Manual of Etiquette: VIII - Festival Etiquette
From FiranMUX
There are few occasions more joyous for all people in the lands than the annual spring and fall festivals, each a celebration of the favour the gods show to us. Arguments are set aside and even sworn enemies join together to eat, drink, and take part in the many events to demonstrate all manner of talent and entertainment. With the natural exuberance which comes with such celebration, however, we must nonetheless remember the courtesy necessary whenever citizens gather together. We should enjoy the festival, but we should not allow the festival to become an excuse for unseemly, rowdy or crass behaviour.
Undoubtedly the most important lesson to remember at festival time is the absolute requirement for peace. One does not, under any circumstances, make war with another individual, family or clan during this sacred time, lest we risk the wrath of the gods themselves. A hand should never be raised in anger against another, and the only use of weaponry should be in a demonstration or contest of skill. This rule was passed down to us by the gods, and shall not be broken under any circumstance.
The festivals are a time for the noble classes to run events for the entertainment of the city, and it is the duty of every nobleman or woman, unless under exceptional circumstances, to provide for the populace at least one event. Events should be carefully selected to maintain and enhance the reputation of not only those running it, but of those competing. To put forth an event which sullies the name of any individual for the merriment of a few is in extremely poor taste, and no individual should ever be forced to take part in an event against their will. Thus, if one intends a fair turnout, one must cater the event to the tastes of the masses, and yet ensure that it does your own good name justice. There is little doubt that an event showcasing young ladies in little clothing should appeal to the coarser young men of the city, but is nonetheless hardly a suitable event for a young noblewoman to run if she intends to cling to any shred of her reputation at all. It is equally as poor judgement to provide a dull event as a tasteless one, however, and creativity should be shown in their development.
Should one compete in a contest or competition, it is polite to offer one's respects and gratitude to the individual who runs it, as well as offering due courtesy to one's fellow competitors. One must adhere to the rules of the contest in their entirety, and compete with a spirit of fair play, and in kind it is the duty of the organiser to ensure that the rules are clear to prevent confusion, and that once in place and the contest is begun, no rule should be arbitrarily changed. Should one be fortunate enough to win a contest, show due humility and respect for those who also competed. It is beyond crass to boast and brag, or worse yet to belittle the efforts of those who have joined you in competition. Should another win, demonstrate good grace and congratulate them with sincerity for their skill and the favour the gods show to them.
Food and drink are freely available to all citizens during the festival, and should be enjoyed responsibly. One should not partake in liquor and wine until the wits become addled and the senses confused, but it is well within the joyous spirit of the festival to share drinks and toasts with one's fellows. Likewise, it is acceptable and encouraged to eat the food offered at festival time, but is in poor taste to take more than one's fair share, or worse yet to fill one's pouches and packs with meals to be greedily secreted away in one's own pantry or larder.
The spring festival in particular is a celebration of new life, the atmosphere conducive to the admiration of others. While respect and praise for our fellow citizen should only be encouraged, one must be certain that one does not get carried away with such emotion and partake in unsuitable behaviour. Whether at festival or any other time of the year, acts which are private in nature between a man and his wife should never be indulged in public.
Above all, remember that while the festival is a time for merriment and celebration, one is perhaps even more than usual in the public eye. Therefore, great care must be taken that every action, deed and word supports one's positive, rather than negative, reputation.
