Micah's Outdooring

In August this year we were delighted with the safe arrival of our second son, Micah. We decided to be in Accra for his birth so, in mid-July, we made the 13 hour road journey from Yendi to Accra. Micah was born on 18th August and on 16th September we returned to our home in Yendi.

Traditionally in Dagbon a new born baby receives his or her name on the 8th day. Family, friends and neighbours gather to observe the naming ceremony and food is shared. This gathering is called an 'outdooring'. It usually begins early in the morning with the naming ceremony and visitors continue to come and go throughout the day to greet and welcome the new baby.

'Micah's naming ceremony'

As Micah was born in Accra it took us a little longer to organise the ‘outdooring’. However, on Saturday 6th October during a church service, at one of our village churches, Micah was officially introduced to the public and received his names; Micah (Who is like God) Wunzooya (God is great).

More than 400 people came and went during the day and a lot of food was prepared by the women from our village churches. Usually rice or yam is served with a tomato stew and some meat. In total we used 2 goats, 1 ram, 50kg rice and 400 tubers of yam to feed our guests.

It was also a big day for Samuel. The Dagomba men have a traditional dress known as a “smock” and the occasion was first time that Samuel wore his Dagomba “smock”.

'Samuel and a friend proudly wearing their Dagomba "smocks"'

'outdooring gifts of 2 goats and a ram'