A foreign magazine has requested articles on some traditional ceremonies of your people. Write your contribution describing any one ceremony such as marriag...

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THE CHILD-NAMING CEREMONY AMONG THE YORUBA
by Bunmi Omokija

Among the Yoruba people of south-western Nigeria, the arrival of a new baby is greeted with great joy, for a child is regarded as a precious gift and a sign that the family is expanding and prosperous. To welcome the newborn properly, we hold a colourful ceremony known as the child-naming ceremony, and it is my pleasure to describe it for your readers.

As soon as the child is born, word is sent to all the relatives, both those in the town and those away on the farm, to return home for the naming. A male child is traditionally named on the ninth day after birth and a female child on the eighth day, so the very day of the ceremony announces the sex of the baby.

The ceremony takes place in the compound of the Olori-ebi, the eldest man and head of the family, who presides over the occasion. Early that morning the baby is bathed by the wives of the family and carried in by the eldest wife, who holds the child throughout the ceremony before handing it back to its mother at the end.

The heart of the ceremony is prayer and the tasting of symbolic items, each carrying a meaning for the child's future. A little of each is touched to the baby's lips while the guests share the rest. Honey and sugar are offered so that the child's life may be sweet; bitter kola for long life and firmness; sugar-cane for prosperity; salt for flavour and wisdom; and water for purity. The elder then pronounces the names chosen by the parents and grandparents, and each name carries its own message of hope or gratitude.

Prayers are offered for good health, long life and success, after which the feasting begins. Guests are served pounded yam, rice, jollof and other local delicacies, while palm wine and soft drinks flow freely. Drumming, singing and dancing continue late into the day, and gifts of money, clothing and household items are presented to the delighted parents.

The child-naming ceremony is far more than a celebration. It formally welcomes the newborn into the community, binds the extended family together, and reminds everyone that a child belongs not only to its parents but to the whole society. It is a beautiful and enduring custom that I am proud to share with you.