child_friendly Twins
The child after twins
When Fon twins are born, the child who follows also receives a ritual name : Hougbonu. And so does the next child. Here is the traditional chain.
schedule 5 min
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1
Hougbonu
The child who follows the twins
HougbonuBorn after twins
Hou-Prefix linked to spirituality
VariantsHougbanzo, Hougbé
Boy AND girlSame name whatever the sex
StatusSpecial spirituality
Hougbonu
Born right after the Hohovi twins
2
Dovi
The 2nd child after
DoviBorn after Hougbonu
MeaningLittle follower
Male/femaleDovinon, Dovinou
TraditionKeeping the chain going
3
Tradition
Why name the chain?
3 traditional reasons:
BondMaintain the spiritual bond with the twins
ProtectionProtect the child from the Hohovi’s jealousy
IdentityRoot the child in a family story
MemoryBear witness that the twins are present
In practice
In Benin, many Hougbonus (men and women) are proud of their name: it marks a family blessed by twins. It is a spiritual seal.
A chain of blessing
Hohovi Hougbonu Dovi: Fon culture names up to 3 children in spiritual connection with the twins. Everything is connected in the Fon family.
Nɛ a nɔ nyi ?
“What’s your name?” — lesson 3, chapter 1
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