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In West Afrika within the Dagara tribe it is customary for pregnant women to go through a “Hearing Ritual”. The very purpose of a hearing ritual is to listen to the incoming baby; to find out what it will be; why it is coming at this time; what is their purpose; likes or dislikes; and what the living can do to prepare the space for the new arrival. The child’s name is then given based on that information. Four weeks after the birth, the naming for a baby girl takes place, a baby boy is three weeks.

In the Dagara tradition they own their name up until the age of five, then after the age of five, their name owns them. Their name then becomes an energy; becomes a life force, it creates an umbrella under which they live. That is why it is important in their ritual to hear the child before they give him/her a name, because the name must match their purpose.