How to Survive in the Roanoke Colony

227: Ritual Debate (2) 227: Ritual Debate (2) “These people will prevent us from holding our ritual…” “That’s because they know we’re much stronger than they are, don’t they?” I turned on my phone for a moment.

And checked today’s date.

December 19, 1608.

It was almost the winter solstice.

== “Fortunately, they left a few days ago…

It’s a blessing they came right before the holy day; how could we not call this impure?” Everyone nodded as the chief spoke.

Their faces were filled with relief, and their bodies trembled with anticipation.

Burning incense that elevated mood and lighting fires, they drove away the night’s cold and darkness.

This winter was not as murderous as the last, so more people had gathered.

They gathered for the sacred game.

Holding peach pits blackened on one side, they threw them at each other, keeping score and predicting good or bad harvests.

…They remembered the last ritual.

A rioter carrying a cross had come in, destroyed everything, and left.

Saying everything except the one spirit he served was an evil spirit.

However, they…

couldn’t stop him.

Because they knew what was behind him.

“Here, 1 point!” “2 points over here!” They shouted exaggeratedly and sang songs, trying to shake off the gloomy memories of the past year.

They feasted noisily and prayed for a bountiful harvest next year.