Ilsare: Prayers and Holy Days

Prayers

Prayers to Ilsare are said at the opening of each day when courting or attempting to woo a lover, before attempting artistic endeavors, and whenever the mood strikes them. When praying, an Ilsarian will often hold her symbol over their heart.

Common prayer to Ilsare by young women:
"Grace me the words to catch this man's eyes
Open my heart so that wounds won't deter me
Sing on the wind to tickle his ear
And let my soul finally find home"

Holy Days

• Gathering of the Red

  For everyone, this happens in the first week of spring and continues on for days. The time is not set; some years it's longer, others shorter. It is a celebration of all who follow Ilsare. During this event, the hillside is covered in beautiful, colorful tents and joyous music. Arts and crafts, plays and dancing, choruses and wandering muscians accent sculpture and some of the finest foods ever cooked. It's said only an Ilsarian cook can give a Prunillan a run for their money and nowhere is that more true than at the Gathering of the Red.

• Gathering of the Pink

  This happens on the summer solstice at the Breath of the Muse and is a gathering of apprentices. All those who are apprenticed to an Ilsarian worshipper come to listen, learn, and take vows if they wish. Those with a desire to become a cleric of the Heartsong often begin at this event.

• Gathering of the White

  This is held on the winter solstice at the Breath of the Muse. All the Naves that can gather to discuss potential sixth bands, speak of promising Ilsarians they have seen, and celebrate their goddess. This event is for Naves only.

• Heartsong's Loving

  A day to celebrate Ilsare's Inspiration as it relates to love, this happens at the height of summer and is celebrated by Ilsarian worshippers and non-worshippers alike. Spouses express love for each other, renewing vows, or taking time to remind the other what about them they love. Many Ilsarian weddings happen at this time and at the Breath of the Muse. Mass weddings are often performed because of the number of couples wishing to marry on this day.

• Creation Day

  Crafters and artists take the first day of golden leaves (fall) as Creation Day. This has no set day but happens sometime around the beginning of fall and can be different for different locales or individuals. It is a time to create, to attempt more than has been done before, and to stretch one's imagination. It is a personal, private celebration and not well known outside the Inspiration.