In southern Nigeria a child is given three names - usually one each from the mother, the father and a relative. The first name is a personal name. The second is a name that represents what is hoped for that child, who he or she will become or a trait they are hoped to have. The third name is related to his or her ancestors and may be the name of a hero or god.

The Kayapo people of Brazil choose a temporary name for their new baby. They believe that the child will communicate to them if he or she does not like the name that has been chosen. For example, if a child is well fed and is crying it is assumed that this is the baby telling the parents that the name is not right so they will then try another temporary name to see if it meets with the baby's approval. Once the baby indicates it is happy with the chosen name by gurgling and smiling the name will become permanent. This process can take as long as five months.

In traditional Indian Hindu families the naming ceremony is called Namkaran - nama means "naming" and karana means "to take effect". Eleven days after the birth female relatives and friends come together to take part in the ceremony. The baby is placed in a decorated cradle and gather around the baby to sing traditional songs that rhyme with the baby's name, previously chosen after consulting elders and religious leaders. In some Hindu communities the baby is held in a red or green cloth that has been filled with items believed to bring good luck such as betel nuts and turmeric. At the end of the ceremony the baby is blessed and honey is placed on his or her lips.

In traditional Iranian families the naming ceremony is carried out on the sixth day after the birth. After a feast is prepared the baby is brought to a religious leader who asks what names the parents had considered. The names are written on paper and placed inside the Quran. Prayers are whispered into the baby's ears and then one name is selected from the Quran. The clergyman and the father then take the baby to the mother who is together with all the women. More prayers are spoken and then the men depart, leaving the women to celebrate together.

Naming a child is seen in all cultures as an important part of their identity. Famous singers and actors have often been known to give their children names that are very unusual. Jason Lee named his son Pilot Inspekter. Sylvester Stallone's son is called Sage Moonblood.  Actress Shannon Sossamon named her child Audio Science. In 2007 Venezuela attempted to ban baby names that were difficult to pronounce or would expose a child to ridicule. If this rule were applied universally we would have been denied the pleasure of Frank Zappa naming his children Dweezil, Moon Unit and Diva Thin Muffin!

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How does Childbirth International training address this?

We believe that with knowledge of different cultural groups, particularly in the field of pregnancy, childbirth and parenting, we can all learn from each other and eliminate intolerance and prejudice.

In Culture Vulture we seek to explore different birthing practices and beliefs from around the world, opening up our understanding and bringing the rest of the world a little closer.

For more information on training with Childbirth International, take a look at our website, or contact us.

Childbirth International offers training programs for Birth Doulas, Postpartum Doulas, Childbirth Educators and Breastfeeding Counselors. In June 2009 we introduced a business course for birth professionals to help you build and grow your business.