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Archiver > APG > 2008-02 > 1203891478


From: "Cristal Simmons" <>
Subject: Re: [APG] Names for grandparents
Date: Sun, 24 Feb 2008 16:17:58 -0600
In-Reply-To: X-MimeOLE: Produced By Microsoft MimeOLE V6.00.2900.3198


Hello,

I enjoyed thinking about this thread. From my perspective, that of an
African American person with roots from the south, we have several naming
traditions for our grand parents. My family naming traditions seem to be in
line with those of my friends and associates.

My mother is simply known as "Grandma".
My father (although deceased) is known as "Grandpa Roscoe".
My nephew's other deceased grandfather is known as "Grand Dad".

Although both of their grandfathers are deceased, when my nephews talk about
them they refer to them with their names.

My grandparents were affectionately called
"Mama Dear" and "Daddy Roscoe"

(My father and his siblings called them "Mama" and "Daddy" until we came
along then they started calling them what we called them.)

"Grandma Rithie" (with Rithie being her first name) and "Grandpa"

(My mother and her siblings called them "Mother" and "Daddy" and still refer
to them that way today.)

Great grandmothers (All of their children called referred to them in this
manner regardless of generation. For what ever reason, they never had the
distinction of having another term of endearment used. Not sure why.)

"Big Mama", "Mama Bea", "Sweet Mama"

Great grandfathers

"Papa", "Daddy Charlie"

My brother in law called his grandmother "Granny" growing up. Now that she
is a great grandmother she has become "Big Granny" Her daughter (my BIL's
mother, is now called "Granny" I think that is funny. That transition was
pretty easy.

I know some people who have a "Big Daddy", "Ma Dear" in their families. The
strangest of all is actually in my own family. My aunt, who has become the
matriarch of my paternal line wants us to start calling her "Grand Dear".
She also wants all of us, her sisters and nieces and nephews, to do that,
not only her direct line. I am supposed to start calling someone "Grand
Dear" after 40 years of calling her "Aunt X"? Not happening, habits die
hard. I think her granddaughters do though... they are children. LOL

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