As promised, Limhi declared a day of public rejoicing, sending out messengers for his people to leave their fields. Like other Mesoamerican settlements, including Zarahemla, most of the people live outside the town on their land. The proclamation is both a necessary and the most effective way of communicating with the scattered population.
The very fact of gathering generates rejoicing. Usually only two events would draw the people from their fields: war or festival. Since the proclamation did not announce war, this gathering was obviously the second—a festival. They would remain together for at least a day, bringing their provisions with them to form the basis for a communal exchange of food. This sharing was as important a factor in maintaining social connections in an agricultural society as is gossip on the periodic market days.
The temple in Limhi’s city probably followed the same pattern as other Mesoamerican temples. It would be built in a large enclosure, which served as a public gathering space. A stepped pyramid, the temple itself would focus attention on the king and allow him to address the people conveniently.