MY MAGAZINE
READ ALL ARTICLES HERE
MY TRAVEL PLANACCOMMODATIONtrips & activitiesevents

Naming Ceremonies - An Initiation into Life

My Magazine 2023/04
3 min
Naming ceremonies are an important cultural practice in The Gambia, a small West African country known for its rich cultural heritage. The ceremony is usually held a week or more after the birth of a child, and it is a way of officially introducing the newborn to family and friends. In this article, we will explore the significance of naming ceremonies in The Gambia and some of the traditional practices associated with it.

In The Gambia, a child's name is not only a way of identifying them but also a reflection of their cultural heritage and family history. As such, naming ceremonies are seen as an important way of preserving and celebrating the country's cultural identity. The ceremony usually involves extended family members, friends, and well-wishers who gather to witness the naming of the child.

The ceremony typically begins with a recitation of verses from the Quran, the Islamic holy book. This is followed by the official naming of the child, which is usually done by the father or a respected elder in the family. The name given to the child is often chosen based on cultural or religious significance, with many names having Islamic roots. Most children are named after a family member, friend, or respected member in the community, as it is believed that the child willl adopt the good qualities of his or her namesake.

After the naming, there is often a feast where guests are served traditional Gambian dishes such as benachin (also known as jollof rice), yassa, and domoda. The feast is an opportunity for family and friends to come together and celebrate the new addition to the family.

In addition to the naming and feast, there are other traditional practices associated with naming ceremonies in The Gambia. For example, the child may be bathed in water mixed with traditional herbs, which is believed to cleanse and protect them from evil spirits. The child may also be dressed in traditional clothing, such as a boubou or kaftan.

The mother also plays an important role in the ceremony. Mothers can wear many extravagant dresses on the day, changing up to 8 times to display beautiful traditional clothing. This tradition is a relatively new one, but also an integral part of the day. 

Naming ceremonies in The Gambia are not limited to Muslim families. Christian families also have naming ceremonies, although the practices may differ slightly. For example, the ceremony may be held in a church, and the child may be given a biblical name.

In conclusion, naming ceremonies are an important part of Gambian culture, and they serve as a way of preserving and celebrating the country's rich cultural heritage. The ceremony is a time for family and friends to come together to celebrate the birth of a new child and to welcome them into the community. While the practices associated with naming ceremonies may differ from family to family, the significance of the ceremony remains the same – to give a child a name that reflects their cultural heritage and family history.

Did you enjoy this article? Share it with friends >>>

APS Launches Online Wallet
TIGER NUT - the Fiber-Filled Superfood

- OTHER ARTICLES -

Subscribe To Our Magazine
No spam, notifications only about new issues.
Subscription Form za Mailerlite - landing

All articles

Subscribe To Our Magazine
No spam, notifications only about new issues.
Subscription Form za Mailerlite - landing

Other articles

Ebunjan Theatre - The Gift of Janet
Ebunjan Theatre the first and only theatre in The Gambia. A unique African structure that provides space to train and nurture the creative talents of ...
YAWS Fashion Corner: TOGO FASHION WEEK AKA FIMO228 
Happy to be back here! It’s been a minute, beautiful people. Your fashion columnist is back on keys to give you information about what’s happening...
Yoga Bliss Gambia: Maximize your Benefits of Fasting
Whether you are fasting for Lent or Ramadan or for any other purpose, practicing yoga asana and pranayama during the fast can be very beneficial.  Yo...
Creating a Magical World: Connectedness
One of the most basic needs of us humans is belonging somewhere. Feeling connected to a person or a group of people gives us a sense of security and s...
JOBS
© MyGambia 2024
Developed by MarkLab

My Gambia Team

Typically replies within 30 minutes

We will be back soon.

Hey there 👋
We are here to help. What can I do for you?
Start Chat with us
chat