Beldam Birthday Ritual

In the realm of Beldam, an individual's day of birth is treated with solemness. The family and friends burn candles, pray, and incense for 24 hours. A group of 3 male adults and three female adults, usually parents themselves, will weep uncontrollably during the 23rd hour of the ritual. They weep in anticipation of the sorrow, pain, fear, doubt, and anguish the child is expected to fear throughout her life.
Fasting is mandatory, with only milk and water consumed at regular 4 hour intervals. Anyone over the age of 13 is expected to remain awake for the entirety of the ritual. The mother and father nominate an elder from the village or town to act as a chaperone to the younger children. This role is called the "Elder Child," and is responsible for watching the children and entertaining them with stories, games, and providing sweet and rich food and drink. The Elder Child will watch over the children for the full 24 hours of the ritual. The children celebrate, while the adults and parents mourn.
On each birthday anniversary starting on the 6th during the individuals life, they spend their birthday alone, isolated from their village and family, in what is called the Familia Adorma. An Adorma is a dome-shaped building that lies on a family property or homestead and is used as a chapel. The birthday child fasts for 24 hours, again only subsiding on milk and water. During that time, the child is expected to contemplate the pain, fear, and sorrow they will experience while atoning for the pain, fear, and sorrow they may cause others during their life. This continues throughout the individuals life.
Funerals, however, are true celebrations. The birthday ritual is based on the common belief that a soul is born into a form of captivity. The soul is captive to the pain and suffering in the world. When the individual dies, their soul is set free from the bonds of suffering. The exception is the individual who loses their soul to curses, abhorrent behavior, dark magic, or murderous crimes. Some souls can be permanently enslaved while others are awaiting assistance or release from the bond that holds them to the physical realm.