The Traveller
The Traveller came to Maitasuna over 400 years ago from what is now Zimbabwe. He brought with him, not only the wisdom of his people, but also magic, which he gave to Maitasunan citizens, as he sensed that they were more loving and in tune with nature than those beyond the island. He told us that in order to make the magic work, we must have love in our hearts for each other and for the environment of the island. He then created the magical mist which protected us from those outside of it who would try to harness this magic themselves.
The Traveller spent 50 years in Maitasuna, as the first official monarch of the island, before dying of old age. Before he died, he told his closest friends that 'he would see them beyond' which led some Maitasunans to believe he was more than a man. Over time, this theory has gained traction, and now to most Maitasunans he is a friendly figure that watches over us in our struggles and daily lives.
The traveller's symbol is a footprint, as not only a symbol of travel, but also of leaving his footprint on our island. Many Maitasunans have an altar to him in their homes.
Cæcilia
Cæcilia is The Traveller's wife who died long before he came to Maitasuna. Described by him as a statuesque woman with ebony skin and mesmorisingly blue eyes, she was his love, and he thought of her to his dying day.
Though she was blind, she was said to have had visions of the future, and as her husband's memory attained the status of a god, so too did she become a goddess.
Maitasunans believe that Cæcilia is the goddess of children, motherhood and fertility, as well as magic, mystery and the secrets of the future.
Her symbol is three eyes, two of which are closed and one of which is open, which represents her physical blindness and her inner eye.
Msamo
Msamo was The Traveller's brother who died when The Traveller was young. A few years older than The Traveller himself, Msamo was a comforting presence to his brother, and carried the wisdom that The Traveller would not posess until much later. The Traveller deeply respected his brother for his wisdom and kindness, especially to birds. When The Traveller's memory attained the rank of godhood, Msamo became the god of the dead and of all birds, who of all animals were believed to be able to transition between earth and the æther realms.
Msamo's symbol is The Cuckoo, whose familiar cuckoo sound is supposed to be Msamo speaking from beyond the grave.
The holidays of Maitasuna
Maitasunan holidays are essentially a fusion of ancient african polytheism (Introduced to Maitasuna through The Traveller) and Catholicism (the original religion of the islanders before The Traveller arrived.) However, we have also adjusted and adapted the religious holidays of immigrants to the island, such as St Patrick's day and Halloween.
New Year's day - 1St January
Celebrated as usual with a parade through the streets of Kideska which leads up to the main square of the city. The ceremony that takes place there is attended by the entire royal family
St Patrick's Day - 17th March
As there is a large population of Irish immigrants, especially in Kideska, the need for celebrating this classic Irish holiday became greater. The city goes entirely green, and places like Pies and Pages in Kideska are hammered with people!
Walla Day - March 24th
The first of the original Maitasunan holidays, this day is all about the onset of spring. It celebrates the growing things of the earth, and is a time to celebrate the growing love between humans too. The Maitasunan equivalent of Valentines day, yet unlike that day, it can be celebrated with anyone you have love for, whether it be a parent, a partner or simply a friend.
The Traveller's day - June 14th
This is widely believed to be The Traveller's birthday. This is celebrated with the second biggest parade, after New Year's day, and a party that lasts until midnight. Each club or school of Maitasuna is able to contribute a float for the parade and every Maitasunan wears national dress.
Midsummer Day - June 21st
A celebration of the height of summer. Celebrated with a pparade throughout Kideska
First Harvest - August 20th
The start of the Harvest Holidays. The first few crops, including Kaimkarda are harvested on this day. The islanders give thanks for the bountiful crop they have recieved.
Second Harvest, Preserving begins - September 15th
The next crops are now harvested, and preserving begins, preparing food for the long winter.
Third Harvest and The Festival of the Needy - October 16th
The last harvest occurs, and Maitasunans hold a festival where anyone with a low income or in need in any way can get a share of the food to help throughout the winter.
Halloween - October 31st
This was adopted by Maitasunans when the influx of US immigrants brought the holiday to our attention. However, as with most things, Maitasunans have adapted this so that children dress up to scare 'The Deabru, an ancient Maitasunan mythical creature said to have deer antlers dripping with blood, the face of a gorilla and the feet of a goat with a large round belly full of the bodies of its victims. Children dress up to scare away this creature.
Msamo's Day - December 5th
The Maitasunan equivalent to the Mexican holiday of Dia De Los Muertos. As this is the holiday of the Maitasunan god of death, Maitasunans take this time to remember their ancestors and hold a large feast which Maitasunans believe are attended by their dead family.
Christmas - December 25th
Celebrated by Maitasunans from before the arrival of The Traveller, Christmas is celebrated in the usual way, with a Christmas Day parade, the third biggest of the year. Maitasunan children believe that 'Opari Papa' will come down their chimneys and bring them gifts.
Quotes from The Traveller
Even an elephant can be crushed by a landslide
Meaning-
Even the strongest can be crushed by too much misfortune.
It is human nature to try to be the strongest and most powerful, but this is great folly. One should strive to be the most compassionate.
Even a drop of water can change a river forever.
Meaning-
The smallest change can make a difference.
Even the most perfect house can have termites underneath, if only you care to look.
Meaning-
The happiest looking people still have problems.
To believe that the earth belongs to us is great folly. One should never attempt to control that which is stronger than us.