Worldbuilding: Snowdown in Zaun and Piltover
Snowdown as a tradition began in the past ,when the original city of Osha Va’Zaun was exposed to it from traders from the north. Though many of the vainest and self-obsessed historians from current-day Piltover insist in it being a Piltovian creation to show the wealth of its people, its origins are much more humble and solidary.
In its original form, it was brought on by Freljordian immigrants who during a particular day where the poros would act particularly cheerful, the warriors would gift each other weapons that they’d need for surviving the harshest moments of the coldest winter. But once both the poros and immigrants arrived to the city, its purpose was changed into gifting something you knew the other person needed.
If your friend was a fisherman, you’d gift them a brand new net. If your friend was an architect, you’d get him brand new tools. If it was an artist, you’d buy them paint. It was a sign of solidarity in between the citizens, and because of the city’s location as an important trade center where many travelers went the concept of Snowdown was slowly spread across the rest of Runeterra by those who visited their shores and then returned back to their homes (each region putting its own spin on it later on).
In a similar vein, the current city of Zaun holds a similar tradition towards the city of old, while it’s a dangerous place filled with crime and tragedy, Snowdown is an occasion where that solidarity tries to shine once more.
The lucky ones that have a stable salary still maintain the core value of gifting things that are needed, though it has changed from helping in the person’s profession to simply helping survive the city itself (like air filters, minor augments, etc.).It’s not unknown that a few families save up for years until they can gift their children a way out of the city, while others use this occasion to steal from Piltover, either to keep for themselves or to give back to Zaun.
Those that don’t have much instead simply gift a small piece of wool meant to signify that they fully support them and will help, some even draw the symbol of Janna if they have the materials for it. These pieces of wool can be bought at an extremely cheap price, and are easily obtained even by those who don’t have much.
This gifting is done for a full week before Snowdown until the final day arrives, then the pieces are sewn together and are hanged at the entrance of the house (or worn by those who have no place to call the home), the sheets are said to be blessed by Janna that one day to help blow away the Zaun Gray. After a week, they are given away, to be used by the most unfortunate souls for warmth on cold nights, so even those who couldn’t give much, could give something, to those who have nothing.
Enjoying the Present: Piltover
On the other hand, these customs have changed drastically in Piltover, particularly with those who have large amounts of wealth. No longer a symbol of charity and support, it’s not unusual for gifts to be shows of money and power, with excessive and gaudy gifts meant only to make the gifter look better, with the gifts themselves having no purpose at all aside from decoration.
Instead of sheets that protect from the Zaun gray, huge banners with the logos of the merchant families are hanged on various walls across the city, many times resulting in petty squabbles. The town hall organizes parades with various mechanized contraptions that parade across the street, and many come see the event, many that can be politically influenced.
Some, however, remember the traditions of old and do their best to maintain them. Those with sewing skills knit handkerchiefs that are then handed over with the gifts (an evolution of the cloth gifting from Zaun) , though they are much more rare, only given to those who the person truly cares for , done with more expensive materials and with more intricate designs. Similarly, in a manner reminiscent of the multicolor wool sheets the Zaunites hang, colored papers are put on the entrances of homes, sometimes with designs in the shape of poros, snow crystals, and in rare cases, the symbol for Janna herself. Though many of the traditions have been lost and bastardized, a portion of the populace refuses to forget where they are from.
Towards a brighter future: Unity
There have been certain changes in the last couple of years however, a push has been made by both citizens of Zaun and Piltover put aside their differences and act as one to truly work towards a better future. And while some have scoffed at the idea, whether it be out of contempt for it or for lack of faith, small improvements have happened.
The most charitable of souls use the day to help those in need, travelling to Zaun to give gifts and aid to their brothers and sisters, anything that could be of use and the owner needs no more is given, clothes, food, etc. All will find a new owner and hopefully be put to a better use, and those with good standing will set up small charities where one can go and donate for the poor.
This is mainly done by some of the more influential individuals, or mercantile families, and whether it is done out of genuine kindness or simply to have a good image, no one knows, but while things remain complicated, it could be said that for one day, the unity of the city is stronger than ever.