The first community that comes to mind when a strange nickname or name is mentioned is the Indians. Because this community has perhaps one of the most interesting and colorful name traditions in human history. These names mean much more than classic names such as Ali and John.
Native American names also give clues about a society’s values, beliefs and lifestyle. Therefore, these names, which are an important part of Native American culture, are still kept alive in Native American communities today. So why do they choose such different names?
Today, people are given names that they will carry throughout their lives at birth, and no one changes their name except in compulsory situations, but this situation has become very interesting for the Indians.
Native Americans can change names 2-3 times in their lifetime. Of course, they also give a name to the person at birth. This name; He is chosen according to the place of his birth, the traditions of his family and his environment.
However, it can change in adolescence and adulthood according to the successes and life experiences of the person. In other words, these new names given to the person reflect the characteristics of the person, his connection with nature and his experiences.
To put it simply, the name changes as the person changes.
For example, a boy named “Little black eyes” at birth can be called “White Hawk” in adulthood if he excels at hunting. If he’s an experienced leader for the rest of his life, his name can change into something like “The Mighty Hawk They’re Talking About”.
People do not just live their lives with the name given to them at birth. The biggest reason for the name change is to create a source of motivation for people to reach their goals as they grow up.
Native American names; It is selected based on symbolic elements such as nature, animals and characteristics.
These names not only identify a person, but also provide clues about Native American culture. Most of the Native American names; It is chosen by being inspired by animals such as eagles, bulls or deer, or natural elements such as the Sun, Moon and wind.
Each chosen name has a symbol and is believed to give certain powers to the person. For example, the name Dancing Wind sounds good, but Native Americans know that the dancing wind represents a hurricane. This name is given to people with a changeable and angry nature.
To take another example, bear is a common name just like ours Ahmet. If a person takes the name Wounded Bear, others know that he or she is suffering and needs special attention. If a person achieves great things, they may be given a new name such as “Eagle Eye” to describe one’s open-minded perception as well as their special connection between heaven and earth, namely spirituality.
There are several ways to give a name to a person.
One of these ways is for the family or the person who will receive the name to ask someone close to you to name it. Another way is for someone to offer to gift someone a name. In both cases, a special ceremony is required.
On ceremonial days, the families and friends of the tribal community gather in the sacred circle; prays, and the naming member makes a loud announcement to the spiritual leader, the aides, and others present. In this announcement, it is explained what the name is and why it is given to the person. The named person and his family present gifts to the spiritual leader, the giver, and everyone present as he conducts the ceremony.
These ceremonies still continue today. There are many prerequisites for people to participate in such ceremonies. One of these prerequisites is to make sure before the ceremony whether the person to be named identifies with the name.
The Native American tradition of naming inspires the individual to strive to become better, heal, and improve. However, if the person has no talent or any name does not suit him, there are also Indians who live by the name they were born with.
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