The Giving of Symbolic Vigil names

Native American names are very symbolic. They have no sir or family parts as European names do, thus they do not indicate a person’s parentage. Generally Native Americans had three types of names; birth names, nicknames, and honor or public names. Birth names are those given at birth. The stereotypical ideas that a child was name after the first noticeable thing the mother saw after its birth, or after an event occurring near the birth seldom happened. Many times the child was simply called by birth order, such as; first-born son, first-born daughter and so on. A nickname usually came from some odd characteristic or humorous act of the child, one that would that would take before the owner would be aware of it.

The honor or public name is a conferred name given by someone of importance. Such a name usually indicates a distinguishing character or deed by an ancestor or himself. If the deed was done by him self it was sometimes called the deed name. These are the types of names that are used for Vigil names in the Order of the Arrow.

Much care should be given when choosing a Vigil name for someone. It should be honorable, based on a person’s qualities, talents, traits, and ambitions. It should not be humorous, ridiculous, or insinuating. It should follow basic Native American name giving customs. Under such conditions, it should be a distinguishing name.

Traditionally, the Order of the Arrow draws upon the North American Indian culture, principally the Lenni-Lenape Tribe, for their Vigil names. However, in special instances you could draw from other cultures like South Pacific Island cultures for Vigil names when there is personal heritage connection. The Order holds an understanding that not all Native American tribes have the same culture, beliefs, and languages, so you can draw from any of them, but encourages you to draw from one near you.