Hello everyone, and welcome back to the blog series "Questions to Ask When..."!  If you're new here, this series is meant ...

Questions to Ask When Creating Fictional Celebrations

Melissa Gravitis

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    Hello everyone, and welcome back to the blog series "Questions to Ask When..."! If you're new here, this series is meant to give you questions that can help you develop aspects of your story, especially world-building. These posts have been so much fun to work on, and I can honestly say that writing out today's post has helped me come up with a new story idea I am itching to write! 

    If you're interested in the other posts, I've also compiled a list of questions for developing histories, cities, magic, and religion. Today due to the number of questions I won't be providing examples, but I hope you enjoy it just the same!

1) What is its name? What is this name derived from; a person, a place, a historical event?

2) What is the purpose of the celebration? To have fun, honour a god or person, or mark the passage of time?

3) When is it held? Does it follow patterns of the moon or sun, or the solstices, or is it marked by a calendar date? Are the main festivities during the day, night, evening, morning?

4) Where is it held? Is it celebrated by individuals in their own homes, out in public on the streets of every city, or in a particular city? 

5) What is the "main event" of the celebration? A public performance, a gift-giving ceremony, a re-enactment of a story or historical event, something else?

6) Who is it celebrated with? Do relatives travel long distances to gather as a whole family, or is it a private affair between a few people? Is the focus on celebrating with friends or families?

7) How rowdy do the celebrations get? Is it a solemn, calm affair, or do fights and laughter rumble everywhere?

8) What ceremonies does it involve? How long do these go for, and are they considered worthwhile, or something people have to suffer through for the sake of tradition?

9) What are the roots of this celebration? Is it a way to remember an important historical or religious event, or simply an excuse to have fun?

10) Does anyone have to work during the celebration? If so, do they get paid, and how do they feel about being forced to work? How does this alter their perception of their status, and those above them?

11) Is there any food that is only eaten during this celebration? Are there any kinds of food they cannot eat? Do people look forward to eating/not eating this food?

12) Is there any special kind of drink for the celebration, or is it all the usual kind? Is this a "drinking holiday" or is alcohol not permitted?

13) What are the religious institutions' opinions of this celebration? Do they urge everyone's involvement or do they advise members of their religion not to participate?

14) Does anyone hate the celebration? If so, why? Does it celebrate an event that caused misery for their people group, or promote ideologies they don't believe in? Is there any punishment, whether political or social, for choosing not to be involved?

15) What attire is required for the celebration? Does everyone wear everyday clothes, or special garments specifically designed for the occasion? Are there any accessories that are commonly seen worn in public, such as flower crowns or masks?

16) Can children participate in the celebration, or is it adults only? Are any ceremonies modified so they can be involved?

17) Are animals involved in this celebration? Are they killed for a feast, or released into the wild as a sign of peace with the natural world?

18) What is its length of time? A day, a week, a month?

19) Is there a need for a guard or police force during the celebration? Is it likely there will be illegal dealings or attacks happening during the celebration which they need to look out for?

20) Is it likely that this celebration will continue to be celebrated forever, or are people slowly losing interest in it and its meaning? What will it take for it to stop, or to keep being celebrating?

 What is your favourite fictional celebration? Do you find this blog series helpful? Any topics you'd like me to focus the next of the series on?

Have a wonderful day, and good luck with your writing! <3

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