Name-Days

Celebration of Life

One of the oldest and most widely celebrated occassions are name-days. Since the establishment of the Nicius Calendar, tracking age has become much easier for common folk and more meaningful in the lives of Allegrans.

Among the common citizenry of Allegri, most children are not given names until they survive their second full seasonal cycle. The distant past was dangerous given the uncivilized and dangerous world around them - naming a newborn was considered not only in bad taste but also an ill-omen for the child. Even when such a child survives into adulthood those around them often shied away from interaction.

Although the specific rituals surrounding names can vary greatly between regions and cultures, one thing is relatively conistent; names are agreed on by family members. It is uncommon for a single person, whether a mother, sister, father, or grandfather, to choose a name. Instead, a family will usually collaborate among themselves to come up with a suitable name that often combines elements from important people or family members, physical appearance, and other factors including heritage and religion.

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Observance

Name-days are not observed systematically. An individual may choose to celebrate their name-day within a few days or even weeks of the actual date based on other observances or previous commitments. As a type of celebration, a name-day usually involves a feast and music with family and close friends. As humans age, name-days become increasingly celebrated.

Parents rarely have large celebrations for young children but often give cherished gifts as part of the ritual. Various traditions exist but in poorer regions around Stretto, for example, parents handcraft elaborate blankets or pillows as a first name-day tradition.

During adolesence, potential love-interests are always openly invited to such celebrations although should a child have no romantic inclination others may be invited in their stead. For those disinterested in romance it is common for local scholars or tradespeople to attend as a type of audition or way to express future interest in a specific calling.

At their 50th name-day celebration, humans with the means often have an elaborate celebration. As a way of honouring the lifetime of elders, family members will travel great distances to attend and the gathering of family from distant places is organized months in advance. Seniors rarely have need for material gifts, and unless they're unusually wealthy, trinkets without a purpose are not popular.