The Forest Flower Festival

==== Legend tells when King Leopold came to Home’s shores centuries ago. He vanquished demons and ghosts through fiery and heroic battle. And when King Leopald stood upon a dune of black sand in valiant victory he stabbed his sword into the shifting sands and from his blade brought life to the entire deadly forest. Tiny fragile pink flowers erupted from the sand and spread like an enormous bright pink wave throughout the forests of Home. And for that day we celebrate the founding of the isle of Home through the Forest Flower Festival. ==== Traditionally we celebrate this holiday on the first weekend of April (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) representing the three day feast of King Leopold and his men. The first day is celebrated with family. Some families like to give presents but other family traditions include a family reunion in order to celebrate. There is no one way to celebrate. The second day typically holds an enormous feast with friends and family. My family likes to finish the meal with a sweet Phoenix Fruit pie. The last day is the great Forest Flower Bonfire. It’s a day for strangers, friends, and families to celebrate the founding of Home. Most major cities and towns have their Forest Flower Festival in their streets and squares, each filled with parades and vendors all celebrating the founding of Home. Probably the most important tradition throughout the weekend is the exchanging of Forest Flower necklaces. Many people give their necklace to anyone they feel a connection to. It could be a stranger, a friend or family. It is a holiday to remind us that we are all part of the same Home (Home is where the heart is).