Birthdays

Halfling Origins

While the concept of birthdays is as old as time itself, the way they are currently celebrated comes from a Halfling tradition. In Halfling folklore, a man named Aulden Mac Domhnaill is said to have lived past the age of 400 without the aid of magic, though other stories claim he never died. It is said that Aulden celebrated the first-ever birthday at the age of 200, and celebrated again for each century he lived. To this day, a Halfling who reaches the age of 200 is considered especially lucky. Though Aulden's supposed birthday is still celebrated today by Halflings, the tradition was eventually applied to all Halflings. This Halfling version of the birthday ceremony involves the lighting of birthday candles placed on a special cake decorated with flowers. The celebration, like almost all Halflings holidays, is accompanied by a large party of rowdy, intoxicated guests.

Other Cultures

Humans

Humans typically celebrate birthdays the same way Halflings do, though they replace allusions to Aulden Mac Domhnaill with a local folk hero or god.

Gnomes

For Gnomes, birthdays are acknowledged each year but only formally celebrated each decade. Youngsters can expect money from friends and neighbors while the elderly are honored by having stories of their great feats and great mistakes shared by their friends and family. This version of the tradition has also been embraced by the Elves of Parthil, especially in the south.

Cirithasi Elves

In a reversal of the Halfling tradition, Cirithasi Elves save their most elaborate birthday celebrations for children. This tradition started with wealthy families who wanted to shower their children with gifts. It has slowly filtered down the social ladder, and merchants and craftspeople have embraced the practice as a way to celebrate not only their child but their family's prosperity.

Rhovran Elves

Rhovran Elves share the focus on children typically seen in Elvish birthday celebrations. They celebrate each year of the child's passage through the vulnerable first ten years of life. The tradition has taken on religious significance and is used as an opportunity to thank the gods for protecting the child. Rather than a large party, they limit these birthday festivities to their immediate family.

Satyrs

Among the Satyrs, your birthday is only likely to be celebrated if it occurs on a holiday devoted to one of the gods or demigods worshipped in your area. Because you are seen as linked to that figure, you're likely to play an important part in the festivities, perhaps performing a poem, reenacting a story of that god, or helping with an animal sacrifice.

Ereki

The various races that make up the Ereki culture traditionally celebrate milestones in life rather than years lived. A child's first steps, first speech, and first successful hunt are of particular importance.