Fofipa (to cleanse)

This page describes one of the Devotopai (Rituals) of the Poku Saeruo Degonjo.

Ritual name Fofipa
Meaning to cleanse
Pronounced: fō-fē-pă

The Fofipa ritual is performed on every Poku'vonai one month after the baqli (child) is born. Until a child has been through this ritual the child is not given a name, and is only referred to as baqli. The child is given a through physical and medical examination. If the child is found to be healthy and without defect, the family then has a Fofijo (Cleansed) ritual. A child that fails the examination is euthanized so that the spirit can return to the clan in a healthy body.

Note: Occasionally the parents are given an offer to allow the child to serve the clan. See Jodau Yoqajo (Integrated Brain) for details.