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About the Author

Ivy is the researcher and writer behind The African Gourmet, blending African food, history, and cultural storytelling. Her work is cited by universities, Wikipedia, major news outlets, and global food writers.

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Start Here: Explore Africa’s Living Knowledge

Learn Africa through science, stories, recipes, proverbs, history, and geography — interconnected, just as life is.

Why People Are Given A Name African Folklore

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📁 Short African Stories
African Folklore Why People are given a nameGiving names at birth

Where did the custom of giving names at birth begin? The African Folklore Why People are given a name explains. 

Why People Are Given A Name African Folklore

The Great Soul sends his son to earth to see what is here. His son's name is Somebody.

Somebody goes about doing evil until he is captured by four old women. People call a meeting to talk to the wrongdoer, Somebody.

They decide to put Somebody to death. A little boy proposes, that, before killing him, they ask him for his last request.

Somebody answers, "I wish to have every man given a name, and to end the practice of calling me and everybody 'Somebody.' Then every deed may be attributed to its doer."

The wisdom of this reply gains for Somebody his release, and for every man a name.

Why people are given a name African folklore

The African Gourmet explores how African food, history, and science intertwine. Here, a plant is a healer, a story is a map, and the kitchen is a laboratory. I’m Ivy — a writer raised by historians, now sharing Africa’s wisdom from the U.S. through cookbooks, cultural research, and storytelling. If you’re curious about where flavor meets memory, you belong here.

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African Gourmet FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The African Gourmet blog about?

The African Gourmet explores African food, history, and culture through recipes, folktales, and proverbs written for curious readers worldwide.

Who writes The African Gourmet?

The blog is written and curated by Ivy, a lifelong historian and storyteller who highlights Africa’s culinary and cultural richness.

How can I find African recipes on this site?

Use the “African Recipes” category or explore posts like African Recipes for regional dishes and ingredients.

Can I share or reprint your articles?

You may share articles with attribution and a link back to The African Gourmet. Reprinting in print or commercial use requires permission.

Where can I learn more about African proverbs and folklore?

Explore our African Proverbs and African Folktales sections for timeless wisdom and stories.

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