Guests arrive from early afternoon at the Adeboyeku home bringing gifts of money, and other baby gifts---layette sets, clothing, blankets. After about an hour, the ritual aspect of the gathering takes place. Everyone assembles around a table in the living room upon which are placed several kinds of ritual food and objects. The family are members of the congregation of International House of Prayer for All People. Their pastor Reverend Frederick Ogunfiditimi officiates. In keeping with the practice of the church, the ceremony begins with a hymn. After the hymn, the Reverend introduces each of the foods and objects on the ritual table to the baby to taste or touch. As he does so, he declares the symbolic meanings of each, expresses prayers for the child's well being and good character and passes each object for all to taste or touch. The baby's names are announced to all. "Orobola," meaning riches, is chosen as the baby's first name. "Adeleke," which means "We are already higher than our enemies," is chosen as the baby's second name.
Reverend Ogunfiditimi explains that if this ceremony were taking place in Nigeria, chances are that the ceremony would take place out of doors. The baby's bare foot might be touched to the ground---his first steps guided in the right direction. Here in the U.S., this is not part of the ceremony. Singing and bearing candles, the Rev. Ogunfiditimi leads the tiny newcomer Orobola and his parents and well wishers to the baby's bed where prayers and hymns bless the room. Poets recite Ewi poetry composed for the occasion.
Guests return to the living room and festive foods begin to appear from the kitchen. Freinds have cooked fried plantain, and two kinds of rice dishes. The Adeboyeku family has prepared goat stew with fufu, and egusi. Boiled yams, and fowl complete the feast.
By now it is evening, and more guests arrive for an evening of festive music and dance which will last until the next morning.
Email to African Immigrant Folklife Study project
21 April 1996