A Biki

This morning, at 7 am, we walked into the village to attend a celebration called a "biki," which is a baby naming ceremony, and is similar to a "baby dedication."  It is held at the home of the new baby's family, when a baby is about 8-10 days old, and is attended by family and friends.  Everyone dresses up . . . 

Celebration Clothing

When entering the family's home area, the chairs are set up in the "courtyard" and the men sit outside where the ceremony is held.  

The women continue on into the home where they sit on the floor, or the few pieces of furniture available.  They stay inside the home until the ceremony is over.

Women Sitting on the Floor

There were about 20+ women here and several small children.  This was a Christian biki, and the clothing you see is "cultural" and not "muslim."  The drapes over the heads are beautiful "wraps" and are worn for "dress up" and warmth, and not to hide the person.  Little children are often dressed in knit hats right now because although the temperature of the daytime rises to the 70's and 80's, the mornings in the 60's are cold to them!

A message is given (outside) by the pastor, along with an explanation of the meaning of the baby's name.  This little one was named "Gideon." The women stay inside for the ceremony and most of what is said cannot be heard.  The mother stays inside the bedroom.  Following the message, the baby is brought outside and presented . . .

Presenting Baby Gideon

When the ceremony concludes, there is congratulating, eating, and socializing, all of which is done in a particular manner.  The mother stays in the bedroom and the women file in and congratulate her, giving her money and/or small gifts for the baby.  Trays of "tuo" are placed on the floor, both inside and outside.  (A lot of life is lived on the floor here!) Tuo is a corn-based substance with a spicy sauce poured over it.  It is served in large lumps and pieces are broken off with the fingers and dipped in the sauce before eating.  

Tuo

After eating the tuo, the women go outside and everyone socializes.  

Congratulating the New Father

Socializing at the Happy Occasion

Children Dressed Up For the Occasion

In all honesty, the children here touch my heart in a way I can hardly explain.  They are physically adorable.  They seem "unphased" by their lot in life.  Whether they are specially clothed, as these two, or in rags, they are eager to interact, inquisitive, LOVE having their pictures taken, and with a lack of toys or childhood distractions, are ready-followers of the adult role models.  This little girl and boy were dressed in new, matching clothing, and the little girl even had a "head wrap" like her mother.  She must have been about 5 years old, but was carrying trays of tuo outside like the other women in her life.  She was just "precious!"


Our friends on the compound here participate in the cultural and celebratory lives of the people in Galmi whenever possible.  Phil and I are eager to experience and learn new things whenever we can and are very thankful for  those who will interpret for us as we do so.  This was such an occasion!