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Old 17-Nov-2007, 16:14
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ollybolly ollybolly is offline
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Default Re: Cultural Traditions throughout Pregnancy, Childbirth and the Puerperium

don't know a lot about cultcha, but was married to a nigerian for some years. In his tribe (Yoruba) the babies are named at a naming ceremony on the 8th day. It is a joint occasion where everyone brings money, gifts, names! A name is chosen, an Immam or Vicar says prayers and then names the baby and everyone 'sprays' money on the baby. The mother of the baby has her feet washed, and then generally does not leave the house for about 3 months. In our case, the name for my son was chosen by his grandfather because he was the first born son of a first born son, and therefore VERY important! Luckily I loved the name otherwise there would have been hell to pay! and a lot of disrespecting traditions! And of course, the boys also get circumcised soon after birth, although i also put my foot down on this.
Actually when we went to Nigeria when he was about a year old, I saw some circumcision clinics which were littly more than dirty sheds on the side of the road. Needless to say, i didnt let my son out of my sight for very long at all!
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