A New Name
November 9th 2008 18:25
Primarily taken at the time of rebirth, a new name, is critical in accepting and identifying the change for one's self. Names are given by biological parents, leaders of fraternal organizations, heads of ethnic tribes, and the like. Recognition of transition of the self doesn't necessarily warrant a change in name for societies of the west, but in primal groups of the non-industrialized world it does. The Native American tribes offer recognition of alternate names for each individual based on the identification of one's spirit animal and the Wiccan groups adopt new names ritually and frequently.
When someone is born in the United States of America, forms are brought to the parents to legalize a first name at least. Often times in the naming, middle names are chosen to commemorate the dead or great ones of the family. The last name is chosen as the same from generation to generation only to be changed in the case of marriage, protection from death, or null-benefit to the group as a whole. Once the name is chosen and legalized, it does not change unless there is marriage, a change in sex, absolution from the common family, or fear for one's life. "What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet." (Shakespeare, 1594).
The ritual of renaming, nationally only has representation in formality, personally is frowned upon unless of the reasons listed above. A new name should represent a recognition of places traveled, people met, and tasks accomplished. Religion is the primary proponent in systems of change because of its representation of the ideal way of life in the States. I can't see this becoming a ritual of change because of the resilience to outside influences throughout all religions. A change in name should be a celebration and ceremony to involve past and present events in one's life recognized, but acceptance may vary.
The ritual of renaming, nationally only has representation in formality, personally is frowned upon unless of the reasons listed above. A new name should represent a recognition of places traveled, people met, and tasks accomplished. Religion is the primary proponent in systems of change because of its representation of the ideal way of life in the States. I can't see this becoming a ritual of change because of the resilience to outside influences throughout all religions. A change in name should be a celebration and ceremony to involve past and present events in one's life recognized, but acceptance may vary.
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