Each culture of India has a great ceremony to celebrate the occasion of naming the new born in their families. With a little difference with respect to religion and caste, the essence of naming a child remains same. There is a lot of joy and heart felt wishes in the form of blessing good tidings for the new born. The naming ceremony is also considered as a get together for most families who are generally busy with their own things owing to hectic lifestyles.
The typical Hindu culture is where the father’s sister whispers the name in the new borns ear and there is a typical chant or repetition of the name by all the relatives. This actually seems like registering and accepting the name of the child. Generally in the south it is a tradition to name the child as per the paternal grand father in addition to another name for official purposes. Pet names also are short forms of the main name. The south Indians usually insist on names of God with a mark of respect.
There are several books and parenting websites to search for unique names for a new born. Today it is also a tradition to include a special or unique name to render it different from others. Names today are also seen with a broader perspective that does not give away the caste or religion. The influence is also about tradition and yet to look for a certain appeal in the name. The sprinkling of holy water and bathing the child is also a custom of Catholicism as the christening ceremony is a very important custom in their tradition.
Jewish ceremonies for naming a child are done at home or the synagogue and the child is usually named after a prophet in addition with another name for official purpose. The names have Hebrew meaning and this is followed by a great meal typical of the Jewish culture. The Muslims also conduct the naming ceremony with lot of pomp on the seventh day of the birth of the baby. The names are musical and depict the virtues mentioned in the Quraan.
In India, though there is a great mingling of culture, the ethnic Indianness is felt in observing traditions in the typical affair of rituals and feasts. The inclusion of elders and relatives is also to register a public acknowledgement of naming the child. The gifts are a gesture of love and blessing for the new born. In India, a pregnant lady is often revered and has a special respect. The child is already awaited and welcomed when it is in the womb where families conduct the usual female oriented ceremonies and appease Gods for a safe delivery.
