Observance
Elves do observe a yearly birthday, though most years it is nothing more than acknowledgement. However, certain marker points in a Elf's life call for a greater celebration. Perhaps none more so that
Ha'centi.
Ha'centi is Elven for 'half-century' or 50 years. Elves typically live for around 500 years and as a result they tend to use centuries as markers, which is why fifty is referred to as half a century rather than five decades like in other cultures. Upon reaching 50 years, young Elves are no longer treated as being young Elves. Whilst, physically, Elves mature by roughly the same age as humans and the other races (i.e. most are fully grown by their 20th birthday), mentally and emotionally within their society, they are not regard as adults until their
Ha'centi. The 30 year period between these two is often the cause for an young elf to fall into the ways of the
Faird'Eldae, since outside the walls of their insular society they would not be disregarded in the same manner.
Ha'centi is observed in all Elven cultures, though the tradition varies between them.
Tradition
The celebration for an Elf's
Ha'centi is grand. Their extended family and friends are gathered and the celebration is usually carried out in grounds of their family home, or nearest available space. Typically, foods that the individual is known to most enjoy are prepared.
High Elves
In High Elven society, there will also be a ceremony
Wood Elves
Wood Elves will place an item of their childhood on a pyre, symbolising them shedding their adolescence and becoming an adult.
Dust Elves
The
Ha'centi ceremony in the Dust Elf lands is accompanied with a symbolic burial and "rebirth" of the Elf celebrating their birthday.
Sea Elves
The gift of a specifically inscribed fishing spear is given to the
Ha'centi celebrator.
Jungle Elves
The Jungles Elves of Suriima include a coming-of-age hunt in their celebrations. The greater the prize, the greater the life the individual will have.
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