Naming the Baby

November 22, 42 BC-
Today we had a naming ceremony for our son. There were many people present at the ceremony many metal trinkets were placed around the baby's neck! He loved all the people and the noise that the metal made when it clanked together! Tiberius Claudius Nero named his son after himself. It's been a happy day here at the house.

Salve amici!
Livia Drusilla
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Author's Note:
In the Roman culture, the naming of the baby was more important to the actual birth of the child! On dies lustricus, or the day when the baby was to be named, many people gathered to celebrate the joyous occasion. The custom of handing down names to their children and families was of great importance.

The praenomen was the first name given to the child. The second name given to the child referred to the gens, or clan of the family. The third name, cognomen, referred to the branch of the family.

The metal trinkets, crepundia, placed around a baby's neck, given to the baby from the guests, amused the baby. Also, on the naming day, the baby, female or male, was given a bulla. For wealthy parents, the bulla was an elaborate locket made of gold. For the poor, the bulla was made of leather. When grown, the male did not remove his bulla until he received his toga virilis, or the day when he received his Roman citizenship. For the female, she did not take it off until marriage.