Birth rituals: How babies are welcomed in other countries
Different countries, different customs: this applies not only to food or clothing, but also to birth. Here we show you birth rituals from different countries of the world.
Birth rituals: This is how the baby is welcomed in Germany
In order to pay tribute to the miracle of the approaching birth, there are birth rituals in many countries. Babyshowershave now established themselves in Germany. Originally a tradition from the USA, it is now widespread here as well. At this event, the friends and female relatives of the expectant mother come together and celebrate the upcoming birth with her. As a rule, a few games are played, gifts are handed over to the soon-to-be mom and, of course, a lot of chatting and laughing.
In some regions of Germany, there are two other birth rituals: On the one hand, the so-called “Umtrunk”, which is particularly common in northern Germany. First and foremost, the custom concerns the new fathers. While the mother recovers with the little one from the strenuous birth, the father toasts with beer or sparkling wine in the men’s round. The symbolic background: The drink is intended to support the child in urination. In many regions, it is also customary to plant a sapling as soon as the child is born. The tree is supposed to represent the symbol of life and symbolize fertility and growth.
Birth rituals from other countries
A shave, golden earrings, herbal water and red clothing – birth rituals are very different. Here we show you eight different countries and their customs for birth:
Australia: Photo shoot in the delivery room
On this continent, it is a tradition to book a photographer in advance for the birth. This is available on call to take many great snapshots in thedelivery room or inthe house of the expectant parents. The authentic and emotional moment of birth should be captured through the photos.
Brazil: red clothing
In South American Brazil, parents dress babies in red after birth when they come home from the hospital. The red color is said to bring luck and also protect against “evil eyes”.
China: Wellness and pure relaxation!
The entire family in China spoils the new mother after the birth. According to Chinese tradition, the mother should not leave the house for a month after the birth of the little one. Some women let themselves be pampered in a special way during this time and go to a postnatal center – a kind of wellness hotel for mothers. During this time, the relatives take care of the entire household.
Greece: gilded babies
In Greece, the new honorary citizen is welcomed in a “golden” way: Traditionally, friends and relatives place gold coins in the cot on their first visit – today often banknotes. This should – according to a superstition – help the child to a money-rich life.
India: Shaving and golden earrings
For families belonging to the Hindu faith, it is a tradition to shave the baby’s head. It is then washed with holy water and smeared with a paste of turmeric and sandalwood. Through this ritual, the baby is to be freed from negative energies from the previous life. In addition, girls in India get pierced earrings and golden earrings shortly after birth. The precious metal is said to protect against evil spirits and diseases.
Netherlands: “Rusks with mice”
Traditionally, when visitors come to admire the newcomer, Dutch parents serve “beschuit mit muisjes” (“rusks with mice”). These are round rusks, coated with butter and sugared aniseed: light blue aniseed for a boy, pink for a girl. The custom dates back to a time when confectionery was a luxury good. After giving birth, the mother received something sweet to strengthen. The aniseed seeds also stand for fertility.
Russia: Thoughtful touches
In Russia, women should only touch the belly of a pregnant woman if they want a baby themselves. Because pregnancy is considered contagious. Another tradition concerns fathers in Russia. The nurse who hands over his baby to the new dad for the first time gets some money. Purely symbolically, this 😉 should bring health and prosperity to the newborn.
Togo: Herbal water from the roof
Babies in Togo, Africa, stay at home for the first seven days. Before they are allowed outside for the first time, the roof is ceremonially watered with herbal water. If the water begins to drip down, the new parents carry the child outside. This custom is intended to strengthen the child mentally and prepare him for everything that can happen in life.