Naming Ceremony, Cradle ceremony
Indian culture is the name given to Hindu orthodox traditions. As the name implies, Indians practice many Hindu rites. There are 16 of these cults in particular. The naming of these is also a sacrament. After a man is born there are many stages in his life. It is believed that all these steps also take place according to the horoscope in his name. That is why naming is so important in human life. Also the naming ceremony is the first of the post-birth ceremonies. Everyone also refers to this festival as a celebration of arts. The name we give to the unborn child leads to progress in society. A man’s name is socially recognizable.
_Also cradle ceremony_
Naming is the process by which a newborn baby’s name is chosen and formalized to form his or her horoscope according to astrology. This is a very happy event for family members. In some areas this program is called a cradle ceremony.
_Naming time_
Usually this Naming ceremony is held after the birth of the baby with a focus on the health of the mother and the unborn child, followed by a good day christening. That will immediately prepare the horoscope.
In fact, the Naming ceremony is celebrated on the 11th day of the baby’s birth. The christening is done by the parents at a specific date as per the instructions of the priest or astrologer. Some even celebrate the 21st day.
_Hindu Traditional Programme _
The Naming ceremony begins with the parents and other relatives offering divine prayers in the presence of the priest. Both the parents perform Vinayaka Puja together. If the baby is born under the star “shanti”, the father must place the baby’s face in a bowl of sesame oil or cow’s ghee and look at the baby’s face. After the priest has completed the ceremonies, the father writes the name of the chosen child on the “Akshintalu” filled on a plate with a gold rod or gold ring. He then whispers the name four times in the child’s right ear. In some areas the baby’s aunt whispers the baby’s name in the baby’s ear. The priest then blesses the chosen ones with some divine names. The name of the next born baby is announced to the family and all the guests who come there. The astrologer also explains the horoscope of the unborn child.
Gifts are given after the blessings of the elders present at the Naming ceremony. The event concludes with a dinner for everyone.
*How to Select a Baby Name*
In Sanskrit “Nam” means “name” and “Karan” means “creating”. It is called naming in Telugu.
Even from the past both parents come to a decision according to their idea about the name of the child born. The boy’s name is followed by the grandfather’s name. The girl however selects the name by combining the grandmother’s name. This is a culture that comes from the old days.
Modern-day parents choose their children’s names based on the Internet, with the intention that the newer the name, the better. But still Hindu families relied on Vedic astrology for the names of children. There are almost 5 hints in the Vedas to determine what the first letter to name for a child should be.
1. Birth star:
The birth star of the newborn baby, the time of birth, the position of the planets at the time of birth and the movement of the sun and moon are taken into account.
2. Month:
The name is selected according to the month of birth of the child.
3. Divine Name:
Attempts are made to name the house after the goddess.
4. Zodiac: The name is chosen based on the zodiac signs in the zodiac.
5. Social Name: The name is chosen based on the uniqueness of the name in the society.
According to Indian tradition, the boy’s name is named after the letters in even numbers. The girls are named in such a way that they come with odd numbers of letters. Female and male infants are considered auspicious to name with 11 letters.
*Naming ceremony purpose*
Due to certain rituals performed during naming ceremonies and arts ceremonies, blessings are bestowed on the health of the unborn child and for a prosperous life for a long time to come. Especially since his horoscope is also made on this day by priests.
*cradle ceremony*
This is one of the most important celebrations of the 21st day of a newborn baby. Some of these arts are celebrated at home or in temples and in the function hall. Worship is performed in the temples before the ceremony. Relatives, close friends and neighbors are invited to attend.
The main attraction of the celebrations is the attractiveness to see the arts adorned with yellow and saffron colored flowers. The ropes of the arts are beautifully decorated with pink flowers and wreaths. First in the cradle are placed betel leaves, nuts, two fruits, some flowers and a coin. Married women sing welcome songs to invite the baby to the cradle. First the adults in the family put the baby in the cradle. They then bless the baby with “Akshintalu”. Coconuts are crushed and coconut water is sprinkled on the cradle. First the cradle are swinged slowly three times. After that one by one they come and bless the baby with Akshintalu akshits and give gifts.
Turmeric, saffron and a return gift are given to every woman who attends the cradle festival. A good dinner will be served to all guests after the ceremony is over.
