Humanist

I have four names as they appear on my birth certificate, not necessarily in this order, with initials: A E O N.

Alinga is the first name I was given at birth. Named after my paternal grandmother, may she continue to rest in power.

Given to me during an Iteso naming ceremony, the day that the remainder of my umbilical cord dried and dropped off.

In Ateso, language of Iteso, my people, 4th largest first nation of Uganda, the first name given a child is called ekiror lo aipule (the name of the umbilical cord).

Learn more about “First Nations of Uganda.”

Esta, meaning Esther, the Christian name of my mother’s sister, now since rested, who it was decided I would have the same Christian name with.

Owaraga, my papa’s name, my family name within the context of our British colonizers’ culture.

Otherwise, traditionally, among Iteso, each person has their own unique ekiror lo aipule. Even wives were expected to retain their own ekiror lo aipule.

It is said, papa, now since rested, insisted his name be added on to my birth certificate as one of my names too.

Subsequently, when he enrolled me to school, I am told, he registered it as my official surname, and which I am commonly known.

Norah, the Christian name of my mother’s sister, who it was also decided I would have the same Christian name with.

And so, as a teenager, when I was baptized into the Protestant Church (Church of Uganda) my Christian names were “Esther” and “Norah.”

However, the Christian name that I am popularly known by is “Norah” and is the one now referred to as my first name; in keeping with our colonizer’s traditions.

Put together AEON, as a word means (original and current):

• Life
• Vital force
• Vital being
• Generation
• A period of time
• Ages
• Forever
• Timeless
• For eternity

All positive qualities I would love associated with my life here on earth and to be remembered by when I have transitioned.

As I do, those I am named after; and which keeps me rooted with a strong sense of belonging and therefore power!

May I and the memory of me be that vital force, being, for generations to come, for ages, forever, for eternity.

Timelessly remembered for having led an Aristotelian good life.

And in remembering me, my ancestors who came before me, those whom I am name after and others, are remembered too.

You may also find “Culturally, my first name is Alinga,” an interesting read.