Sètondji
/ seh-TON-jee /
- Gender
- Boy
- Origin
- 🇧🇯 Benin
- Religion
- Traditional
- First Seen
- —
- Trait
- Auspicious
Meaning & Etymology
One who is born on a market day
One who is born on a market day
Etymology
Derived from the Fon words se (to be born) and tonji (market day).
Linguistic family: Niger-Congo > Volta-Congo > Gbe
Cultural context
In Fon culture, the day of the week on which a child is born is significant and often influences the choice of name. Being born on a market day is considered auspicious.
Symbolism
The name symbolizes a connection to the market, which is a central hub of community life and commerce in Fon society. It also signifies a special destiny associated with the market day.
Naming ceremony
The traditional Fon naming ceremony, known as ‘koku’, typically takes place a week after the child’s birth. The name is announced and celebrated with family and community members.