Rivalry feasts are a widespread custom in Elamle, though it rarely comes into application since it involves important investments. Rival clans (or, more recently, merchant houses) tend to nurture their petty quarrels for a very long time before the tenseness becomes so unbearable that other clans urge them to hold a rivalry feast. It is unusual for clans to meet in Elamle, even for two friendly clans. Only sailors know each other well and bring news from everywhere in the Maslo sea. Rivalry feasts are thus extraordinary events, gathering thousands of people in a great festival.
The purpose of a rivalry feast is to help the clans settle their dispute with beautiful gifts to each other. Of course, gifts are also given out to the other clans and every member of a clan receives gifts, for the Elamli believe in the virtues of community life but say it won't work if everyone in the community isn't content.
Then, after several nights' feasting and rejoicing, everyone goes back home happy. The two rival clans, who provided many gifts and much food, are now so depleted they have other matters of concern than their rivalries.
Cheers,
Jerome
Powered by hypermail