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It’s certainly more widespread than that as well… I think the same concept turns up in Papua New Guinea and parts of Africa. In other words, it’s a very old one. New names have a history in fraternal orders as well. It’s a way to add charisma and make a person feel special, chosen, and apart. I’ve come to believe it’s a way JS kept people believing. and amongst writers, singers, and indeed on the internet… I don’t recall reading this thread from 2009, but I want to disagree with something. When a person goes through the temple for the first time, they are given a different “New Name” than everyone else in the session. So, if you go with a friend, you don’t know what their new name is. To clarify further (or just say it a little differently), those who go through the temple on the same day to do vicarious endowments are given the same name. (Male and female names differ, obviously.) Those who go through for the first time for their own endowment are given different names than those who are doing vicarious endowments, so MH is correct that nobody else knows what those names are. Again, that tells me it’s symbolic – since there can’t be anything uniquely special about a name that is given to thousands of deceased people en masse on the same day. I really like the symbolism, but . . .
What happens if you forget it? Does the church archives keep a list so you can be reminded, or do they just give you another one? (not that I would know the difference if I really couldn’t remember it :think: )I don’t know. I think the church does keep a record. Each temple also has a record of the names that apply to each date. If you forget it, you talk with the temple president (or a designated worker, possibly – I forget), and they look it up for you. They tell you privately what it is, but you don’t have to go through the whole process like you do when you get it the first time. one of the symbolic meanings of a “new name” I think is how it helps us identify as eternal beings, not just of this world. I think my earth name given by my parents identifies me, I answer to it, and identify with it…but it is good to remind myself that it is just a name, just something given to me while in this life, but it is not ME. I’m a being that existed before this earth name was given, and will after this earth life. A new name is not ME. It is also just a name. So the new name and other identity is a good symbolic way to remind myself of that, and that I’m more than just this earthly being I see now. My identity goes beyond names.
Heber, that is a fantastic perspective. Thanks!! the thing that amuses me is there are only a certain number of men’s names in the scriptures…and even fewer women’s names…so what we are all going to have the same names? believe it it’s a weird quirk of mine…I have other issues with temple stuff too that makes me giggle inside…meh I guess I best stick to fixing up my nicely decorated hand basket that I will be taking to outer darkness. Repeat after me . . . It’s all symbolic. It’s all symbolic. It’s all symbolic.
:shh: Arwen wrote:so what we are all going to have the same names?
Ya, there will be quite a few that share names…its not so personal or unique, but that isn’t the point, in my opinion.
To me, it can be similar to a mission call.
There are only 344 missions in the church, and the computer programs assign missionaries to missions, so there will be quite a few people being called to the same missions. But…once an individual gets a call to go wherever they are called, it can be a great opportunity for learning and growing…not because it is a unique place that God knew that individual had to go to that location for specific reasons, but because any mission will do, and it is up to the individual to make it worthwhile.
Temple symbols can be the same. Any name will do. The details and specifics aren’t what bring the power to the heart.
I also realize, for some people, the temple symbols don’t bring much meaning because of the form and delivery. And that’s OK too.
Heber13 wrote:Any name will do. The details and specifics aren’t what bring the power to the heart.
I had at one time thought that the “new name” was the restoration of one’s pre-mortal name. I suppose I got this idea by crossing the lineage “discovery” in patriarchal blessings with the idea that Adam and Noah had pre-mortal names. My institute teacher shared with me the process of name assignment and that was the end of that theory.
When I was sealed to DW and received her new name, I was pretty nervous trying not to mess up and I didn’t catch what she had said. Afterwards we were sitting in the celestial room and DW asked if I had understood and received her new name. When I answered in the negative she called over a temple attendant (matron?) and explained the situation. The worker suggested that it would be ok to tell me again in the celestial room but DW refused due to a narrow reading of where the new name can be properly revealed. The temple staff allowed us to go through the ceremony again! I knew then that this was my last chance to commit it to memory. I can’t recall my home phone number (it is on speed dial in my cell) or my children’s birthdays (I can tell you the month), but I will never forget the “new name” of my wife!
Roy wrote:but I will never forget the “new name” of my wife!
Thanks for sharing, Roy. See, I think that is exactly what it is supposed to be…you are making it sacred, you are making it special and mean something because of the emphasis you are placing on it.
It is good to have things like that in life, that we do take serious.
Those are the kinds of things that I keep sacred and have meaning from my temple experiences…I hold them sacred, and I think it blesses me. Symbolism is what you make of it.
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