The Dumps

The Dumps is a coming-of-age ritual celebrated on the birthdays of school-age children in Westlo. It involves mild physical violence and is generally considered jolly good fun for all concerned.

History

According to some children at a school we interviewed for this entry, the Dumps were invented by Sir Dump Fartybum, a noble that we have failed to find in the records of Westlo's history. In fact, the Fartybum surname is unattested in the region, suggesting that the origins of the custom come from overseas.
In any case, the children insisted that the Dumps have been administered for 'donkey's years', which certainly indicates great antiquity.

Execution

The administration of dumps is usually the result of a teacher announcing the birthday of a child in his or her class, as most children are reticent about revealing the exact date of their birthday to their peers. It is important that the teacher either forget that the Dumps are A Thing, or at least feign to forget. It is then the responsibility of the Biggest Nasty Child in the class to, at the break period closest to the announcement, pursue and restrain the unhappy birthdayer and invite all present to "give him/her his/her Dumps". This involves kneeing the Dumpee in the backside or, should that seem de trop, thumping them on the back with the flat of ones forearm.
The number of Dumps one receives is equal to the number of years one has completed on the planet at this birthday.

Components and tools

Nothing further is required as the Dumps must be administered by arm or by knee. Overzealous participation, such us use of the fist or the foot, will be refereed by the Biggest Nasty Child, and may be severely punished.

Participants

Obviously, the key participant is the Birthday Boy or Girl. Yet, without the presence of the Biggest Nasty Child and Peer Pressure, the Dumps would certainly not take place. Another important factor is the passivity of adults who do nothing to stop this essential childhood rite of passage.

Primary Related Location

Westlo