The Gloom-Drift Ceremony
| The Gloom-Drift Ceremony | |
|---|---|
 Participants releasing lanterns during the ceremony in 2059 | |
| Location | Northern docks of Ash Haven |
| Date | First full moon following the winter solstice |
| Purpose | Honouring lost companions |
| Method | Releasing cat-shaped lanterns into the Southern Sea |
| Origin | Mid-century depression mourning practice |
| Participants | Individual families and animal welfare organisations |
| History | Evolved from private widower ritual to regional symbol |
The Gloom-Drift Ceremony is an annual ritual held on the northern docks of Ash Haven to honour lost companions by releasing lanterns shaped like cats into the mist-covered waters of the Southern Sea. Originating during the mid-century depression as a private mourning practice for widowers who had suffered pet loss, the event has evolved into a regional symbol of community resilience and collective grief. The ceremony takes place on the first full moon following the winter solstice, drawing participants from across the region, including individual families and organised groups representing animal welfare organisations. Over the decades, the physical form of the lanterns changed alongside the economic conditions of the city. Early releases used simple paper or glass cutouts fashioned by hand by local fishermen and dockworkers. By the early 2000s, local artisans began