Day of Age

Growing requires time and with time comes age.

In the desert age is not the requirement for being considered an adult, but instead it is the ability to function in society. Exactly what that means is slightly debated every generation, but particularely now that Xalna has become an integral part of Veniran society.

History

The traditions are quite different depending on the region of birth, at least until it became a badge of honour to have traveled the land, at which point knowledge was exchanged quickly and the traditions started to be questioned. Most want to keep the tradition in some form or another, but the exact details are hotly debated.

Execution

There are four steps that need to be performed according to tradition:

1. The one who is to become adult is to proove that they can tell a story to children.
2. Secondly, they need to proove that they can perform a craft or work that can support themselves.
3. Thirdly, the child must solve a difficult puzzle. This can either be physical or mental, depending on the region.
4. Finally one must argue with adults to show that they know the meaning of adulthood. Unsurprisingly this is the part that takes the most amount of time. It also serves as a lense for the adults to see what matters to the younger generation.

Over the past decade or so there has been a movement to change some of these challanges due to the fact that some people cannot do them. The argument has been primarely been brought up by those with impairments from birth, but also the very old, since age also brings along reduced mental capacity in many, which would technically mean that they would no longer count as adults.

Participants

The most important person is the one who wishes to beconsidered of age. Then there are other children present so that they can learn and at least five adults who are not family who adjudicate the childs performance.