather intimidating.
[ The last bit was regaled with a rather fond tone. ]
Metal oxes in particular tend to be more social than the other elements, and are drawn towards spirituality, the arts, and, often, luck.
This year's celebrations will feature white and red, as well as the ox's lucky colors of yellow and green.
no subject
[ Her world, in comparison, only has one that the mortals worship. It's quite the difference!
But she will take note of the red, white, yellow, and green colors he mentions. These are the colors to be used in the decorations, then, and perhaps dyed upon icing of any of the desserts she might make, too. After preparing all the dumplings, of course. ]
video
Oh boy!! Sounds super fun! I can help with any food preparations! I cook all kinds of stuff normally so it'll be no sweat!
no subject
Yes, of course. We'll need all the help we can get in the kitchens if we're to help provide food for celebrants.
Have you ever made steamed dumplings?
no subject
You betcha! I've made steamed dumplings a bunch of times! I make really tasty steamed dumplings! They have to be tasty to make my partner all starry eyed!
[He's thoughtful for a moment, then clasps his hands together.]
Anything else, just let me know!
no subject
Have you perhaps yet opened a food stand or restaurant? I'm also afraid I haven't yet gotten your name to call upon you later.
[ Such an excitable young man. The enthusiasm reminds him of Childe. ]
no subject
[Hifumi laughs, amused with himself on his idea of retirement.]
I'm Hifumi Izanami! But you can all me Hifumin!
[video]
What kind of food are you looking to make? --I don't mean to assume, but! Since you said you're new--you still have just the standard replicator, right?
[Video]
[Aerith loved a good festival!
She'd never been to one before... But she'd read about them!]
audio
VIDEO
Count me in, most certainly! I've little skill with crafting or cooking I'm afraid, but I can certainly donate Dora to the cause! Please do tell me more about this Metal Ox, though - that sounds quite fascinating.
[Audio]
That sounds absolutely fascinating, and just the sort of thing I wanted to cover with my paper!! Would you be interested in doing an interview on the subject? I'd be happy to help out with preparations in return.