Baby Traditions

Question 1

Nigeria (3)

Answer 1

• grandmas okay a big role in newborn customs
• baby’s first bath is given by one/both grandmas
• tradition officially welcomes child into family

Question 2

Guatemala (5)

Answer 2

• mother isn’t allowed to leave home 40 days after birth
• might get chills -> weaken immune system
• eats soup -> gives nutrients which leads to healthy breastmilk
• Mayan custom: baby wears red string in wrists
• protect them from evil spirits because they have delicate souls

Question 3

Pakistan (4)

Answer 3

• an aqiqah to take place 7 days after birth
• consists of naming ceremony for child
• baby’s hair is shaved off
• amount of hair shaved is the amount of silver/gold given to charity

Question 4

Indonesia (5)

Answer 4

• Balinese beliefs: baby’s soul is pure so don’t let their feet touch the ground in the first 3 months
• can get possessed by evil spirits that live in the lower elements of earth
• when baby is 3 months family holds special ceremony called oton
• performed by a priest
• blessed child and introduces it to the world as a person

Question 5

New Zealand (5)

Answer 5

• pregnant is a very special time in Maoi culture
• mom and baby should be relaxed throughout pregnancy
• baby is fully aware of surroundings and stress
• no matter where baby is born the placenta should be planted in the land of its ancestors
• serves as a symbolic bond between generations

Question 6

Iran (4)

Answer 6

• new mother relies on her mom to get through first few days after birth
• 10 complete days of bed rest -> mom helps with newborn and does chores
• new mom is fed traditional dish -> Kachi
• supposed to provide energy for healing

Question 7

South Korea (4)

Answer 7

• mothers are fed seaweed soup (miyuk gook) after birth until 3 weeks after
• nutrients in seaweed help cleanse the blood after childbirth
• mother develops healthy breastmilk and recovers
• child eats soup ok their birthday as a reminder of the pain their mom went through during birth

Question 8

Brazil (4)

Answer 8

• food cravings during pregnancy are taken seriously
• if mother doesn’t get the food -> baby will resemble the food when it’s born
• family distribute lembrancinhas to guests and visitors
• small favours (baked goods or magnets and keepsakes) to celebrate birth of child