A few weeks ago, my friend and co-worker gave birth to her first child – a baby girl. This was pretty exciting, as it is culturally a good sign for her to have a baby so soon after her wedding, and I was excited because it meant I had a chance to take part in some of the cultural practices around welcoming a new baby. These traditions are commonly called naming ceremonies.
Superstitions and Beliefs Around Pregnancy
Throughout the world, there are plenty of superstitions around pregnancy and giving birth, and it is certainly no different in Ghana. One time, a woman requested that I don’t photograph her because she was pregnant, believing that the photograph may cause harm to the unborn child. I’ve read that pregnant women are discouraged from looking at things that are considered ugly or deformed, for fear that will also affect the child. But the naming ceremony is something that incorporates a couple of beliefs and traditions into one event.
Baby Naming Ceremonies in Ghana
New babies in Ghana aren’t officially named and welcomed to the world until eight days after they are born, to ensure the that spirit of the baby has come to stay. At the ceremony, the name chosen by the father is announced and the baby is officially taken outside for the first time. In these modern times, it may not actually be the baby’s first time outside, since many babies are born in hospitals and are taken outside to go home, but it is still a tradition.
A respected community or church member will carry out the ceremony and outside, libations are poured for both parents’ ancestors. I’ve read that water is place on the babies lips while saying, “When it is water, you will say it is water,” then alcohol is placed on the babies lips while saying, “When it is alcohol, you will say it is alcohol.” This is to help them to know the difference between right and wrong, and to always speak the truth.
Then, friends and family can give advice to the new parents and say prayers for the baby closing out the ceremony with some food and drinks and gift giving, kind of like a baby shower, but once the baby has arrived.
In any event, welcome, Erica!
