Post by 2shadows on Jul 2, 2009 20:30:45 GMT -6
2 hello!
Names are important things, to the Cherokee they are more than what a person is called. They describe who they are.
When you register you will be given the opportunity to enter a name for yourself. The Cherokee tradition about names has always been rather loose. Children were given a name by a Clan mother; often boys were just called Achucha. But as they matured their behaviors, experiences, physical or emotional attributes formed their name. One should be able to describe what their name means, how it was arrived at. The Cherokee did not use naming ceremonies per se But there are some things you should be aware of.
a. A person’s name often changed depending upon the actions and experiences of that person.
b. There were public names and warrior names (which were secret). In General, only warriors who distinguished themselves in battle, drew the blood of an enemy, would use Eagle, Hawk, Bear, or Panther etc. Please keep this in mind; 10,000 years of honoring the brave (both male and female) should not be disregarded.
c. Be careful in choosing your name and not all modern perspectives apply to the Cherokee, for example Goose implies fidelity and loyalty, not silly behavior and the Weasel is a symbol of good judgment or wisdom not someone who is sly or a thief.
d. One of the most difficult things, choosing a name in English and then translating it into Cherokee can lead to unforeseen results, for example one person wanted to call them self “Little White Dove” but by the time it was translated into Cherokee, “Little White Dove” had become “Cries for Acorns”. If it is discovered that your chosen name has such a strange translation you will be notified privately. You will not be required to change it but we feel you should be made aware of such things so you can follow your own conscience.
e. Finally, tradition holds that in general names are bestowed; you should discuss this with your family, friends, and Clan members. You may wish to write down their impressions of you or ask them to communicate among themselves to choose a name for you. If you have any questions contact your Clan Chief or Clan Mother if available.
f. Please Note: User/forum names are subject to approval by admin. We do not want anyone to turn our forum into a joke. If you wish to create an aura of wisdom/respect, do so with the words you speak, not by usurping the name of a wise/respected person. Ludicrous names such as "White Screaming Eagle Woman" or names that have inappropriate double meanings are unacceptable, as are the names of famous and honored persons.
Names are important things, to the Cherokee they are more than what a person is called. They describe who they are.
When you register you will be given the opportunity to enter a name for yourself. The Cherokee tradition about names has always been rather loose. Children were given a name by a Clan mother; often boys were just called Achucha. But as they matured their behaviors, experiences, physical or emotional attributes formed their name. One should be able to describe what their name means, how it was arrived at. The Cherokee did not use naming ceremonies per se But there are some things you should be aware of.
a. A person’s name often changed depending upon the actions and experiences of that person.
b. There were public names and warrior names (which were secret). In General, only warriors who distinguished themselves in battle, drew the blood of an enemy, would use Eagle, Hawk, Bear, or Panther etc. Please keep this in mind; 10,000 years of honoring the brave (both male and female) should not be disregarded.
c. Be careful in choosing your name and not all modern perspectives apply to the Cherokee, for example Goose implies fidelity and loyalty, not silly behavior and the Weasel is a symbol of good judgment or wisdom not someone who is sly or a thief.
d. One of the most difficult things, choosing a name in English and then translating it into Cherokee can lead to unforeseen results, for example one person wanted to call them self “Little White Dove” but by the time it was translated into Cherokee, “Little White Dove” had become “Cries for Acorns”. If it is discovered that your chosen name has such a strange translation you will be notified privately. You will not be required to change it but we feel you should be made aware of such things so you can follow your own conscience.
e. Finally, tradition holds that in general names are bestowed; you should discuss this with your family, friends, and Clan members. You may wish to write down their impressions of you or ask them to communicate among themselves to choose a name for you. If you have any questions contact your Clan Chief or Clan Mother if available.
f. Please Note: User/forum names are subject to approval by admin. We do not want anyone to turn our forum into a joke. If you wish to create an aura of wisdom/respect, do so with the words you speak, not by usurping the name of a wise/respected person. Ludicrous names such as "White Screaming Eagle Woman" or names that have inappropriate double meanings are unacceptable, as are the names of famous and honored persons.