A traditional Gikuyu woman underwent various stages as she grew up from childhood to adulthood.
At every stage of growth and development, the woman had a specific name assigned to her which today's generation may not be able to differentiate or tell the meaning.
Here are 9 names that the traditional Gikuyu woman went with as she grew older according to Gikuyu Centre for Cultural Studies.
1. 'Kaana': A girl child upon birth was identified as 'kaana' till she was around five years old.
2. 'Karigu': This was young girl who was yet to be circumcised. She was innocent at this stage but her body has started to take a figure a full-grown woman.
3. 'Kirigu': This was a big girl who had begun to be naughty but not yet circumcised. She had begun to get exposed on may issues as she prepared for adulthood.
4. 'Muiritu': This was a big girl after circumcision but not yet married. Suitors have already begun to show interest in her and perhaps talks on her dowry payment may be on high momentum.
5. 'Muhiki': This is a woman in her first year of marriage and is expected to get her maiden pregnancy at this level. If she doesn't, people will start to point fingers at her while raising endless questions.
6. 'Muhiki wa rwara rumwe': Woman with only one child.
7. 'Mutumia wa kang'ei': She is an older married woman whom at this stage could be allowed to join a wedding dance when food is being taken to the village of the bridegroom.
8. 'Mutumia wa nyakinyua': This was an old woman with at least three circumcized girls or boys. This woman was entitled to drink beer during various ceremonies where drinking was allowed.
9. 'Mutumia wa makanga': This was a woman past menopause and childbearing but was still sexually active.
10. 'Kiheti': This is an old woman who can barely leave her homestead. She is widely reliant on her children or grandchildren.
#MyLifestyle