The naming ceremony of a new baby is one of the most important rites of passage in life. In traditional African society, the naming ceremony announces the birth of a newborn, introduces the child to his or her extended family and the larger community, and above all, it confers on the child a name. The name given to a baby can have an enduring influence on their personality and upbringing.
Face2face Africa takes a look at 7 of Africa’s most colorful traditional baby naming ceremonies, in order to explore the rich culture behind them and the significance attached to the occasion.