Namegiving in Gáláwá

Your eighth dance has ended. Welcome to the Gáláwá, Hithean.

— Namegiving ceremony of Hithean

Summary

The name is given to a child once the eighth year has passed. In Gáláwá, this is accompanied by a family walk around the region. To this moment, they are given a lot of freedom — restrains are seen as outrageous or at least frowned upon in some cases. It is because of the belief that each year the soul gains protection from one side of the immaterial world. The level of that protection is debatable, but nevertheless the child is provided a vast freedom of choice.

The name is treated as a seal of sorts. Thus, giving one to a child before their eighth year is considered a threat to the child and to the village/region. Parents of such children will usually be overprotective, which is bad for everyone. Such fear will run deep and more often than not the child will need to take a journey to gain a true name — one that will truly protect it.

The nameless days

Until the child turns eight, they are nameless. As such, each is treated equally, at least theoretically speaking and they are given little or no individuality at all. The very first change comes with passing the fourth year. Then, the protection against the Depth is thought to be gained.

Up until now, the young ones, where not allowed to walk around the village without the presence of an adult. With this comes another feature, i.e., the position of a caretaker. Each adult in the village takes on the responsibility to look after the fourth-years for one moon's turn. They are to respect the children's curiosity and answer all questions accordingly. This lasts until the seventh year, when the protection seal is almost fully formed.

With seven years passed, the children are free to go outside the village, provided they move in parties of three or more. This period tests also their need and capacity for exploration and travelling. Many will walk only a short distance from the village, so to avoid spending the night at woods or mountains. However, there are children that happily use their rights and venture long distances away from home, up to the border of the region.

The child name

When the eighth year is passed, each child is given their first name, also known as the child name. As such, they are now recognized as a true member of the village and will be given varying chores to establish affinities — their strengths and weaknesses.