Couture Crib
We’ve seen the naming process of the Igbo’s and the Edo’s. Today, we’ll look at that of the naming ceremony in yoruba land.
The Yorubas are found in the southwest region of Nigeria and they are known for their love for events which they’ve termed “owambe”. Most Yoruba event is a gathering of people of high status, with the aso ebi being worn at almost any slight opportunity.
Naming ceremonies are quite a very big deal in Yoruba land. Just like the Igbos, the process of the naming ceremony are general although there may be a few changes depending on the location and the family. Some of the traditions of the people have either changed or may have been abandoned completely over time.
The naming ceremony of a child is held on the 8th day after a child is born within the premises of the paternal grandfather of the baby. On the day of the event, a special stew is made with dried fish, locust beans and dried bush rat is made. The mother of the child is allowed to partake in this food as she was prohibited from eating salt, sugar and pepper from the day she gives birth till the day of the ceremony.
Quite a boring diet!
In the morning of the D-day, some parts of the baby’s body is coated with the stew. The baby also gets to taste the stew as a part of it is put on the tip of his/her tongue. As usual, the baby lets everyone know that the food isn’t the breast milk he/she is used to.
Depending on the part of Yoruba land you’re in, the person who officiates the occasion may differ. Sometimes, it’s the paternal grandmother or the paternal grandfather.
Honey, salt, sugar, palm oil and adun are usually placed in bowls where the ceremony is scheduled to take place.
This post on will be updated as soon as possible…
Couture Crib
Couture Crib
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