The birth of a child is a joyful occasion that is celebrated differently in every culture. In our country, there are several customs and traditions associated with the birth of a child, each with its own unique significance and meaning.
One such custom involves giving gold to the child as a symbol of prosperity throughout their life. In some places, it is also customary to plant a tree or place a ducat under the child’s head to summon wealth and well-being into their life.
After giving birth, it is common for women to receive chicken soup to restore their strength and ensure they have enough milk for the baby. Some regions also celebrate the birth of a child by littering the yard with various items such as feathers, paper, and straw.
In Scotland, newborn babies receive a coin from their grandmother as a tradition believed to bring happiness and prosperity. In Sweden, it is customary for the father to cut the umbilical cord of the baby and place them on the mother’s breast to signify parenthood responsibility.
In Japan, a food ceremony called Okuizome is held for children when they turn 100 days old to ensure they never go without food throughout their life. Madagascar has various customs related to childbirth, including wearing face masks and respecting not leaving home for seven days after birth.
In India, kajal is applied on children’s eyelids as protection against evil spirits and infections. Zambian mothers bathe their babies in liquid made from tree roots’ roots to preserve health and protect them from evil spirits. Ugandan families bless newborns with special tree bark wrapped around ribbons on wrists, ankles, necks, and waists symbolizing wealth and prosperity blessings. These are just some examples of diverse customs surrounding childbirth across cultures worldwide.
These customs reflect how different cultures view parenthood and see ways to ensure prosperity in both physical health and spiritual well-being for newly born babies.