The summer solstice is one of four annual events that are universally recognized around the world. (The other three being the winter solstice and the equinoxes, of course). Many different holidays have sprang up in different countries to celebrate midsummer, not all of them were at the same time. For instance, the Chinese calendar tends to set midsummer closer to the end of May or early June. But considering Heiya Island is becoming more of a Pan-Asian colony and incorporating traditions from more than just China and Japan, it was decided to place the Summer Solstice Celebration at the equinox.
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The biggest event regarding the Summer Solstice Celebration was definitely the Dragon Boat Race. Dragon boats are essentially long canoes that can hold up to 20 rowers, 1 drummer, and 1 steersman. They get their name from the carved dragon head on the front of the boat. And as anyone on a rowing team can tell you, rowing in time with other people is not an easy feat, and rowing teams usually only have up to 8 rowers.
In the absence of any large lakes or rivers on Heiya Island, the Dragon Boat Race had to race around the island itself. Of course, this was carefully monitored as the sea around Heiya Island was rougher and colder than Mieni Atoll. There have been fatal boating accidents in other boat races, but there were safeguards in place. For starters, all participants were wearing lifejackets. Secondly, aquatic Animalians were on standby in case anyone fell overboard or the boat might capsize. But fortunately, the weather for the race was calm and balmy.
The rowers tended to be a mixed group of humans and Animalians. While Animalians did tend to be physically superior to humans in most ways, rowing was something that kept everyone on equal ground. Only the larger Animalians couldn't participate as they might put too much weight on the boat. In any case, the rowing was just as exhausting for the Animalians as it was for the human, for rowing was one of the few sports which involves all the major muscles. By the end of the races, the rowers weren't much of a mood for anything other than lying down and resting.
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A recent holiday that's been attacked to the summer solstice is International Yoga Day. While it was originally an Indian art, it has spread across the world. Many people don't really get into the spiritual aspect of yoga even though they practice the physical side for exercise. And while the City of Kings was just getting on its feet, yoga is one of the several practices held at the Temple of the Body on Heiya Island.
While Animalian musculature closely resembles humans in many way, there are some areas were they differentiate a lot. As such, an extensive examination of Animalian physiology was required before adapting yoga forms for them. In general, it wasn't too much of a difference, the presence of tails being an exception. Usually the hardest adaptation were for bird Animalians with wings on their backs. Of course, the hardest of all were serpentine Animalians with no legs. And one particular snake Animalian was having the hardest time.
"You're not holding your arms right," said Li in annoyance.
"I'm going at right as I can go," said Wei.
"No, you're doing it wrong," said Li.
"Maybe if you read the instructions better, I wouldn't mishear them," snapped Wei.
"Boys, boys, you're trying to achieve inner peace, remember?" said Muxing, "Fighting with yourself is literally the opposite of inner peace."
"I don't think this yoga thing works for us," said Wei.
"We've just go too different a body," said Li.
"I'll admit, it wasn't easy for me with this tail," said Muxing, "But with patience, and my natural flexibility, I've been able to achieve it."
"But we've got four arms and they keep getting in the way," said Li.
"Yoga obviously wasn't meant for four-armed people," said Wei.
Muxing laughed and said, "Have you taken a good look at the Hindu gods? Most of them have four arms or more. Perhaps if you studied them, you might find poses that you'll be able to do easier."
"Isn't there that new Indian colony?" asked Li.
"You think someone there may be able to instruct us better?" asked Wei.
Muxing shrugged and said, "I have no idea if there's a yogi master or not. I have heard that one of Animalia Ambassadoria's families is having a vacation there. Perhaps we can learn more about this colony from their next video." The idea of visiting India was a bit fascinating to Muxing. As the Wood Element and a tree viper, she felt that Heiya Island could use more trees, though expansion plans would probably prevent that. Visiting a colony that was next to the jungle intrigued her. And spending time with Li-Wei was rather tantalizing in itself.