Naming ceremonies

Birth and Naming Ritual

Birth and Naming Rituals are practiced by the Natives. It is practiced in the communities village. This ritual is often perforemed by the newborns' family and the community that's invited by the parents.

Items that are used during the ritual are: ceremonial regalia, ceremonial fire, gift of herbs,

In some tribes a newborn baby will receive a name and when old enough to understand the meaning and importance of a name, he will receive another. Names often tend to reflect a certain trait or strength in the person, and are often represented by an animal symbolizing those strengths.

Suitable ceremonial regalia is worn if available, and all attendees dress appropriately showing a dignified, reverent attitude. The ceremony takes place outdoors and begins with a ceremonial fire being prepared, and a prayer circle formed around it with the recipient standing in the center. Four guides chosen by the elder are present to act as witnesses, and the recipient offers each of them a gift of herbs. Prayers are said, and the elder explain his reasons for choosing the name. He may also whisper it to the guides and ask their opinion. At the end of the ceremony he will announce what it is. The name is not valid immediately. The recipient must wait until deemed worthy of it by the elder and guides. This may take weeks or even years and the guides have the authority to remove the name if ever the recipient dishonors it.

The significance of this ritual is for the newborn to get a name that he will be responsible for and not make any wrong decisions in the future that could lead to taking his name away.