The feast of the First

Sheep and goat herding is a fundamental part of farming life in the Daïdänt mountains, and the firstborn lamb or kid of the year is hailed as the beginning of the end of the winter.

The young animal is afforded a special place in the community flock, protected from slaughter during the third harvest, and allowed to live out its natural lifespan.

The ceremony dedicating the first of the flock begins after the last lamb is born and tended to, meaning that the date of the feast is changeable and often announced only a few days ahead of time.

The morning of the feast, the firstborn and its mother are washed and dressed with ribbons, flower garlands, and bells, before being led (or carried) around the village and to outlying farmsteads, where the young animal is introduced to its keepers.

This procession is accompanied by singing and dancing in the village meeting-hall, and a feast from the overwintered food - the Gwdaïdän do not celebrate a midwinter festival.

At the fest, the young animal is given a name that evokes happiness and prosperity, such as Sunrise, Snowcease, or Clearwater, and their face is painted with markings believed to bring good luck. Powdered dyes are rubbed into its wool and the young and its mother are given an additional helping of feed.

The first of the flock is considered an omen for the health of the community. If the first is taken by predators, it is believed that the community will fall on hard times before the year's end. If the firstborn is one of a pair of twins, it will be an especially prosperous year.