Baby Laura

A naming ceremony for a child is a bid deal in Africa. So Laura and I were very excited to be invited to the party in honour of baby Laura. No coincidence. Our neighbour’s baby is named after my roommate. She has been integrated as part of the family during the past 8 months. So much so that the children greet her everyday from work with big hugs and cheers.

Big Laura was a bit nervous before the event. She wasn’t certain of her ceremonial obligations. Was she supposed to sacrifice the goat and drink the blood? Worse, give a speech? Our offering was 3 cases of soda. (Photo: Mother Safi and baby Laura)

The setting was much like you might imagine for an African ceremony. Two giant old pots atop fires cooking something. Bright and fancy African dresses. People dancing to big drum beats. Chickens running around the goat. But, instead of mud huts and bongos, we were surrounded by tin houses, rusted out cars and the sound of rap music blaring from a nearby stereo. This is the difference between the settings you get in Freetown verses regional villages. (Photo: Laura is first to hold the baby after the official announcement.)

Everyone is a guest of honour. I was introduced as a close neighbour. Laura was all smiles to be the true guest of honour. Ushered in to hold the baby for photographs. Even though the name is supposed to be kept a secret until the ceremony, everyone knew. They all wanted to talk to Laura.

The goat was sacrificed the moment the baby’s name was announced. Then the celebration began. Popcorn and coke was passed around along with traditional African dishes. Neigbouring kids and beggars managed to sneak some food too. (Photo: The men watch and wait to time the sacrifice of the goat with the announcement of the name)