Redfeather John Rainer
After lots of arguments on what we didn't like, we decided to focus on what we did like and what we did want in a name.
We knew we wanted to honor heritage, family and still have a unique name.
For those of you who don't know, my husband Shane Sequoyah, is very proud of his Native American heritage. The Rainer family comes from Taos, New Mexico. Shortly after we found out I was pregnant we had the amazing opportunity to visit Shane's Pueblo and learn so much more about the Red Willow tribe. An 11 hour drive with morning sickness had me a little worried, but it was SO worth it. I cannot tell you how much I love the Native culture and how happy I am that I get to slightly be a part of it.
Sequoyah has some pretty amazing people in his family who we wanted to incorporate into Baby R's name. One in particular is his Great Uncle Red Shirt. I've posted some photos of him with a few of his drums. He was an incredibly talented drum maker. He once stated that he would make roughly 500 drums a year! Red Shirt used tree trunks and animal hides to make all of his drums by hand. Not only was he an incredible artist but he was a very respected person on the Pueblo and played a large influential role in Sequoyah's father's life. He was also super handsome too ammiright?!
The "Red" in Redfeather's name comes from Uncle Red Shirt and is a slight nod to the Red Willow tribe. "Feather" was decided on and added to "Red" by Shane. In Native culture, red feathers symbolize strength and vitality. They also represent good fortune and good health. A red feather is the ultimate symbol of bravery and courage. All such good things! After we had Redfeather decided we didn't have any trouble picking a middle name.
From the very beginning we knew we wanted his middle name to be John. We wanted to honor Shane's grandfather and uncle who were both named John. Uncle John Rainer Jr. was a phenomenal flutist and you can find his music everywhere. He has a song called "Red in the Rainbow" which is on his first album and it is absolutely beautiful. Baby Red flips around all over the place when we play it for my belly. Uncle John also worked for BYU as a professor and a counselor!
Grandpa John (I feel) was one of the most important people to ever come from Taos. He was the first person to leave the Pueblo in search of a college education. By the time he passed, he had served as Chairman and Vice Chairman of the All Indian Pueblo Council. He was also the first Executive Secretary of the National Congress of American Indians. He first started work as a teacher and eventually taught at many other Indian schools before becoming an administrator. Grandpa John C. Rainer raised my incredible father-in-law who raised my wonderful husband. So he was pretty important!
Redfeather John Rainer might sound a little funky at first, but we are so happy with our decision. His name is chalk full of meaning which was so important to us!
So far we have been calling him-Redfeather, Red, Little Red, and RJ. I cannot wait until this little boy comes out and I can officially call him by his name for the first time.
Little Red Rainer, mom and dad are waiting for you!
