With it being the end of the month, especially this particular one, it proves to be an excellent opportunity to look back as well as forward to some days of celebration for UEE and USC citizens. Now that the candles have been put out, the scary stories shared and we’ve all had that nice sleep needed after staying up until morning remembering the past, it is time to look forward to the future.

To those new to the celebration or those who still partake but don’t know exactly why things are done in the way that they are, this article is here to sate that curiosity. The day of the Vara, celebrated on October 27th, is a celebration of the joy of life and the grief of loss. The origin of the holiday dates back to the year 2557, when on the 27th of October in the newly discovered system of Hades, the exploration vessel Vara disappeared whilst in orbit of the system’s second planet.

What set the disappearence apart from most incidents were the suddenness of the drop in communications coupled with the inability to track down a wreckage or any remains of the crew. What turned this tragedy into a celebration can only be tracked down to the ever present, and at times well warranted, superstitious nature of the valiant space-farer. Fearing such misfortunes happening to them, the Hades system began being avoided around the time of the Vara’s disappearence, and with time, the loss of the ship and crew also became symbols of appreciating those around us that don’t disappear, of valuing life, friendships, relationships whilst remembering those that passed on, or disappear.

That and a few scary stories shared around a low-light monitor whilst enjoying a warm pot of Carafi noodles and a can of Fizzz Soursop can only help bring the mood together whether you’re at home, on a station, or out in the ‘verse with your trusty crew.

And yet, not all celebrations are as existential as life-and-death. At least in the physical sense. Whilst the ‘Day of the Vara’ is a UEE wide holiday, on the 1st of November the USC celebrates its own holiday, recognized officially by the governing body and all its citizens. To our UEE readers unfamiliar with the upcoming celebration, allow this reporter to introduce you to “Sicsemtyr Day”.

You might be wondering a lot, starting with the strange word up above. “Sicsemtyr” is an abbreviation of a phrase spoken in the Latin of old Earth, a motto that has been repeatedly held throughout its history by those that take a stand. “Sic Semper Tyrannis” or translated directly “Thus always to tyrants” is a phrase used historically as a call to people to overthrow tyrants, authoritarian leaders and overall those that abuse their bestowed power. The very meaning of that motto resonates with history itself, and it resonates with the values the USC was built upon.

“Sicsemtyr Day” is a protest against tyranny in all forms, a day of togetherness for those that can’t stand on their own, but happily stand with others against those that seek to put them under the boot. It is a day people gather to protest unfairness and celebrate the bond that forms when such a battle is fought, whether through strength of arms or strength of words.

The celebration usually extends to the weekend following the 1st of November, and is marked by festivals, open markets, street food and peaceful protests. In the rare occasion there are no issues or people to protest, other events might be organized such as concerts or open air plays.

The day itself is marked by the use of purple colors in clothing, and an old Earth Venice inspired half-mask sometimes worn, meant to symbolize the duality of humans, the good and the bad.

With a celebration just finished and one just starting, this was the appropriate time to take a moment to understand why these celebrations are so important to people. What they symbolize, why they exist and why people do what they do when they engage in the little rituals and habits specific for each holiday. Just like the “Day of the Vara” is about the past with hope for the future, and “Sicsemtyr Day” is about the fairness of the future, it’s important for us to take a moment to look back, to look forward, and to make sure the next step in life is strong.

Remember the Vara, and happy Sicsemtyr. Don’t let tyranny return!

Until next time,

Starlit Drifter