Holy Day of Pelor
The Holy Day of Pelor, also known as Giving Day and Midsummer Day, is celebrated on the Summer Solstice.
Because Pelor is widely loved by the commoners, this day is set aside as a day of rest in the Free City of Greyhawk. Only essential work is done on this day. Many merchants close their shops on Giving Day as well out of respect for the Sun Father and his teachings. Gambling houses are closed, but not hostelries, for Giving Day is a day of feasting and goodwill, a time for enjoying the fruits of the Oerth.
Public services are held by Pelor's priests, outdoors if the weather permits. Even Greyhawk City's large temple of Pelor is not big enough to hold the throngs who come to celebrate on this day. Many come, of course, for the free meal the priests provide after the service. The Pelorite priests are well aware of this, but believe that for the needy, a full stomach must come before wisdom and learning.
Priests of Pelor, bedecked in yellow and gold, parade about the streets, demanding donations for their charitable works, freely using guilt to squeeze more from stingy purses. Free healings are given out, particularly to children. Most Greyhawkers wear at least one item of yellow cloth on this day out of respect.
Publishing history
This day is called "Holy Day of Pelor" in The City of Greyhawk boxed set, and Giving Day in the Dragon Annual #4.
Bibliography
- Miller, Andy. "Campaign Holidays." Dragon Annual #4. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 1999 (pp.20)
- Moore, Roger E. Greyhawk: The Adventure Begins. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 1998. (pp. 44-45)
- Niles, Douglas, and Carl Sargent. The City of Greyhawk. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1989. (FFF pp. 64-65)