Aethra ☰
Given here is a thorough description of the Median Calendar, the primary calendar used on Aethra in the year 4,492 Post, named after the super-continent of Media, created & proliferated by the Allied Kingdoms, and adopted by the continents of Ahkos, North Media and most of Frigus during the first few decades of the Age of Peace. When using the world of Aethra for their adventures, GMs are free to use this calendar as-is or modify it to their heart’s desires.
The generalities of the calendar are as follows:
The days are named thusly:
The cycle of the seasons are as follows:
The names of the months and their pronunciations are listed here, in chronological order:
Aether Day. Denizens of most of the civilized world celebrate the wonders and powers of Aether, and by extension Aetherians, on the 21st of Thánatos. Aetherians are usually treated to free meals and drinks, and are known to use their powers to put on spectacular shows and perform dazzling feats for the entertainment of crowds. Some places may hold parades, or put on special events or fairs, with Aetherians as the central recipient of the celebrations. Additionally, beings that sell Aether – such as governments and private enterprises – are a bit more lenient with the sale of Aether, and may even offer special reduced prices for the day.
Precursors' End. The 9th of Pago is widely believed to be the day of the Cataclysm, the event that snuffed out the Precursors. In celebration, workers are usually given a few days off, and parties and feasts are held amongst close friends and family and/or by governmental bodies.
Media's Founding (North and South Media only). Celebrated on the 11th of Aktino, this holiday celebrates the founding of the continent of North Media (and by extension Media as a whole) by explorers whose names have long been forgotten by the 153rd year of the Age of Discovery. Celebrations usually include feasts, shows, and recreations (both artistic and theatrical) of historical legends surrounding the discovery.
The Hallowed Eve. Colloquially referred to as Halloweeve and celebrated on the night of the 30th of Dyna, The Hallowed Eve is a time when most of the peoples of the world choose to pay homage to their dead, doing so through the lighting of candles, the making of figurines, visiting and decorating graves, wearing masks or face paint depicting the dead or cultural symbols of death, and the like. Additionally, some communities see fit to throw parties, usually centering around celebrating the deeds of their ancestors or as simply a reminder to enjoy and appreciate being alive.
Last Eve/New Dawn. Celebrated on the night of the 30th of Dýnami and the dawn of the 1st of Pyro and more formally referred to as the Winter Solstice, the Last Eve/New Dawn is the longest night of the year, signalling the end of the current year and the start of a new one. As this holiday draws near, workers are usually given the preceding and proceeding week off to spend with their families and loved ones, and as midnight rolls around on this night, many people make vows to better themselves in at least one way over the course of the new year. Additionally, during the night, parties are thrown and feasts are held, and it is not uncommon for families and close friends to exchange gifts with one another.
Longest Sun. Formally known as the Summer Solstice and celebrated on the 30th of Zoi, the Longest Sun marks the longest day and exact middle of the cycle and the end of Summer. To celebrate, workers are usually given a few days off and shops will hold special sales to commemorate the occasion. On the Solstice itself, parades or fairs may be held celebrating the good that has and hopefully will occur during the year, and commiserating any unfortunate events that may have occurred up until that time.