Brunette Tshuma
The process of child naming is one particular and memorable part of a parent’s life as many aspects are considered, revealed and expressed all in an attempt to identify and separate one from another.
While old age embraced the culture of name inheritance within the family, this generation has grown weary and skeptical of the outcome of such practices, hence making this culture but a memory.
History revealed by parents on the streets of Bulawayo proved that this cultural practice had much to offer to the generation of old.
“This was done mostly to keep the name, legacy and memory of that individual in the family’s hearts as they are reminded of that person with the passing on of his/ her name to the new family member.” said khulu Bhebhe.
Khulu O. Ncube on the other hand revealed that name inheritance was done in an attempt to remember and keep track of the past times.
OnebMaNyathi revealed other expectations which were laid upon the child at birth.
“Kudala kwakukhangelelwe ukuthi ugogo uyaphuma kuwe elidlozi, okwakudala ukuthi umntwana laye alandele ubizo lwakhe “
yesteryear, it was expected that the grandmother wouod manifest her granddaughter’s spirit and hence follow her traits in accordance with “their” name.
This was a special kind of naming which didn’t solely depend upon the parents but also the “spirits” of the family to give identity and purpose to the child.
” Kudala kwakuhle kwaziwe umntwana engakazalwa ukuthi ulomoya kagogo wakhe. Umama wayephutshiswa kumbe athole ilizwi lesiprofethi” said Manyathi
in the golden days, a word of prophecy or dream was received prior to the child’s birth, confirming his/ her gender and identity or purpose
These expectations and practices therefore retained the identity of Africans which has however fallen with the rise of cultural dilution.
Following a more developed Technology Generation, it has become rather simpler for one to retain their memories on social media platforms including Instagram, Facebook and others, hence the demise of name inheritance.
“Omunye lomunye lebizo lakhe” said mama UManyathi, putting weight on the notion that name inheritance is now considered a form of burden to the child.
“Indaba esekuthini ngiyathi ngikunike ibizo likagogo uthole ukuthi wayeledlozi lobuthakathi, kumbe akazange ayende engena lapha lalaphaya.” said Manyathi
The challenge is, if I give you your grandmother’s name, you will later find out that she had the spirit of witchcraft or she never got married, but moved from one marriage to the other
An interview with one, Miss Edah proved that though this cultural practice is being negleted, it’s roots still lives.
“I actually have my grandmother’s name, but i don’t like it.”
She went on to reveal the reason why she does not like the name is because it’s old and makes her uncomfortable hence the fear of inheriting the traits of the name.
According to Miss Edah, she had considered changing it. To no surprise, her decision was conquered by one Miss Lora who confirmed that in the case of such she would certainly change her name.
” I have tried changing it but it’s now laborious because it’s printed on all my important document, including results and I.D” said Miss Edah.
With many aspects of the African culture looming in ancient history, following in that drain is the practice of name inherintance with Africans losing more and more of their identity.
WHO ARE WE NOW, OR RATHER DO YOU WHO YOU ARE?
Zim GBC News ©2024