GSM: Native Naming

[Guest guest]

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)

 

 

 

 

 

[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.