Summer solstice

Occuring on Richfest 4, the Summer Solstice marks the beginning of high summer on the Greyhawk Calendar. This is the longest day of the year, but the night is especially significant, as this is when both Luna and Celene shine full in the sky, drawing the beast out of the world's lycanthropes and possibly heralding other portentous events. The sun, Liga, appears furthest north among the stars on this date.

Holidays and celebrations

Holidays celebrated during the summer solstice include Giving Day, Enlighteningtide, the Brilliance Celebration, the Holy Day of Pelor, and Agelong. The faithful of Rao consider the night of the summer solstice to be an especially holy time, for they believe the moons were Rao's gift to guide humanity from the darkness of Tharizdun. The worshippers of the giant god Surtr celebrate midsummer as their holiest time as well.

In other media

In Rose Estes' novel The Eyes Have It, this holiday is called the Festival of Blossoms.

Bibliography

• Estes, Rose. The Eyes Have It. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1989.

• Gygax, Gary. The World of Greyhawk. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1980 (ISBN 0-935696-23-7).
• -----. World of Greyhawk Fantasy Game Setting. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1983 (ISBN 0-88038-344-5).

• Lai, Gary. "Hopeful Dawn." Dungeon #41. Renton, WA: TSR, 1993.

• McComb, Colin D. The Complete Book of Elves. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1992.

• Miller, Andy. "Campaign Holidays." Dragon Annual #4. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 1999 (pp. 18-19).

• Moore, Roger E. Greyhawk: The Adventure Begins. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 1998.