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Galuf the Dwarf
Senior Scribe
USA
687 Posts |
 Posted - 23 Dec 2024 : 03:43:10
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Seeing that tomorrow (12/23) is my birthday, I figured I'd come up with this topic: Are there any known interesting practices involving birthdays or "coming of age" ceremonies in the Realms, namely amongst various human societies or cultures of other humanoids (Dwarves, Elves, etc.)? I don't know THAT much of such but I figured "Why not talk about it?" 
So, any insights, folks?
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Galuf's Baldur's Gate NPC stats: forum.candlekeep.com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=8823
Galuf's 3.5 Ed. Cleric Domains: forum.candlekeep.com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=14036
Galuf's Homebrew 4th Edition Races: forum.candlekeep.com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=13787
Galuf's Homebrew Specialty Priest PrCs: forum.candlekeep.com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=14353
Galuf's Forgotten Realms Heralds and Allies thread: forum.candlekeep.com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=8766 |
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TBeholder
Great Reader
2465 Posts |
Posted - 23 Dec 2024 : 07:00:55
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Well, there was this answer on "name days".
Also, monarchs in Cormyr celebrate it the British way. |
People never wonder How the world goes round -Helloween
And even I make no pretense Of having more than common sense -R.W.Wood
It's not good, Eric. It's a gazebo. -Ed Whitchurch |
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sleyvas
Skilled Spell Strategist
USA
11981 Posts |
Posted - 23 Dec 2024 : 12:31:22
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| You know, I could see it that Lathander's clergy (Lliira's too) might actually make and sell AT COST celebratory materials for name day parties, but with some "flair" that reminds people of Lathander and/or Lliira in them. I could also see them offering their services at such parties (i.e. Lliiran priestesses might show up to oversee a celebratory dance by the celebrant... one that often leads to them picking a person to dance with them when they are also older... refusing to dance being deeply frowned upon when its someone's name day request). Of course, Lliiran temples would be less likely to be found in the countryside, but Lathander's are found all over the place. I could see Lathander's clergy growing lots of flowers expressly for the purpose of decorating parties. |
Alavairthae, may your skill prevail
Phillip aka Sleyvas |
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Diffan
Great Reader
USA
4458 Posts |
Posted - 23 Dec 2024 : 12:39:31
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quote:
Originally posted by Galuf the Dwarf
Seeing that tomorrow (12/23) is my birthday
Happy Birthday!! |
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Galuf the Dwarf
Senior Scribe
USA
687 Posts |
Posted - 23 Dec 2024 : 14:47:47
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quote:
Originally posted by Diffan
quote:
Originally posted by Galuf the Dwarf
Seeing that tomorrow (12/23) is my birthday
Happy Birthday!!
Thank you. |
Galuf's Baldur's Gate NPC stats: forum.candlekeep.com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=8823
Galuf's 3.5 Ed. Cleric Domains: forum.candlekeep.com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=14036
Galuf's Homebrew 4th Edition Races: forum.candlekeep.com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=13787
Galuf's Homebrew Specialty Priest PrCs: forum.candlekeep.com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=14353
Galuf's Forgotten Realms Heralds and Allies thread: forum.candlekeep.com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=8766 |
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Gelcur
Senior Scribe
533 Posts |
Posted - 23 Dec 2024 : 15:41:23
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I find the use of the term "name day" interesting. He mentions it's what birthdays are called in the Realms but I wonder if it's similar to the concept of name days in the Greek Orthodox tradition? In Greece up until "recently" birthdays were barely acknowledged and people celebrated on the feast day of the saint they shared a name with, so all the Georges celebrated on one day, all the Marias on another.
My understanding is many older generations didn't even know when their birthday was. I always thought this was a sort of lack of record keeping or even calendars. The church had the resources and kept a master calendar for feasts so people just piggybacked on it. Hmmm. |
The party come to a town befallen by hysteria
Rogue: So what's in the general store?
DM: What are you looking for?
Rogue: Whatevers in the store.
DM: Like what?
Rogue: Everything.
DM: There is a lot of stuff.
Rogue: Is there a cart outside?
DM: (rolls) Yes.
Rogue: We'll take it all, we may need it for the greater good. |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36867 Posts |
Posted - 23 Dec 2024 : 23:10:44
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Combined lore from Ed, concerning birthdays:
Twitter:
@Greysil_Tassyr
A Realmslore question, if I may. How are birthdays tracked, in the Realms, and is there any special terminology for birthdays? (I know the thing about summers or winters, but I'm looking specifically at birthdays, here)
@TheEdVerse
Among most, they're "morn days" (short for "firstmorn" or first morning, despite most folks being born later in a day), and are spoken of as "tenth of [month]" or "sixteenth of [month]" as mention of tendays declines. Note that the twenty-sixth of a month would be "score-and-six"
@Greysil_Tassyr
A follow-up, good sir: I found reference to Azoun IV's birthday being celebrated, but are there celebrations/commemorations of any sort for regular folk?
@TheEdVerse
Local lords and nobles throw feasts for their servants/households on their birthdays, and "regular folk" throw small dinners for kin and friends (if on good terms). Guilds and trading cabals usually hold private dinners for members who've "done good" for the organization that year
@TheEdVerse
A pleasure! Always happy to talk Realmslore. BTW: 1300s into 1400s, feasts have large shared platters, but diners get small pies (fat, oversized tarts) of both sweet (fruits) and savory (meats w/gravy) sorts, to take home to elderly, infirm, and children who couldn't attend.
https://twitter.com/TheEdVerse/status/1079557216632532994
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@sno4wy
Another follow-up for the Archmage: Do Realmsians wish each other happy birthdays like we do by saying "Happy Morn Day", or something to that effect ("Good Morn Day"?)?
@TheEdVerse
They say so many summers or so many winters. For instance, if you lived in the Realms and were named Bran, and had been born thirty winters ago (spring is lumped with summer, and fall with winter, for this usage only), you'd be saluted verbally on your birthday with waves or smiles or hugs or nods (depending on the closeness of your relationship with the being saluting you) as they said, "Thirty winters, Bran!" or just "Thirty winters!"
#Realmslore
https://twitter.com/TheEdVerse/status/1112143740930543616
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Greenwood's Grotto (Discord):
Kim Kimera Kimes
Hey @Ed Greenwood I was thinking for my first question to be of relevance to the recent situation; How are birthdays celebrated in the realms? is there cake, presents, lousy singing? is it the same for children and adults? does it differ per region? And are there specific birthday parties of which you want to elaborate on, like of Elminster's or any other figure?
Ed Greenwood
The short answer is that "name days" (which is what most folk in the Realms call birthdays) are celebrated differently from place to place, time period to time period, and culture to culture. However, it's USUALLY a time for a small meal among friends or family at which a favourite food or foods of the name day celebrant is featured, and a "new to them food" or drink is offered. At this meal, three feasters will stand up and give SHORT speeches about kindnesses the celebrant has done for them, heroic or nice things the celebrant did, and why they love/revere/respect the celebrant. And then ONE gift is given to the celebrant, always something small and useful, like a new belt knife or laces for their boots or a pair of work gloves. Only among nobles or the wealthy are gifts large or extravagant, like a ship or a new racehorse or a country cottage or a luxury coach with a team of draft beasts to pull it. And as for singing: depends on the celebrant and those celebrating. If there is, it's a family chant or song (think Tolkien's dwarves singing "Misty Mountains Cold," and not "Happy Birthday" or a bawdy song), unless the celebrant is a mercenary or other soldier, and their group has a proud marching song. |
Candlekeep Forums Moderator
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I am the Giant Space Hamster of Ill Omen!  |
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questing gm
Master of Realmslore
Malaysia
1554 Posts |
Posted - 24 Dec 2024 : 15:40:50
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On birthdays celebrated by other races
https://twitter.com/TheEdVerse/status/1122307723813621760
Apr 28, 2019
@jayeedgecliff
@TheEdVerse how do (if they do at all) various races & peoples celebrate their birthdays? I mean I know not everyone does a birthDAY since not everyone tracks the exact date. And I suddenly had to wonder about elves whose lives in 1e measure over 1000yrs.
@TheEdVerse
It varies widely. Elves, half-elves, dwarves, and gnomes usually visit the grave of a parent or ancestor they loved and miss, if they can, to sit down and remember for a bit, and tell the grave "Well, I'm still here" and what they've been up to. Humans more often gather to cook a meal (or just a dish) the person having the "name day" likes/loves, and give a small present. And by small, I mean something like a whittled wooden pocket keepsake to remember them by. Cooks are often given tiny "thumbslide" coffers (wooden container like a modern real-world "today's pills container" that's carved of wood and has a slide-off-in-grooves top that can be slid with the thumb as it's held in the hand...full of the nameday being's favourite spice. |
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George Krashos
Master of Realmslore
Australia
6680 Posts |
Posted - 29 Dec 2024 : 02:12:02
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quote:
Originally posted by Gelcur
I find the use of the term "name day" interesting. He mentions it's what birthdays are called in the Realms but I wonder if it's similar to the concept of name days in the Greek Orthodox tradition? In Greece up until "recently" birthdays were barely acknowledged and people celebrated on the feast day of the saint they shared a name with, so all the Georges celebrated on one day, all the Marias on another.
My understanding is many older generations didn't even know when their birthday was. I always thought this was a sort of lack of record keeping or even calendars. The church had the resources and kept a master calendar for feasts so people just piggybacked on it. Hmmm.
You're not far wrong. Centuries of Ottoman occupation saw the admittedly poor system of Greek record keeping remain at an ineffectual level for many generations. Things might be better now - but I doubt it. Culturally, my dad always had a big party for his name day. His birthday until we were older and wanted to celebrate it with him was just another day.
-- George Krashos |
"Because only we, contrary to the barbarians, never count the enemy in battle." -- Aeschylus |
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sleyvas
Skilled Spell Strategist
USA
11981 Posts |
Posted - 29 Dec 2024 : 16:37:57
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quote:
Originally posted by George Krashos
quote:
Originally posted by Gelcur
I find the use of the term "name day" interesting. He mentions it's what birthdays are called in the Realms but I wonder if it's similar to the concept of name days in the Greek Orthodox tradition? In Greece up until "recently" birthdays were barely acknowledged and people celebrated on the feast day of the saint they shared a name with, so all the Georges celebrated on one day, all the Marias on another.
My understanding is many older generations didn't even know when their birthday was. I always thought this was a sort of lack of record keeping or even calendars. The church had the resources and kept a master calendar for feasts so people just piggybacked on it. Hmmm.
You're not far wrong. Centuries of Ottoman occupation saw the admittedly poor system of Greek record keeping remain at an ineffectual level for many generations. Things might be better now - but I doubt it. Culturally, my dad always had a big party for his name day. His birthday until we were older and wanted to celebrate it with him was just another day.
-- George Krashos
Wait, really? I never would have thought this. I assumed "name day" to mean the day that a person was given their name (i.e. usually the day they were born). I hadn't caught this when the person posted earlier about people having a "everyone named George" day celebration, etc.. I don't buy that working in the realms, as there's way too many names in general. But it is interesting to know that some cultures here did that, and I could see SOME cultures doing this in the realms that might have a very tight "cultural control" on what names children are given. It would have to be a very insular culture though... like maybe Rashemen or Lantan or Nimbral that isn't exactly welcoming outsiders to tromp through willy nilly. Maybe Hartsvale might work (the place where the twilight giants trilogy was) or Vaasa or the Great Glacier area might also fit, with large stretches of impassable land limiting interaction.
by the way, "Everyone named George Day" sounds boring, but "Everyone named Phillip Day" .... man, that just sounds like the most amazing day ever. I bet its extra special whereever its celebrated, and I bet magic really works in our world on that day. |
Alavairthae, may your skill prevail
Phillip aka Sleyvas |
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thomasfrank
Acolyte
1 Posts |
Posted - 06 Mar 2025 : 08:40:19
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| Different cultures celebrate coming-of-age in unique ways, from elven wanderlust journeys and dwarven forging rites to halfling feasts and orcish trials of strength. While birthdays aren't universally significant, milestones like adulthood, craftsmanship, or divine initiation often come with grand ceremonies, feasts, or personal challenges. |
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Kieock
Acolyte
USA
3 Posts |
Posted - 27 Mar 2025 : 18:47:30
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I've been writing a book about my character from when I first started playing back in 1980 from a "he's retired what would he be doing now kind of perspective". It's more a what kind of trouble would he get into if many many years had passed. Anyway... he gets attached to this young orphan lad and asks him to join him on his "adventure". During their travels, the lad saves the horses during an orc attack. A few days later when they are safe inside a large city, my guy buys him his own horse.
My idea was that it was a human practice that a father would do for his sons when they had completed "an act of manhood". In this case, protecting the horses. In my character's case, it was when his father presented him with his own short sword. Since the orphan lad didn't have a father, my guy stepped in.
You could have a "Father's gift" ceremony at a certain age. The same for young women as well with their mothers. |
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TBeholder
Great Reader
2465 Posts |
Posted - 28 Mar 2025 : 02:08:22
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As to "coming of age" ceremonies, the Rashemi have dajemma.
Uthgardt barbarians have the two-part ceremony, test and formal rite:
quote:
During the Runemeet, Uthgardt youths desiring to be adults (and warriors of all ages) participate in the ritual of the Runehunt, in which those involved seek victory over one the tribe's ritual enemies - usually orcs. When youths complete a Runehunt successfully, shamans hold a ceremony, known as the Telhut, to initiate them into manhood. Shamans of Chauntea initiate Uthgardt girls into womanhood at this time as well.
-- The North, book 1, p.31
And the drow have Blooding. Which generally is less able to generate plot points, but at least can provoke some debate on which forms are "missing the point", etc. |
People never wonder How the world goes round -Helloween
And even I make no pretense Of having more than common sense -R.W.Wood
It's not good, Eric. It's a gazebo. -Ed Whitchurch |
Edited by - TBeholder on 28 Mar 2025 11:43:45 |
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AJA
Senior Scribe
USA
792 Posts |
Posted - 28 Mar 2025 : 06:12:50
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The gnomes also have a coming-of-age ceremony. They are expected upon their majority to go forth into the world and perform an "un-pantsing" upon the one called Eric Boyd. No one knows why this is.
No one, except for a certain blue dragon of the Morueme clan. He chuckles uncontrollably every time.
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AJA
YAFRP
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Edited by - AJA on 28 Mar 2025 06:13:29 |
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Delnyn
Master of Realmslore
USA
1028 Posts |
Posted - 28 Mar 2025 : 15:27:04
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quote:
Originally posted by AJA
The gnomes also have a coming-of-age ceremony. They are expected upon their majority to go forth into the world and perform an "un-pantsing" upon the one called Eric Boyd. No one knows why this is.
No one, except for a certain blue dragon of the Morueme clan. He chuckles uncontrollably every time.
Would that blue dragon be Krashos Morueme? |
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sleyvas
Skilled Spell Strategist
USA
11981 Posts |
Posted - 28 Mar 2025 : 21:35:29
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quote:
Originally posted by Kieock
I've been writing a book about my character from when I first started playing back in 1980 from a "he's retired what would he be doing now kind of perspective". It's more a what kind of trouble would he get into if many many years had passed. Anyway... he gets attached to this young orphan lad and asks him to join him on his "adventure". During their travels, the lad saves the horses during an orc attack. A few days later when they are safe inside a large city, my guy buys him his own horse.
My idea was that it was a human practice that a father would do for his sons when they had completed "an act of manhood". In this case, protecting the horses. In my character's case, it was when his father presented him with his own short sword. Since the orphan lad didn't have a father, my guy stepped in.
You could have a "Father's gift" ceremony at a certain age. The same for young women as well with their mothers.
I've done some stories in a similar vein. Basically, my main NPC "Sleyvas of Thay" was forced to leave Thay after working against certain Zulkirs, and he ended up in Chessenta in Soorenar, where wizards for hire are appreciated. He ended up spending time at a local temple of the Red Knight playing various tactical board and card games with a fledgling priest, whom he began teaching wizardry to as a "payment" whenever he would lose a game of lance board or wheel of spells, etc....
So, this fledgling mage-priest was assigned to patrol the nearby swamps with a patrol of soldiers, so Sleyvas took the time to attire this fledgling mage priest with a complete suit of basically what he considered "junk magic items" (i.e. a +1 suit of twilight mithril breastplate, a +1 shield, a +1 mace, a +1 cloak of resistance, a +1 ring of protection, +2 gloves of dexterity, +2 headband of intellect, +2 periapt of wisdom, some potions of healing, etc..).... just because he didn't want to lose his gaming buddy. He also placed low level crafted contingent spells on him like false life & shield, and gave him a sending stone "just in case he ever needed emergency help". So it was that a powerful warrior archmage suddenly became a fervent follower of the church of the Red Knight, and the church appreciated him because if their patrols ever came into serious trouble, an archmage would be called to teleport in and lay waste to some poor foolish lizardfolk, wererats, etc... that thought they had found some easy targets.
Thus became the story for my NPC Damerick Palenthist, the mystic theurge/war weaver, whom I've never played, but had fun imagining stories for. |
Alavairthae, may your skill prevail
Phillip aka Sleyvas |
Edited by - sleyvas on 28 Mar 2025 21:50:45 |
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sleyvas
Skilled Spell Strategist
USA
11981 Posts |
Posted - 28 Mar 2025 : 21:58:03
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quote:
Originally posted by AJA
The gnomes also have a coming-of-age ceremony. They are expected upon their majority to go forth into the world and perform an "un-pantsing" upon the one called Eric Boyd. No one knows why this is.
No one, except for a certain blue dragon of the Morueme clan. He chuckles uncontrollably every time.
Weird, the gnome I talked to said his name was Aerikel Bueyad. Goes to prove you can't trust them to get things right. |
Alavairthae, may your skill prevail
Phillip aka Sleyvas |
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AJA
Senior Scribe
USA
792 Posts |
Posted - 29 Mar 2025 : 07:53:26
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quote:
Originally posted by sleyvas
Basically, my main NPC "Sleyvas of Thay" was forced to leave Thay after working against certain Zulkirs, and he ended up in Chessenta in Soorenar, where wizards for hire are appreciated. He ended up spending time at a local temple of the Red Knight playing various tactical board and card games with a fledgling priest, whom he began teaching wizardry to as a "payment" whenever he would lose a game of lance board or wheel of spells, etc....
In the temples and orphanages of The Red Knight across Faerûn, those trainees approaching their majority are expected to fashion by themselves a strategy board that best suits their tactical strengths– lanceboard, knightboard, Dessarin Trail, etc. The two most important (opposing) pieces are then gifted to them by the elders of their temple or house. The rest they are then expected to carve themselves, one-by-one, upon the receiving of a divine inspiration – after a great strategic battle, a success on a winning objective, defending a siege, or even to be found floating in golden hue over a treasure hoard won instead through wit and skill of arms.
There are very few indeed of the Red Fellowship who have risen high enough to assemble a completed board, and certainly none known below the granted rank of Knight Commandant. But every Autumn the war siren sounds out its battle call anew, and every Autumn there are plenty of those Red Recruits, eager with their boards to answer.
quote:
Originally posted by Delnyn
Would that blue dragon be Krashos Morueme?
Such a silly name for such a majestic creature. No wonder he lowers himself to associating with gnomes.
Seriously, why be a Krashos when you could be a Aconflagblazen or a Dheubpurcwenpylor or a Kazmil-urshula-kelloakizilian – or even a ;buoahsreuleb or rnaopf3dolrjdz, instead.
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AJA
YAFRP
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36867 Posts |
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Birthday/Coming of Age Celebrations in the Realms?
