Birthnights in the Tanzit Suzerainty are known as
yuan caoyun and are considered important events in a
goblin's life. While the exact customs vary from
realm to realm, there are some observances in common with all of them.
Significance
A Tanzit goblin's night of birth is considered to be the beginning of an endless wellspring of potential. It is up to each individual to grasp that potential and make all of it that they can. However, it is recognized that success rarely happens without the efforts of others and without a great effect on others as well. Thus every year on their birthnight, they measure the progress they have made in the previous year and recognize those who helped them, then celebrate how they have bettered themselves, their families, and their communities.
Traditions
The most widespread birthnight tradition in the Suzerainty is the giving of gifts. The birthnight celebrant is expected to provide tokens of their appreciation to all those who helped them better themselves over the previous year. These gifts are typically small presents, with different realms having various traditions on what to give. On
Quillan, for example, they traditionally give a hand-made trinket, a small spiced meat pie, or a packet of
shuaikan. These small gifts are usually given to extended family, members of their extended friend's circle, and those who have a minor, but regular presence in their life.
However, for those who have played a major part in the celebrant's growth over the previous year, the gifts are typically costlier, more extravagant, and more meaningful. The tradition on Quillan is to prepare the recipient's favorite meal, hand craft a piece of art, or purchase an item greatly needed by the recipient. The more important the recipient's contribution to the goblin's success, the greater the gift. For those who have achieved a great deal, such as amassing a large amount of wealth or achieving acclaim for their skills, the gift should reflect the magnitude of their success.
Regardless of the nature of the gift, they are given out over the course of the night by the celebrant. They begin with the small gifts and slowly work their way to more important ones. It is tradition for the celebrant to travel to the homes of those receiving gifts to deliver them, beginning at sunset, then continuing throughout the night until they finish. At times, this takes the entire night and into the day, though most strive to complete it before then.
The night after they deliver the gifts, all those who received a gift are expected to visit the celebrant for a ceremony at their home. Most often, this is a small meal shared by all, with those present promising to support and help the celebrant in the coming year.
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