Gai bal manda

The gai bal manda was the name of the traditional adoption ritual in Mandalorian culture.

When translated from the Mandalorian language of Mando'a to Galactic Basic Standard, the expression meant "name and soul."

Comprised of a simple statement of intent, a prospective Mandalorian parent needed only to recite the phrase ni kyr'tayl gai sa'ad—"I know your name as my child"—followed by the name of the individual to be adopted.

The tradition could be conducted on a singular basis, or toward a group of several individuals, and even in some cases, posthumously.

Adoption via the gai bal manda and a dedication to the Resol'nare, the six basic tenets of Mandalorian culture, was often considered all it took to make one a Mandalorian.

Text and facts from the “Gai bal manda” article on Wookieepedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0. Modified for this site.