What’s in a name?

Earth Abbey is encouraging members to take on an Earth Name. What is this about?

Names are fascinating. Each culture tends to have a set of acceptable names. They vary a little over time, but are relatively constant.

In the UK many of our first names have previously had a religious focus. We have called them ‘Christian’ names and affirmed them at baptism. One of the signs of the unwinding of Christendom assumptions in the UK is the presence of a whole range of first names in our culture and the freedom to name our children anything we choose.

Many of our surnames derive from trades so that, for example, John ‘the Cooper’ (or barrelmaker) becomes John Cooper.

In traditional cultures people are sometimes named by some skill or character trait that others recognise. Indigenous peoples of the Americas frequently do this.

In Earth Abbey we are experimenting with taking on what we are calling an Earth Name, inviting people to think of themselves in a different way and at a deeper level than they might normally. We are particularly keen on names that relate to the natural world.

Bruce (aka sculpting glacier) has said some more about this in our newsletter. For us this process has no religious element. We just hope that it will be an interesting way to think about who we are in relation to one another and the earth.

We are keen to hear your experience of doing this. Did you find it easy?

Your comments.