Velja Noc- Feb 4, 2012 Chilliwack, BC

 

Come ring in the new year and celebrate the Great Night with great company at the Fortress Viadrina. Bring a potluck contribution to partake in the feast and settle in for a long night of entertainment! A ham and a sweet potato bake will be provided by the branch. Please ...try to avoid serious common allergens like shellfish and peanuts. For those who stay overnight a pancake breakfast will be provided by donation.

In pagan times Velja Noc was a holiday much like a combination of Carnival and Halloween. It was believed, on the longest night of the year, that the spirits of dead ancestors travelled across the land and entered the village to celebrate the new year with their living relatives. They sang songs and told tales of their long journey from the underworld. The master of any house they visited would welcome them warmly and presented them with gifts for their efforts.

As the Masters of this House, the Lord and Lady invite young folk (or those still young at heart) to don masks and take a larger role in the festivities for the evening. Participation in the festivities as an entertainer will earn a token of gratitude. There will be a competition for the best mask made on the premises with the materials provided.

The Bardic Champion of Viadrina will be announced this evening, the winner has earned the right to wear the Champion's Cloak of Many Colours for the following year. In celebration of this achievement a competition will be hosted for those who would like to tell us of their travels. With a theme of the Underworld, or other darker denizens of the realms of myth. Any performance will do, be it storytelling, song or dance. A favorite will be chosen by the assembled Lords and Ladies.

Classes are still being organized. Details will be announced shortly!

The renowned story-teller, Haroun ibn-Ditr, will be teaching an hour-and-a-half class: "How the Dragon Lost His Scales - crafting a short bardic tale". Time TBA.

Location: The Grene Woode located at 25133 0 Avenue, Langley, BC. Please do not drink and drive. Bunk down space indoors will be available on a first come first served basis (bring your own sleeping gear.)

Site Details: Site fee is $10. Site opens at 12 pm on Saturday and closes on Sunday at 12 am.

Children under 12 free. All Children must be accompanied by their legal guardian or a responsible adult approved by the guardian. Family cap of $25.

The site has a no pets policy for the protection of your animals and our own.

Alcohol is allowed, in period containers. Please remember to have a designated driver or take advantage of our overnight camping if you choose to partake. Clean up after yourself, a place for empties will be provided. No illegal substances are allowed on the premises.

If you have any further questions feel free to contact Lady Elzbieta Zeydl or Lord Captain Michel Zeydl fortressviadrina@yahoo.ca