Nafnadagur

Nafnadagur, "Name Day" in the Tempestr languages, is a celebratory tradition practiced on the Stormswept Isles on the anniversary of somebody's Naming Day, which was typically a few days after their actual birthday.
Due to high rates of infant mortality, the first six Name Days are of special importance to the child's family. Other special Name Days are the 12th, when a child officially becomes an adult, the 24th, symbolizing a doubling of not just age, but also wisdom and experience, and the 48th, symbolizing a further doubling and marking the point at which a person is considered "Old and Wise".
Celebrations typically take place exclusively indoors, due to the frequent bad weather that gives the Stormswept Isles their name.

History

Naming Day celebrations have existed among the peoples of the Stormswept Isles since prehistory, and have changed little over the centuries. Mentions of similar traditions date back to the earliest poetic epics, over 3000 years ago.

Execution

There is never any set pattern to a Naming Day celebration. Specific traditions and patterns vary from family to family, and depend of who is in attendance, public or private.
Friends and family often take the opportunity to tell tall tales of the life of the person whose Name Day is being celebrated, often wildly exaggerated and filled with humour.

Components and tools

Typical celebrations include feasting, with a table decorated with brightly coloured fabrics and ribbons, and drinking. Heavy drinking. Most guests of all ages leave in a drunken stupor at the end of celebrations.

Participants

Most Name Days are considered a private affair, with attendance restricted to friends and family, and invitation. The 6th, 12th, 24th and 48th Name Days are considered cause for public celebration among the small communities of the Stormswept Isles.

Observance

Nafnadagur takes place each year on the anniversary of a person's Naming Day.