A Darfuri tradition, simaya, or the naming ceremony of a new baby, continues to be an integral part of people’s lives. However, many fear that the economic instability caused by the ongoing conflict may lead to such conventions becoming obsolete.

By Mohamad Almahady

The birth of a child is one of the most joyous occasions for a family across the world and in every culture, a new addition to the family heralds celebrations as well as the customary act of naming.  Different communities follow different social, religious and cultural conventions when it comes to naming a newborn.
 

In Darfur, children are welcomed by parents and the news of a birth is rapidly disseminated among relatives, friends and neighbors. These good tidings culminate in the naming ceremony which is traditionally held on the seventh day after the child is born. A number of rituals are performed in the days leading up to the ceremony. These are specifically focused on the mother and are aimed at hastening post-delivery healing. In rural areas, these rituals are presided over by traditional birth attendants or midwives.
 

Great attention is given to the type and preparation of food during this time; a new mother is made to drink warm, strengthening liquids such as soups and broths made of millet flour. Only warm water is to be used for bathing and any strenuous activity such as, for example, walking long distances, is forbidden.

In addition to health safeguards, local customs also provide for a measure of religious protection—certain verses of the Koran, known as hijab, are specifically written for newborns and new mothers. These are transcribed on paper and tied around the wrists or necks of both the baby and its mother.
 

Meanwhile, the entire family prepares for the big event on the seventh day where the baby shall officially be named. The venue is prepared, accommodation for guests decided and the food, especially different kinds of meat, prepared.  Depending on the economic status of the host family, sheep, goats, oxen, and even camels are slaughtered for the feast along with other items contributed by family members.
 

On the day of the ceremony, all invitees head to the earmarked venue for the simaya or the naming ceremony which begins with the mother and child being led out of their chamber to see daylight for the first time. Usually conducted by older women relatives, the child is made to face east, the holy direction, to receive blessings. Religious heads are also called upon to invoke blessings on the entire family; following this the elaborate naming ceremony ensues.
 

Although it is a father’s right to name a child, a newborn can also be named after significant political, social, artistic or heroic personages. Similarly, if a birth coincides with the rainy season, then a child is usually called Matar (rain); a baby born at the beginning of the month is often named Hillal (crescent). Similarly, if a baby is born at a time of great success, then it is named Nasr (victor).
 

In Darfur, names usually correspond with some religious significance. Names such as Mohammed, Ibrahim, Dawood, Ishag and Ishmael refer to the prophets. Abubaker, Omar, Othman and Ali refer to the caliphs.