Dreaming of a baby in the Akan tradition: meaning
Among the Akan a baby receives its name on the eighth day, at the abadinto, the outdooring. The first name is that of the day of birth. A baby in a dream is often read in an Akan reading as new life, a new phase or an ancestor returning.
Within this tradition
A birth among the Akan is an event for the whole family. In the first days the baby stays inside; on the eighth day comes the abadinto or outdooring, at which the child is brought outside, presented to the family and given its name. Water and drink are dropped on the child's tongue, with the wish that it will know and distinguish the truth. The first name is the kra name, after the day of the week: Kwasi or Akosua on Sunday, Kofi or Afua on Friday.
In many Akan families there is the idea that a child is sometimes an ancestor returning within the family line. A child is often also given the name of a grandparent or another ancestor. A dream about a baby is sometimes read along those lines as an ancestor announcing themselves, or as a bond between generations.
More broadly a baby in a dream is read as new life: a plan, a beginning, something vulnerable that needs care. A healthy, laughing baby counts as favourable. A baby you must carry or look after, as a responsibility coming your way. Whoever names a baby in a dream can ask what in their own life wants a name and a place.
For Surinamese readers the day names are familiar: Kwasiba, Kofi and Afi come from the same Akan roots.
Common variations
A healthy, laughing baby
Favourable: new life, a good beginning.
Naming a baby
Something in your life that wants a name and a place.
A baby resembling an ancestor
In many families read as an ancestor returning, or a bond between generations.
Carrying or caring for a baby
A responsibility coming your way.
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Write your dream in the appFrequently asked questions
What is an abadinto or outdooring?
The Akan naming ceremony on the eighth day after birth, at which the child is brought outside and given its name.
Where do the names Kwasi and Kofi come from?
They are Akan day names: Kwasi for Sunday, Kofi for Friday. Through slavery they also came to Suriname.
Does such a dream predict misfortune?
No. The Akan reading on Dreamkin does not predict misfortune. A dream is read as counsel or encouragement, and whoever finds it weighs heavily discusses it with an elder in the family.