> hindus traditionally choose a name through the elaborate ritual of the barasala. in the first few days after the birth of a child, a birth chart is plotted by astrologers to select the initial syllable of the childs name, explains thilagavathi shanmuganathan in names, the international journal of onomastics (the study of names). then, on an auspicious day, rice grains are spread on a bronze dish, and the father writes the chosen name on the rice grains using a stick rolled in gold wrapper while chanting the name of the main deity. this is drawn from the traditional saying that in every grain of rice, your name is written. the babys father then whispers the selected name into the childs right ear thrice and says a prayer. the need to repeat the name three times symbolises the three main deities in hinduism.  we have what in common?
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