text; un: ᴊᴜᴇʏᴜɴ ᴄʜɪʟɪ (open to all clans)

[cutcloud]

My family say that birthdays are big days for Tianheng Thaumaturges and that we should never take them lightly.

I had planned to go up the mountain to perform prayer rituals with the elders of my clan this year ... that no longer is possible. Still, I'm left thinking about how it would have been, as well as what I would have listed for my wishes. I know that I would have prayed for my cherished friends, and those that I've met. Since I can't climb Mt. Tianheng for the ritual now, I'll say it this way.

I wish you all pleasant journeys, safety, and peace.

Aside from that ... one great wish I have this birthday is to learn more about the spirits and supernatural of other worlds.

Since we have all come from different places, I was hoping — will you tell me of your experiences with the otherworldly, when you were back home? I'd like to hear true stories, but I do also really enjoy a good hair-raising story or legend if you know of any.

( spooky stories for september! ♥ feel free to threadjack as you please. )

Comments

[cutcloud]

Thank you, Monts.

Yes, I’d like to hear about it. Traditions are important as well!

[nerine]

You'll definitely get a present from me, so expect something sooner or later!
As for the holiday I celebrate
Dia De Los Muertos
"Day of the Dead"

So in a way, it's related to spirits.
It's a way for people in my culture to honor family members that have passed on.

[cutcloud]

Ah, that's very kind of you. You really don't have to give me anything though. Your well wishes are more than enough.

Oh! I would very much like to hear about it. We have similar customs in Liyue — funeral rites are extremely important to us.

[nerine]

I did get an espresso machine recently and I have a new apartment that I can use it in.
There's a treat I thought of that I can give you if you'd like!

Oh, but Dia De Los Muertos first.
We designate two days for the holiday.
It's more of a celebration of life and death and being reunited (symbolically) with our deceased loved ones.

[She's starting to miss her grandparents again, oh no... And home...]

There's a lot of unique traditions both symbolically and visually.
Like the marigolds, ofrendas, and sugar skulls!
People back home recognize the sugar skulls since they're so colorful and bright.
It's not a somber holiday at all.

[cutcloud]

You've moved into a new apartment? Congratulations. That's very nice. I hope it's comfortable. As for a treat ... well, I certainly wouldn't say no.

That sounds similar to some of our beliefs and traditions too. The afterlife isn't something we need to be afraid of, it's a natural part of the cycle. We exorcists work with spirits, so we understand that the line between the living and the departing is quite thin anyway.

Sugar skulls ... how curious. Do you have a picture?

[nerine]

I'll throw you a text when I have the treat ready then!

Here are the sugar skulls! Colorful, aren't they?

[cutcloud]

They are! Are they real skulls or ornaments?

[nerine]

They're ornamental. Using real skulls is a tad bit too much I should think.
We also paint skull decorations on our faces as part of the celebrations too! That part is fun.
They're bright and colorful and expressive as a way to laugh and be happy despite death.

[cutcloud]

Well, I didn't want to assume. If it's traditional you never know.

That does sound fun. It's a funeral rite, in a sense. An uplifting one. At least, that's what it sounds like!

[nerine]

Is there, anyone, you've known that's passed away Chongyun?
I'm not going to make a big deal of the date when it rolls around.
But I think it would be nice to make some offerings if nothing else.
And maybe skulls too!

[cutcloud]

Yes, of course. We also make offerings on the day of departure, but it's common to keep a tribute at home as well if it was someone close. Something you can light incense to every day.

Please remind me when it comes around — I would very much like to do it with you.

[nerine]

Yeah c:
You, me, maybe a few other people...
We want to have good memories and laugh at death after all!

[cutcloud]

And I'm not sure there's a more appropriate place to do that than in Hell!

How have you been otherwise?

[nerine]

I've been well.
It helps that the past few months after the cursed rain has been
Well, not peaceful, that girl got kidnapped after all
But I'm personally fine.
And I'm an officer now too so watch out as I catch up to you! ♥

[cutcloud]

Yes, what happened with Ringo is very unfortunate. However, I'm glad to hear you're well. Do you plan to participate in the bounty?

Congratulations! Moving and a promotion? You've really been busy. I'll have to prepare a congratulatory gift.

[nerine]

My first answer would be 'no' but on the other hand, I'll see what directions Tenkohime gives us regarding the bounty. I don't think everyone will be suited for whatever's out there and that includes myself.

And yeah, if you get me a gift, let me know when it's delivered or if you're bringing it in person.

[cutcloud]

Yes, very true. I wasn't planning on going in case something happened back here in the city, but naturally it will depend on what Tenkohime wants.

I will!