Winter solstice
The Winter Solstice on Oerth occurs on the 4th of Needfest.
On this day in the Free City of Greyhawk, clerics of Pelor, Rao, and Saint Cuthbert distribute food to the poor, an event known as Breadgiving Day. Elves celebrate their holiday of Yeartide, when they believe the earth is purified beneath her blanket of snow. Elves observe the date with quiet meditation of the past year and on things to come.
The faithful of Hextor celebrate this day as the Fist of Eternal Malachite, where they celebrate either the victory of the House of Naelax during the Turmoil Between Crowns, or the victories of a local ruler.
Troglodyte shamans perform the rites to placate their ever-ravenous god, Laogzed, on this day. It is also a holy day for the frost giant god Thrym.
This day is also the date of the Grand Administrative Council in Greyhawk, when the Directing Oligarchy meets with the city's petty nobles.
The night of the Winter Solstice is called Midwinter Night, also known as Dark Time, Dim Time, and Handmaiden's Glory. It is this night when Luna is completely dark and only Celene is visible in the sky. It is the longest night of the year, during which clerics of Celestian conduct all-night services of moonwatching and stargazing. Midwinter Night is also considered holy by followers of Kurell.
Bibliography
- 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.
- Reynolds, Sean K. "Core Beliefs: Pelor." Dragon #346. Bellevue, WA: Paizo Publishing, 2006.