The African Naming Ceremony
The African Naming Ceremony from West Africa can be performed as an intimate ceremony amongst the family, or as an elaborate celebration with the members of the community.
Already the parents have taken the time to choose the name for the child. The name should reflect the circumstances surrounding the child’s birth or something significant to the parents surrounding the child’s inception and/or birth. Some children are named according to the day they were born. Girls are named after the seventh day of birth and boys are named after the eighth day. The naming ceremony can also be performed for youth and adults who desire an official ceremony after receiving their African Name.
Items Used in the Ceremony
Items used for the ceremony are edible items that can be displayed in bowls on a table next to where the officiator stands. The elder who holds the child is seated near the table along with the parents.
After the welcoming address and an opening prayer, the elder whispers the child’s name in it’s ear three times. The officiator can now share the child’s name to the guests and their attention is called to the display of ten bowls on the table.
One by one the name and meaning of each item is shared. After the item is explained, a drop is put on the child’s tongue and the bowl is passed around so that the attendees can also sample the content.
Sample of the items used in the ceremony include, salt, pepper, and honey to name a few.
The Celebration
After all the bowls return to the table, the party begins. Normally there is lots of food and drinks. Other kinds of gifts and money can be given to the child. Also, live music can be provided to make the occasion even more memorable.