Shinseindies

Shinseindies (pronounced shin-sayn-dee-ess) is one of the most important celebrations regarded by Deadbeats. Every year, in Fall, Deadbeats from every corner of the island go on a pilgrimage to the outskirts of the Underworld. This event dedicated to the remembrance of the Dead, and to thanking Mori for the service she does to Creation. It is considered appropriate to complete the pilgrimage at least once in your life, though the most pious Deadbeats complete it every year. The celebrations take place at the hundreds of shrines dotted around the edge of the Underworld's chill zone. Proper participation in Shinseindies includes bringing a generous food offering with you, which is donated to the local shrine and cooked into communal meals distributed to the pilgrims. Visits to the catacombs and ritualized hunts are also commonplace, as are more traditional festival activities such as pop-up villages of food shops and games, as well fireworks. All with plenty of spooky decorations, obviously.

The celebration begins when a large candle is lit inside a pumpkin carved by one of the shrine's priestesses. Pumpkins are only grown in the Underworld, where the temperature is cold enough for them to thrive. Every day, the priestess is responsible for checking the pumpkin; if the pumpkin is firm, the party continues. If it has gone soft, and rot has set in, the final day of Shinseindies for this shrine is announced, and at the end of the day, the priestesses will be tasked with smashing the pumpkin while wearing a blindfold.

This means the Festival does not end at the same time in every shrine. It is common for the pilgrims present for the end of a short-lived Shinseindies to travel to a shrine where it is still ongoing nearby. Being present at the end of the longest-lasting Shinseindies is considered a good omen.