Hyrule Holiday Headcanon: Ribbon Day
(Valentineâs Day is coming up which means tons of RP blogs are getting ready to rev up the fluff engines. I was talking to @luciombre and we wanted to put up something just a little bit different People are free to steal this idea and post it on their blog if they feel itâs interesting enough, and I might make an ask meme out of it eventually.)
People have often associated thread and ribbon with human relations and history. In Japanese culture you have the red string of fate. In Greek mythology three asshole sisters basically dictate your life on their massive tapestry art project and determine the length of your life by thread. The list goes on. Hyrule isnât much different, and while the history behind the holiday is unclear due to many different versions of the story, the theme usually relates to love on a romantic level. Over time itâs become a holiday to celebrate your ties between those who youâre close to in life.
Well can you tell us the story?
The most popular version is that a brave knight fell in love with a priestess that was about to be sacrificed to a demon that threatened to destroy the land. The demon lived in the deepest parts of the forests, where unlucky travelers are forever lost. When he asked for the Great Fairyâs blessing to rescue her, she offered him nothing more than a spool of thread with a beginning but no end. He was then instructed to tie one end of the thread to the temple doors and continue on his quest, leaving a thread path on his way. After defeating the demon and rescuing the priestess, he followed the makeshift path back home and they lived happily ever after. Sappy, ainât it?
I guess but what do people do?
While there is a heavy emphasis on romantic love, itâs not exclusive to couples. Usually you start by giving someone close to you a ribbon, and each color has different meanings. Thereâs usually a big feast, featuring a large animal hunted by the local men. The most common one is boar, but octorocks, tektites, like likes, and helmasaurs have been used in the past. Hunting a lynell is the highest honor and is believed to bring great strength to anyone who hunts it and eats the flesh. Thereâs a big carnival where people participate in archery tournaments, contests, raffles, and all sorts of games. The event ends with a large bonfire and dance. Thereâs plenty of fast paced and fun music along with drinking. Itâs really one big party.
Whatâs so important about these ribbons anyways?
The ribbons you use along with their color says a lot about the relationship and who they are receiving this from. They not only symbolize the tie you have with someone, but also the hope that the bond will never break and will follow you home. As for style, it can varry greatly. For poorer families, yarn is the most common material and is usually weaved by hand. Wealthier families use silk and high quality dyes that are more vibrant. Depending on the occasion, good luck or protection charms are sewn onto the ribbons. Silver bells can be attached to scare away evil spirits and dried flowers are added to attract prosperity.
Red - For lovers and the color associated with the holiday, typically symbolizing young love
Orange - For nature. Popular among farmers, itâs tied on trees to thank the land for a good harvest and to continue the mutual relationship.Â
Yellow - For friendship. It is what it is and is a very popular color all around.
Green - For close business relationships. Many shops usually give out a free ribbon to anyone who shops on this day along with employees who work for them, but more ornate ones are given to close vendors,Â
Blue - For family. Usually associated with loyalty and faithfulness, these are given to husbands and wives, siblings, and other close blood relatives. Itâs usually a high honor to receive a blue ribbon from someone not related to you.
Violet - For the unseen. A typical color for those who are superstitious or are associated with the magical arts. These are tied to paper boats and are sailed down the river to be picked up by Hyruleâs fabled creatures that walk by in order to acknowledge their presence and as a peace offering. Itâs believed that finding one tied to your bedpost means that a goddess, fairy, deity, or any other non-human being power returns the blessing and blesses their year with joy and success. Also one of the most expensive ribbons since the dye is pricey.
Pink - For unrequited love, a color popular among teenagers or those who donât wish to be upfront about their emotions. While the meaning is ambiguous, a common belief and popular love charm is that tying the ribbon on the front door of your belovedâs house will lead them to you.Â
White - For engaged couples. These are usually saved as mementos after celebration and are adorned with intricate embroidery. Â
Black - For those that are no longer with us. Black ribbons are tied to a flower and placed on a grave of someone who has passed away. Itâs not uncommon for family to tie these ribbons around a childâs favorite toy at night when they are asleep. Another common belief is that children will believe their loved ones will visit them in their dreams that night and they leave behind a black ribbon behind before returning to the afterlife. Think of it like Santa clause but slightly more depressing.
Grey - For a truce. Usually given to people who donât get along very well but will take a day off of fighting to celebrate in peace. Common among soldiers, warriors, and opinionated neighbors.
While originating in Hyrule, anyone is able to participate. If anything, people are often invited from overseas to participate. Ribbons are also mailed out to people who are further away. They are tied around the envelope and are full of good wishes. Ribbon day is an open invitation to essentially celebrate the people youâve gotten to know and enjoy a day of peace, food, and good luck in the future.
So thatâs what we have. Feel free to keep this if anyone likes the idea. If thereâs anything I can add please let me know and Iâll try to figure it out.