Naming Ceremony
Dear All,
The significance of names is demonstrated in the Native Tradition.
Gerlinde
Naming Ceremony
"Children were very precious to the Woodland peoples, and special care was
taken in naming them. In some Woodland cultures the highest-ranking woman named
each child in the community, but in other groups there were professional namers
who had great skill in choosing a name that would suit the child. When the child
reached adolescence, he or she might receive a new name, communicated by a
spirit during a vision quest, a time of solitary prayer and fasting." [1]
The Ceremonial Naming of a child was a very special occasion in the traditional
Native American's life. Very often the name connected with the inherent nature
manifested by the child and noted by the elders, or sometimes it referred to a
particular event in his life. At times a name was passed on from old to young,
but it was an important feature that all true Indian names were to be "earned".
One therefore took great care not to earn a name that would prove to be an
embarrassment, but rather one that would inspire respect in one's friends and
allies or alternately fear in one's enemies. Often the choice of a name linked
the person to various aspects of Nature such as animals, birds, trees, insects
or even to such lofty cosmic elements as Sun, Moon, and Stars.[2]
[One may read the account of a precious occasion of the naming of a young infant
by Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi.]
"While Yogis at the castle, who had the opportunity of being with
Mother on this trip, were busy telling others about this amazing
journey, Shri Mataji saw some of Her children from Rome and other
parts of south Italy. A young couple brought their one month old baby
in front of Mother, "He will be a great Sahaj Yogi. Look how quiet he
is - like a saint. He will be a great saint." Angelo(Angel)was the
name to which Mother, after a small pause said, "An Indian name as
well...Devdoot." She further explained that the name meant 'messenger
of God'". (Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi, Cabella, Tuesday, August 21, 2007)
Reference:
[1]Sita,Lisa.Indians of the Northeast:traditions, history, legends, and
life.Milwaukee, WI 53212 USA.Gareth Stevens Publishing, 2000. ISBN 0-8368-2646-9
p.44
[2]White Deer of Autumn. The Native American Book of Life. Hillsboro, Oregon
97124-6074. Beyond Words Publishing, Inc.1992. ISBN 0-941831-43-4 (v.2)pp.38,39.
NOTE: If this page was accessed during a web search you may wish to browse the sites listed below where this topic or related issues are discussed in detail to promote global peace, religious harmony, and spiritual development of humanity:
www.adishakti.org/www.al-qiyamah.org/
www.adi-shakti.org/ ' Divine Feminine (Hinduism)
www.holyspirit-shekinah.org/ ' Divine Feminine (Christianity)
www.ruach-elohim.org/ ' Divine Feminine (Judaism)
www.ruh-allah.org/ ' Divine Feminine (Islam)
www.tao-mother.org/ ' Divine Feminine (Taoism)
www.prajnaaparamita.org/ ' Divine Feminine (Buddhism)
www.aykaa-mayee.org/ ' Divine Feminine (Sikhism)
www.great-spirit-mother.org/ ' Divine Feminine (Native Traditions)
