Saruni of the Siria Clan

2 January 2018 | Inside Angama |

Reading Time: 3 MINUTES

A day to remember when a little boy from Johannesburg was welcomed into his Maasai family and his mother nearly missed marking the heifer

You may remember that in March 2016 Mike and I were married in a traditional ceremony hosted by my Maasai father, Shadrack Seiyio. That day will forever live in our hearts as the day our two families become one. It was also the day my name changed from Kate to Noloorami.

It came as no surprise when our son William (Willow) was born that Shadrack informed me that I must take him to be introduced to my Maasai family, especially my mothers. He also told me that Willow would be blessed by the community elders and given a Maasai name.

Now many people tell me that I have a beautifully behaved little boy, and he really does just smile and laugh at the world as it goes by; but there was a nagging thought at the back of my head that perhaps when I put him centre stage in a completely different environment, he might just say: “Mummy, enough already!” (By the age of 6 months my son had never been in one place longer than three weeks.)

Arriving at the Manyatta

But on Sunday, 19 November off I went with my heart in my throat hoping that my little boy was again going to smile and laugh at this new world around him. And he did just that. As we arrived, the women from my community came out to sing William, Mike and I into the cattle-filled boma. We were then taken into a manyatta (the same one in which we were married), which was filled with smoke from a coal fire burning slowly in the corner, and where the elders discussed Willow’s Maasai name over sweet tea.

Willow was in a magical land. He couldn’t believe his eyes. Between the smoke, the gravelly voices of the Maasai elders, the tinkling of the women’s silver jewellery and the chant of his parents repeating the call to his name, our little Willow suddenly became Saruni, a small Maasai child with a big name to live up to. Saruni: the leader of the community one goes to for help.

Willow-Blessing-Collage-1

I could not think of a more beautiful or more apt name for my little boy whose whole being radiates happiness, love and a willingness to please. Perhaps his beloved grandfather inspired this name?

Back out in the sunshine it was time to bestow offerings of jewellery upon Saruni and his family; but not before the most generous gift of a heifer was given to him. In order for his mother (me) to acknowledge receipt of this gift I had to mark said heifer with cow dung. Needless to say a very comedic scene ensued of me running after a heifer with cow dung balanced on the tip of my forefinger – one that left Mike crying with laughter, and Saruni beaming from ear to ear.

Willow-Blessing-Collage-2

But at the end of the day, joy and laughter aside, we are so deeply moved to be part of the Siria Clan, and that our little boy will be raised as a warrior with a big heart.

Saruni's family

AUTHOR: Kate Fitzgerald Boyd

Kate was born in a chafing dish – well almost. The date she was due to arrive was perilously close to Christmas and her mother wasn’t taking any chances so out she came just in time for a decent Christmas dinner to be served to the guests at the hotel of her childhood. Back-of-house babies, they call them. And she has never looked back and now logs more air miles than she knows what to do with sharing the Angama Mara story far and wide.

COMMENTS (12)
Will Taylor
January 2, 2018

so unbelievably beautiful. Saruni is already a legend.

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Bobbie
January 2, 2018

Such a beautiful story. Blessings to you and your family.

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James Fitzgerald
January 2, 2018

Well done Kate – beautifully written as always and a fitting tribute to an important day!

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Ellen
January 2, 2018

Thank you for sharing this wonderful moment, Kate!

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Nicola
January 3, 2018

A beam inducing read with such special photos. Willow is well on his way to living up to his Maasai name.

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    Nicky Fitzgerald
    January 3, 2018

    Thank you dear Nicola – we are waiting to welcome you to Angama one day soon!

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Shannon dickson
January 4, 2018

Beautiful experience for you all , I have no doubt he is bringing all some much needed love and happiness! Congrats shannon

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Annette Nagni
January 5, 2018

A beautiful story Katie. Saruni is the perfect name for this delightful little boy who will bring you, Mike & your Mum so much love and laughter.

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Karin Braby
February 23, 2018

Willow looks enchanted as he receives a beautiful Maasai name blessing. Thank you for sharing this precious experience with us Kate!

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