Child birth is consider a great blessing in gbagyi culture. The sanctity of naming is consider sacred, that's why it's left for the gods to do it themselve. Gbagyi is my tribe. They are mostly located in the middle belt part of Nigeria. It is a thing of joy to welcome a new baby into the family, and each Clan have a way of celebrating it.
My grandfather used to be traditionalist, they had a masquerade (muamua) in the family which is believe to be a spirit. Whenever there is a new birth of a male child into the family, the masquerade makes a unique shout that announce the arrival of the child. With that, the family members get to know they have an increase in the family. The amazing thing about it, is that, even if the child that is been given birth to is in another country, the masquerade still makes that shout. And the naming happens almost immediately. The masquerade that makes that shout, sit with the elders and announces the name to be given to the child to them.
How do gbagyis celebrate the birth of a new born baby?
In my culture, every woman that comes to greet the mother of the baby is given powder to rub on their neck, with that, others Will get to know there has been a new birth. And as for the men who will be coming to greet the father and the mother of the child are presented with local alcohol ( burukutu) to keep merry. Usually after the seven day of the birth of the child. People are invited to come for the naming. The name that was given to the elders by the masquerade will be announced publicly.
At the celebration, different kind of entertainment masquerade will be there to dance and perform some tricks. But the masquerade that announce the birth won't come for the celebration, because it is not an entertainment masquerade. Beating of drums, singing and dancing and other things depending on how financially buoyant the family is.
Am inviting @iyimoga
The link to the contest post is below
@crossculture/crossculture-contest-reflecting-the-arrival-of-a-new-child-oror-4000-hive-power-delegation