“It takes a whole village to raise a child” is an African proverb which originated from the Nigerian Igbo culture.Today, I was gifted with observing the reality and meaning of this profound way of raising children.
In celebration of my granddaughters first birthday, her parents had a party, yes quite a normal thing to do, however this one had a beautiful twist to it.
Her parents conspired to have a ‘Welcoming Ceremony” unbeknown to the many people gathered for a typical barbeque and cake celebration..
The gathering of friends, family and loved ones to welcome this child into the community gave many people the chance to meet one another. We are the circle of trust in this child’s life. Such an honour
The ‘vows’ that her parents wrote and recited about their ongoing care and responsibility for their child to grow into a balanced, self-confident, loving, trusting person were straight from the heart and resonated with each person. Not only were they stating what they are envisioning for their daughter as a member of a greater community, they were telling all who were there what they expected of us as we interact with her.
Rose petals of the colours white, pink, yellow and red, were then showered over the child’s head. Like infinite blessings by each grandparent, offering their commitment to her development and progress through life’s adventure.
We then listened as a song that was composed for this child, was performed by an auntie and her partner. Tears began to flow.
Each person in the immediate family received a certificate for the care that has been given and the promise of support, assistance and a life ahead of love to and from this child’s heart.
As the many people who gathered moved closer together, the sense and reality of the African proverb, hit me. Yes raising a child is such a community effort. All the values, understandings, knowledge, acceptance, respect and forgiveness that is shown, allows each child a richness in life that expands them into a person of confidence and power.
Smiling to myself, I remembered holding a ceremony before this baby girl entered our reality. One of welcoming her energy into this world and allowing her mother to take the symbolic steps from the maiden part of life into the Mother stage, as she walked the triple Goddess journey.
A Welcoming Ceremony bypasses the religious denominational ones where many words are said by ‘rote’ and often have little personal meaning. Today, I witnessed the community encircle this child and her family. The heart filled vows of parenting bringing tears and emotions to the surface. And while all this was happening, this little heart, this baby girl, ‘knew’ what was happening, as she quietly sat in her dad’s arms, watching listening and smiling, at appropriate times…as they do.
Blessings to Lilli, Nathan and their daughter Amelie, you have brought a “village” together with love, respect and a consciousness that will touch many.
Namaste
