The advent of Civilization and Religion has changed a lot in the Yoruba naming ceremony

Yoruba is a predominant tribe in West African country Nigeria.

Apart from Nigeria, Yoruba as a tribe can also be found in Brazil, Cuba, Jamaica, among others.


This may have occurred owing to the slave trade in Africa during the pre-colonial era.

Yoruba as a tribe has a very rich culture part of which is the naming ceremony.

Up to this present age, the Yoruba tribe remains if not the only tribe that spend so much during a naming ceremony.

The reason being that, the Yoruba cherish the name given to a new born baby.

It is a belief that the name of a child determines his or her fate.

Prior to the arrival of civilization and western religions, the Yoruba had their own way of conducting their naming ceremonies.

If the new born baby is a female, she will be given a name on the 7th day after her birth.

And if the new born baby is a male, he would be given a name on the 9th day after his birth.

The naming ceremony of the first born child is usually held at the Husband’s father’s house.

During the ceremony, the following must be provided, honey, kola, bitter kola, alligator pepper, water, Palm oil, sugar, salt, and liquor (dry gin)

Each of the above have their uses and significance, like sugar and honey symbolizes that the life of the new born baby will be sweet.


Water symbolizes that the life of the new born baby will be calm.

Alligator pepper symbolizes, the new born baby will multiply in terms of birth.

The ceremony is usually officiated by the eldest in the family.

After the eldest must have given the baby a name, other family members can now in turn give the baby names.

The ceremony is ended with drum, dancing and food to eat.

However, with the coming of civilization and religion (especially Christianity and Islam), many of these old culture have died off.

Now, a naming ceremony take place on the 8th day be it a male or female.

Only water is now allowed during the ceremony, others like Kola, dry gin etc are no longer allowed.

All the same, it is always a colourful event in Yoruba land even with the coming of civilization and religion.

You may have to go to a Yoruba Naming ceremony to understand this better.


Source https://thrillngr.com/2018/03/20/naming-ceremony-in-the-yoruba-culture/

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