startmasse

Startmasse is a fictional cultural festival commonly used in speculative fiction and role-playing game settings to mark the ceremonial beginning of a new venture, year, or project. It functions as a narrative and social device that signals a fresh start within a community, organization, or imagined world.

Etymology and symbolism part of Startmasse draw on the idea of a communal gathering or service, blending the notions of starting anew with a formal or ritual procession. Typical symbols include a ceremonial candle or fire, seed tokens or startstones distributed to participants, and a shared meal or feast that reinforces communal commitment to new beginnings.

Observance and activities vary by setting but often include collective gatherings, brief speeches or benedictions, the exchange of goals or pledges, and the sharing of stories about past beginnings. In gaming contexts, Startmasse may function as a calendar event that advances plot points, grants in-game bonuses, or unlocks new quest lines. In literary uses, it serves to frame character arcs around initiation and renewal.

Variants range from solemn, almost liturgical tones to festive, home-spun celebrations. Some adaptations align Startmasse with winter solstice or equinox traditions, while others treat it as a secular corporate or communal ritual celebrating innovation, collaboration, and risk-taking.

History and usage: Startmasse originated as a motif in modern fiction and game design and has since been adopted by authors, worldbuilders, and players as a flexible tool for signaling beginnings. It is not an established real-world holiday, but a widely used concept within imagined or constructed cultures.