Sources suggest that during the ritual of baptism, Rafiki, the representative of the spiritual, gathers the cub in his arms, shakes a 'gourd' over his head, then cracks it open to lose the sticky substance (perhaps symbolizing life) inside.
He then smeared the gourd's contents on Simba's and sprinkles dust (perhaps symbolizing death) over Simba's back, that caused him to sneeze.
After his anointing, Rafiki picks baby Simba up and presents him to all the animals in the Pridelands who had gathered to see him.
Did you know that Simba was originally supposed to save Nala’s little brother from the wildebeest stampede? Or that the voices of Timon and Pumbaa were almost cast as hyenas? Here are a few things you may not have heard about the animated masterpiece that had you in tears two decades ago shared by Mentalfloss.com.