Elizabeth Bryan

Twins, chorionicity and zygosity

Accurate determination of zygosity and chorionicity is essential in all multiple maternities. The parents and the multiples themselves ask it. It is of medical importance and now considered as a prerequisite in several domains of twin research, especially when perinatal data are analysed. It helps the multiples and their parents and teachers to ascertain identity. The methods are briefly described and a plea is made to obstetricians and paediatricians to use them systematically at the time of birth.

Yoruba customs and beliefs pertaining to twins.

The Yoruba are an important ethnic group mainly occupying Southwestern Nigeria. Mainly for genetic reasons, this very large tribe happens to present the highest dizygotic twinning rate in the world (4.4 % of all maternities). The high perinatal mortality rate associated with such pregnancies has contributed to the integration of a special twin belief system within the African traditional religion of this tribe. The latter is based on the concept of a supreme deity called Olodumare or Olorun, assisted by a series of secondary gods (Orisha) while Yoruba religion also involves immortality and reincarnation of the soul based on the animistic cult of ancestors. Twins are therefore given special names and believed to detain special preternatural powers. In keeping with their refined artistic tradition, the Yoruba have produced numerous wooden statuettes called Ibejis that represent the souls of deceased newborn twins and are involved in elaborate rituals. Among Yoruba traditional beliefs and lore some twin-related themes are represented which are also found in other parts of the world. Basic features of the original Yoruba beliefs have found their way into the religious traditions of descendants of African slaves imported in the West Indies and in South America.

Comments on and extracts from: the death of a twin: mourning and anniversary reactions - fragments of 10 years of self-analysis by George Engel.

Only recently has the special bereavement associated with the loss of a twin been generally recognised. With the notable exception of Joan Woodward, few have written on the subject. We, therefore, offer a shortened version of a paper written nearly 30 years ago. George Engel was himself a lone twin as well as being an eminent psychiatrist and psychoanalyst in the United States. The length of the paper precludes reprinting the totality but we hope readers will be encouraged to seek out the original published in The International Journal of Psycho-analysis in 1975, Vol 56 part 1, 23-40.