December is a month of culmination, solemn preparation, and joyous reverence. It honors the Emperor’s ultimate sacrifice, the guiding Astronomican, and the saints and martyrs who serve as beacons of faith. The month concludes with celebrations of the Emperor’s eternal dominion and faith for the Imperium’s future.
1st Day:
Feast of the Emperor’s Ascension
- The holiest day of the Imperial calendar, celebrating the Emperor’s ascension upon the Golden Throne. Pilgrims gather in massive processions, temples hold grand masses, and nobles host lavish feasts. It is a day of prayer, loyalty, and reflection, uniting the faithful in their reverence for the Emperor’s eternal sacrifice.
3rd Day:
Dies Bonae Deae (Day of the Good Mother)
- A day honoring Saint Bona Dea, protector of women and families. Women lead ceremonies in her name, invoking her blessings for the health and unity of their households. Men show their gratitude by offering gifts and prayers at shrines dedicated to her.
5th Day:
Festival of Saint Faunus
- A rural festival honoring Saint Faunus, guardian of the wilderness and agri-worlds. Ceremonies include blessings of livestock, purification of lands, and prayers to protect fields and forests from heretical corruption and warp-taint.
11th Day:
Agonalia Astronomica (Festival of the Guiding Light)
- A day of veneration for the Astronomican and the Emperor’s divine presence that guides humanity through the void. Pilgrims light symbolic lanterns, and Imperial Navy crews offer prayers for safe navigation under His eternal light.
13th Day:
Dies Telluris (Day of the Blessed Earth)
- Marks the consecration of the Temple of Tellus, a celebration of the Emperor’s dominion over Terra. Prayers are offered for the continued stability of the Imperium’s cradle and for the purity of all life sustained by the Emperor’s will.
15th Day:
Consualia Imperialis (Festival of Stores and Provisions)
- A day dedicated to safeguarding the Imperium’s supplies for the trials of the coming year. Rituals of blessing and inspections are performed over vital suplies, manufactorums, and weapon stockpiles to ensure the Emperor’s protection over these vital resources.
17th–23rd Days:
Imperial Saturnalia
- A week-long festival of gratitude and renewal. Saturnalia is celebrated with feasting, gift-giving for Imperial temples, and reflection on the Emperor’s provision. The Ecclesiarchy uses this time to gather alms for Imperial charities and host public ceremonies of obedience. On the final day, priests hold prayer processions and sermons in preparation for the year’s end.
23rd Day:
Dies Astronomicus
- Marks the day the Astronomican reached its full power, lighting the galaxy and banishing the darkness. Pilgrims complete their journey to Terra, and the faithful light massive bonfires and search lights in honor of the Emperor’s guiding light.
31st Day:
Dies Natalis Solis Invicti (Candlemass)
- Known as the “Birthday of the Unconquered Sun,” this night celebrates the Emperor’s unyielding dominion over the galaxy. Candles at homes, searchlights on Imperial edifices and vessels on orbit are lit across the Imperium, and the hymn Holy Triumph of the Golden Throne is sung in unison. Nobles host grand feasts, while commoners offer prayers for the continued survival and success.
31st Day:
Brumalia Sancta (Sacred Festival of Renewal)
- A reflection on ancient pre-Imperial traditions, this day honors the cycle of life and the Emperor’s eternal role in preserving humanity’s destiny. Ceremonies of purification and renewal prepare the faithful for the challenges of the coming year. Nobles and citizens exchange blessings, symbolizing unity under His light.
Significance of December
December is the pinnacle of the Imperial calendar, combining solemn reverence with jubilant celebration. It honors the Emperor’s ultimate sacrifice, the unity of humanity, and the promise of His eternal guidance. As the year concludes, the faithful look to the future with renewed strength, prepared to face any trial in His name.
Ignis Aeternus WH 40K campaign notes 