The Day of Shame
A “holiday” often overlooked, is the Hamerfellian “Day of Shame”. This tradition, remembered on the 20th of Rain’s Hand, strongest on the coastal cities of the Redguard province, finds its origin in the 564th year of the Second Era, during the days of the Knahaten Flu.
History
While this holiday is celebrated in Hammerfell, the story that is remembered starts in Black Marsh. in 2E 560, the first cases of the Knahaten Flu were reported. This disease, that affected all sentient life in Black Marsh, with the exception of the Hist and the Argonians (which gave rise to the theory that the Flu was designed by the Hist themselves), was the cause of major extinction across the province, exterminating at least the local race of man, the Kothringi, and most likely the vulpine race of the Limothiit. The story of the Day of Shame is centred around the Kothringi, or, to be more precise, one ship filled with (most likely) the last living Kothringi, trying to escape the Flu, dubbed the “Crimson Ship”. The Crimson Ship left the coasts of Black Marsh in 2E 563, and the sailors and refugees desperately tried to find a safe haven, but to no avail. At every port, the last of the Kothringi were refused entry, out of fear for the Flu (which was still raging on, both in Black Marsh, and on the ship). After more than a year on the open seas around Tamriel, the Crimson Ship neared Hammerfell, still hoping to find refuge. However, even the hardy Redguards were deeply afraid of the lethal disease, and they, just like the rest of Tamriel, turned their backs on the Kothringi. The Kothringi, without anywhere or anyone to turn to, decided to sail west, in hopes of safety and help, never to be heard of again. The Redguards, knowing what they had done, locked their doors, and shut their windows.
Tradition
The Day of Shame is one of the more grim days of the year for Hammerfell. While there are no religious services, or large scale ceremonies or festivities, any traveller to Hammerfell will recognise this day, as all locals will keep their doors shut and spend the day at home. This is not only out of shame, but also because of fear. Local legend has it that, if any Redguard would dare push his or her shame aside and walk around freely through the city, the Crimson Ship will return, asking for shelter again, bringing the Knahaten Flu with them again.