Avlammas

Avlammas is a term used in speculative fiction and role-playing contexts to denote a seasonal rite of renewal, typically described as a harvest- or light festival in a northern-inspired culture. The word is generally a neologism rather than a historical term, and its etymology varies by author. In published works, some writers frame avlammas as a constructed linguistic blend where elements suggest water or river imagery combined with a word for festival, while others treat it as a wholly fictional label with no intended real-world linguistic counterpart.

In common depictions, avlammas occurs in autumn, aligning with shorter days and the harvest harvest cycle. Its rituals often center on communal gathering, shared bread and ale, and a sequence of processions or bonfires. Water-related rites, such as offerings or cleansing rituals near a lake or stream, appear in many variations. Symbolism typically emphasizes light and warmth against darkness, renewal of crops or spirits, and the strengthening of community bonds after a difficult season. Stories and songs performed during avlammas frequently recall ancestors, glean lessons from past hardships, and mark a transition into the quieter months ahead.

Role and reception: As a fictional concept, avlammas functions as a narrative device to convey themes of resilience, memory, and seasonal change. Its specifics differ across works, with some authors giving it religious overtones and others presenting it as a secular cultural festival.

See also: Lammas, Samhain, Midsummer.