THE FIRST BOOK OF SHI-TUGO

over the child. The child’s name is publicly declared and recorded, with prayers and expressions of joy from the people.

1Behold, when a man and a woman have married themselves and their community in this sacred manner, they proceed to build a home together, even they together, and all their kin. And this dwelling place is modest and humble.

2And when a child is born, behold, they wash it and dress it in beautiful raiment and bring it to the Peli. And while the mother holds the child, the Peli places the hands of the father upon it. Yea, and he also places the hands of all the kin of the couple who have been asked to participate, upon the child. Then the Peli sings a song of thanksgiving. Then the father of the child speaks the name of the child in a clear voice and, when the Spirit is upon him, he does prophecy concerning the infant.

3When he has finished speaking, the Peli once again sings a song of thanksgiving and takes the child in his hands and raises it up before all the people and again pronounces its name to them. All the people clap their hands three times and say the name in a loud voice together. Once this is done, the child is given back to the mother again.

4This is the sacred manner in which a new child is introduced to the community and to the world. Yea, and this is the sacred manner in which the child receives its name in the sight of all the people. And all things are done in the holy name of God and in a spirit of thanksgiving.

5And the name of the child is written in the book kept by the Peli.