Midseason Celebrations

The Shaldar are a strange people in many ways, my friend, some of which even I, with my extensive research, was surprised by. Everyone knows they are heathens who don't even know the names of the Great Ones, but did you know that they do not even have proper birthdays? The shock of such an idea has not yet worn off. I just cannot fathom their strange ideas on the subject. No birthday? No party and presents on the anniversary of your arrival in this world? It's simply unthinkable!

Pepin Wanderfoot, Halfling Explorer

Execution

For the people of Shalden, birthdays are a thing to be celebrated during the height of the Midseason festival. A child born in Spring, whether before or after the equinox, will therefore celebrate their birthday during the Spring Festival.
Despite what some explorers once thought, some aspects of the celebration remain the same; there is feasting, celebration, and even presents, though to a lesser extent than in some other cultures. All the children who are celebrating another year of life are doted upon by the adults, practically allowing them to do whatever they want for the day (within reason, of course), and are showered by gifts by their family and friends. Adults are also celebrated, but in a less public fashion, and will receive a few gifts from close friends and family. All birthday celebrants are given first dibs at the feast, are exempt from most of their duties for the day, and are generally encouraged to spend the day as they wish.
Like most festivals, the Midseason feasts include many games and feats of skill. Whenever birthday celebrants take part in these, it is the job of the other participants to somehow flub the contest and allow the guest of honor to win, without letting them know that they won. It is a great game to everyone, the guest of honor attempts to catch the group cheating, while the rest of the group tries to avoid getting caught.

Components and tools

Birthday celebrants can be identified in different ways depending on the season. Spring birthday guests are identified by their special flower crowns, Summer birthdays wear grass crowns, Autumn birthdays wear brown shawls, and Winter birthdays are identified by special, furred caps.

Participants

Everyone in the community participates in the midseason festivals and birthday celebrations.

Observance

Midseason Celebrations take place on the Solstice and Equinox, at the exact midpoint of the season.