10.3.12. Naming Ceremony

Yesterday I went with Saffie to a naming ceremony. Traditionally, Muslims will name a new baby on the eighth day after it has been born, and they hold a celebration to mark the occasion. (However, sometimes the naming ceremony won't take place until a few weeks or even a few months after the baby has been born – a bit like a christening or dedication service).

In the morning the husband will tell his wife the name he has chosen for the baby(!), and there is a religious ceremony usually conducted by the almaamo (imam). This tends to a family occasion, but later in the day there is a celebration. Men and women celebrate separately, so when I go with Saffie we sit with the women. It's very much like a party – lots of chatter and laughter. Many of the women have babies either tied on their backs, or ready to be passed round. Every time a new person arrives they shake hands with everyone who is already there, and greet them – it is unthinkable in Gambian culture not to greet people when you arrive at a gathering. The first time I visited my partner school, every child got off the school bus and came straight to shake my hand, even thought they didn't know me!

Lots of 'ataya' (green mint tea) is brewed, and sometimes food is prepared. People usually bring a small gift of money to contribute to the new mother. Everyone looks very beautiful in their colourful clothes, and it's a really enjoyable occasion. Some of these photos have been taken at previous naming ceremonies I have been to, but they should give you an idea of the atmosphere.