Muslim Aqiqah
As soon as a Muslim baby is born, the father or grandfather whispers a prayer in its ear so that it is the first thing he or she hears. A child must be given a name within seven days and the parents may take suggestions from grandparents, other relatives or from the imam (priest). The names are usually chosen from the Holy Quran. Within seven days a ceremony called ‘Aqiqah’ (pronounced ‘a-kee-ka) is held, in order to thank Allah or God. During the celebration, prayers are said and the baby’s head is shaved. The hair is weighed and the family must then gives at least the same weight in gold to charity. The baby is given a taste of honey as a symbol of the sweetness of prayer. There is a feast for friends and relatives with one or two goats being killed and one-third of the meat distributed to the poor as a way of thanks. If the child is a boy, he will be circumcised usually within two weeks of his birth, although some Muslims leave this until the boy is at least four years old.
Native American
The Hopi tribe of Arizona in south-west USA, have a special naming ceremony when the baby is 20 days old. Before dawn on the day, a large dish of corn and lamb stew is cooked over an outdoor fire. Meanwhile indoors, the baby is bathed and rubbed with a corn cob, which is symbol of life for the Hopis. Then each guest presents a gift to the child and rubs cornmeal on the child’s forehead. Then just as the sun is rising the grandmother takes the baby outside and while standing on a specially made patchwork quilt, holds him or her up to the sun and announces the name. All the guests return indoors and sit on the floor on quilts. A small portion of the lamb stew is served on a plate and placed outside the door as a symbol of thanks to the earth for providing food. Everyone then shares the meal served with blue corn bread and a sweet cornmeal pudding.