Imbeleko.

 Imbeleko is a traditional ceremony that involves the father introducing the child to the rest of the family and ancestors. It is similar to birthday party the only difference is it happens once in a lifetime while a birthday occurs annually. Imbeleko is celebrated in the Zulu culture typically when a child is born or still young. It involves the slaughtering of an animal such as a goat.

The term imbeleko basically means baby carrier. The ceremony gets the name imbeleko because the skin of the slaughtered animal has been traditionally used as a baby carrier. When the child is still young the mother uses imbeleko to carry her child on her back.

 The following are the purposes of imbeleko:

• To protect the child from misfortune.
• If it takes place right after birth, then it serves as an opportunity to name the child.
• It is a thanksgiving ceremony to tank the ancestors for the child.
• During the ceremony elders have a chance to bless and pray for the child.