In Yoruba tradition we have a naming ceremony for a new born baby on the 8th day of the baby’s birth. So technically a name isn’t given until the ceremony which means I jumped the gun in saying the name of my baby girl but I couldn’t help it! I love the names we came up with and just couldn’t wait. Anjie’s naming ceremony was on the 28th of December…

During the Naming Ceremony, a pastor presides over the ceremony which is usually attended by family and friends – we decided to make ours pretty small and only invited family. The baby is prayed for by everyone and the names are listed. And I say listed because names are freely givens in the Yoruba tradition. Anjie got names from her grandparents (both sides), aunties and uncles so she had a total of 10 names! Now trust me this is a pretty small number considering she’s our first baby! if there had been more friends around I’m pretty sure she would have had even more names!

So without further ado, here’s a list of her names with the English meaning.

Anjolaifeoluwa – We are enjoying the love of God (from us)
Jasmine – White Flower and also derived from Yasmine meaning Gift from God (from us)
Angel – The name says it all (from Grandpa)
Ebun-Oluwa – Gift from God (from Grandma)
Oluwapelumi – The Lord is with me (from Grandma)
Adeola – Crown and honour in reference to the child (from Grandma)
Omowunmi – One likes children (from Uncle Tola & Aunty Lola)
Elizabeth – God is my oath (from Aunty Bimbo & Bola)
Anuoluwapo – God is merciful (from Grandpa)
Ayomide – My joy has come (from Uncle Bosun & Aunty Bimbo)

Once all the names have been listed everyone prays for the child (again), calling the various names – basically prophesying into the life and future of the child (after all, there is power in the tongue! So speak positively!). Once the prayers are done a small donation/contribution is carried out for the child where people drop presents and gifts which they brought along.

The final part of the ceremony is what we Nigerians like to call ‘Item 7′, popularly known as ‘Menu menu menu’! As the name implies this is the part to fill one’s belly with food and drinks! We had jollof rice, fried rice, salad, pepper soup, puff puff, meat pie and cake. Now I have to give a big shout out to my dear sister in law, Pamz who was in charge of the kitchen! I don’t know what we would have done without her! God bless you my dear and thank you…

Also want to say thank you to all the family that came from all over the UK for the naming ceremony on such short notice! We truly appreciate it… And for the others whom I’m sure would have loved to be there but couldn’t, thanks for your prayers and gifts!

We took some pictures from the event and I included this in the photo movie I posted on introducing Anjie. So you can check it out there.

Once again Happy New Year! May this year be as joyful and prosperous as the last and even better!!