Birthright

Birthright is a term that denotes an entitlement or privilege that belongs by birth rather than by later acquisition. The phrase can refer to legal rights, cultural norms, or religious meanings, depending on context.

In legal and political contexts, birthright often describes citizenship or nationality that is acquired by being born within a country or to certain parents. Birthright citizenship typically follows principles such as jus soli (right of the soil) or jus sanguinis (right of blood), though national rules vary and may include exemptions for diplomats or others. The term can also describe inheritance or estate rights assigned to a child by birth, a practice that in many historical systems favored the firstborn or primogeniture, though modern inheritance laws often distribute assets more broadly.

In religious and cultural contexts, birthright carries specific meanings. In Judaism, the birthright (bekhor) originally granted the firstborn son certain privileges, responsibilities, and a double portion of the father's estate, though later interpretations and laws modify its application. Similar concepts appear in other traditions as well, tied to lineage, clan status, or hereditary leadership.

In contemporary usage, birthright appears as a proper noun in organizational and cultural contexts. Examples include Birthright Israel, a program offering guided trips to Israel for young Jewish adults, and the Birthright Campaign Setting, a role-playing game product that centers on dynastic inheritance.

The term remains widely used to denote rights or privileges established at birth, but its specifics vary by legal system and tradition.