Naming children.
Do parents ever wonder how their children might turn out if given different names?
The cultures I studied gave people new names often, and always with a reason.
For example, I was given a new name when I entered seminary, then another new name when I studied with a west coast peoples, another name when I studied with plains people, a name when I studied with the Celts, …
And my parents had several names for me, based on my behavior.
Raccoons, we’ve noticed, give their children fascinating names.
We wonder where they get them.
Is there a book of raccoon names?
Probably not. Much of The Wild has similar naming tendencies.
I’m sure there’s a book they all use.
I’d like to see it someday.
If only to learn what my real name is.