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Unique Birth Traditions Around the World

Pregnancy and childbirth may be a universal experience, but each culture celebrates baby’s arrival in its own way. Check out these fascinating, time-honored traditions from every corner of the globe.

Birth Traditions in Turkey

To celebrate the new baby and get milk flowing, mothers drink a traditional beverage called lohusa serbeti (“postpartum sherbet”). It’s made with water, sugar, cloves, cinnamon and red food coloring, and is first served to the new mom in the hospital. There are no baby showers in Turkey—celebrations are postponed until after the little one is born. Mom and baby stay home for 20 days after the delivery, and friends stop by and also sip serbeti. Once 20 days have passed, mother and baby visit the homes of gift givers, where they receive a handkerchief filled with candy (for a good-natured baby) and an egg (for a healthy one). Their hosts also rub flour on baby’s eyebrows and hairline to give him a long life.

Birth Traditions in Latin America

To help ease them into motherhood, moms observe la cuarentena (“quarantine”)—a 40-day period when they recuperate from labor by abstaining from sex, physical activity and spicy foods. To let them rest and focus on caring for their infant, female relatives and friends pitch in with household responsibilities like cooking, cleaning and taking care of other children. (We could get down with that!) And because the new mother’s body is considered vulnerable, she has to wrap her belly in a cloth girdle or sash called a faja, and keep her head and neck covered as well.

Birth Traditions in Germany

Sorry, Blue Ivy and Apple, but your names wouldn’t fly in Germany. Parents have to stick to a list of accepted names approved by the government when filling out a birth certificate. If the moniker’s not on the list, they have to make a strong case for why the state should make an exception. Names that are objects (like Apple) or surnames are never allowed, and you must be able to tell the baby’s gender by his or her first name. Also off limits: names that can negatively affect baby’s well-being (for example, Apple). If your proposed name is rejected by the Standesamt, the office of vital statistics, you have to submit another one, and pay a fee each time. That explains why conventional names (Marie, Sophia, Maximilian and Alexander are high on the list these days) accounted for 97 percent of baby names last year.

Birth Traditions in Ecuador

Like Latin America’s cuarentena, mothers here are nurtured with a similar custom called la dieta.” In rural areas, a father gives his wife a shirt that’s damp with his sweat after a hard day’s work while she’s in labor, which folklore says will give her strength. (It’s also common for parents to talk to baby inside mom’s belly and ask her for an easy delivery.) After the birth, mom and baby are carefully shielded from sunlight, even inside the house, where a canopy is hung over the bed. At the end of *la dieta, moms are given a bath with herbs, perfume and a cup of milk or three rose petals to mark their re-entry into the everyday world.

Birth Traditions in Japan

Most Japanese women aim to deliver their baby sans painkillers, an ancient belief that stems from the Buddhist belief that labor pains must be endured as a test to prepare for the difficulties of motherhood. That also means most women won’t even consider an epidural, even if their doctor recommends it. Fathers aren’t allowed in the delivery room unless they’ve taken a prenatal class with the mom. After baby arrives, the new mom traditionally stays at her parents home for at least a month, and rests in bed for 21 days to recuperate and bond with baby, while family members pitch in with chores. During this period, friends visit and eat the celebratory red rice and red bean dish osekihan. And while crying babies aren’t exactly encouraged stateside, it’s the opposite in Japan, where crying contests, nakizumo, are held to see which baby cries first. The Japanese believe that babies who cry loud and often are healthier and will grow much faster.

Birth Traditions in the Dominican Republic

Who needs a sonogram to show whether it’s a boy or girl? Families here still practice a folkloric custom where a spoon, knife and fork are placed under three different chairs, and the mom-to-be chooses one to sit on. The spoon means a girl, the knife a boy and the fork means the gender is undetermined. Another tradition says being pregnant with a boy makes a woman’s hair thick and shiny, while a girl does the opposite.

Birth Traditions in Bali

In this Hindu country, an important birthing tradition is burying the placenta, which is believed to be alive and almost like a twin sibling of the newborn. During the elaborate ceremony, the placenta is cleaned, put in a sealed container, wrapped in white cloth and then buried outside of the home. As for the babies, they’re treated like gods. Seen as divine beings descended from heaven, their feet can’t touch the ground for 210 days. When they finally do, it symbolizes their crossing over to our earthly realm.

Birth Traditions in the Netherlands

Though home births have been trending in the US, Holland takes the cake for the highest number of home births in the Western world. The Dutch embrace natural childbirth, and their medical system reflects that—most expectant moms see a midwife and only visit an ob-gyn for high-risk pregnancies or complications. All pregnant women are required to pick up a kraampakket that includes all of the medical supplies needed for a home birth. To announce baby’s birth, parents place a stuffed stork in a window facing the street so it looks like the stork just flew in make the delivery. When guests visit, the couple serves a traditional snack called *beschuit met muisjes” (“biscuits with mice”). Not to worry—the “mice” are mini licorice pieces covered in pink for girls and blue for boys.

Birth Traditions in Brazil

New moms here miss out on a lot of the fun. Instead of being showered with gifts when baby is born, it’s the opposite in Brazil—when guests come to see mother and child in the hospital, she gives them a basket of presents instead. They’re small items like candy and souvenirs, and she includes a note from baby thanking friends and family for visiting. Parents also dress newborns in red, which is considered good luck and keeps evil spirits away.

Birth Traditions in Guyana

In this South American country, mothers mark their calendars for the ninth day after baby’s birth—that’s when they celebrate the little one’s arrival with family and friends, who bring sweets and gifts, including money and gold bangle bracelets for baby. It’s also the day when moms take their first post-birth bath. During this celebration, some mothers burn the placenta to symbolize the physical separation of mother and child.

Birth Traditions in Finland

Since the 1930s, new moms in Finland have received the ultimate care package from the state, filled with baby necessities like clothes, diapers, bedding, bibs and a first aid kit, all in a cardboard box that can do double duty as a crib. Mothers have the option to take a cash grant instead, but the majority opt for the starter kit, which is worth a lot more. Originally created for low-income families to give all babies an equal start in life, Finland’s freebie package became available to all moms in 1949. The government’s plan seems to be working, since the country has one of the lowest infant mortality rates in the world.

Birth Traditions in Nigeria

Babies here receive a bundle of blessings. On the seventh day for a Yoruba girl and the ninth day for a boy, they’re given water (to have no enemies), palm oil (for a smooth, stress-free life), kola nut (for a long and healthy one) and salt and pepper (to keep things exciting and spicy). Postpartum care is called omugwo, a key component of which is baby’s first bath, given to him by his grandmother (or, if she’s unavailable, an aunt or close friend). This first washing symbolizes that the mother isn’t alone is raising her child, and that the community will always be there to help her. The grandmother’s other job is to help mom get back into pre-pregnancy shape with a routine that includes a belly-flattening massage with a towel dipped in hot water.

Published December 2017

Plus, more from The Bump:

A Glimpse at Midwifery Around the World

What Parenting is Like in Mexico

What Parenting is Like in Brazil

Culture of pregnancy and attitudes towards childbirth in different countries

10/30/2017, 08:34

Modified: 02/06/2023, 10:07

Today there are about two thousand nationalities in the world, and each has its own tradition of "meeting" a new person. Definitely, this is the most grandiose event for any nationality, any single family. Newborns are always awaited with special trepidation and this event is celebrated with a great holiday. But the rituals that accompany the arrival of new life in this world are very different. Read about the most curious facts from the life of pregnant women in different countries in the material.

England

English women visit the doctor for the first time only from 12 weeks, because before this period the pregnancy is considered unstable, and medicine is powerless. Further consultations are held once a month, where the woman's blood pressure is measured and checked for protein and glucose. The first ultrasound examination is done at 3 months to determine chromosomal abnormalities, the second at 6 to determine the growth deficiencies of the child. A pregnant woman may not meet a doctor anymore, because midwives take birth. The doctor will appear only if you need to do a caesarean, put anesthesia, and if the birth is complicated. In a private, paid clinic, you can go for ultrasound scans and donate blood for tests at least every week.

In England, in recent years, the American tradition of arranging holidays for the unborn child before the birth has become entrenched. Friends are invited, gifts are given.

It is customary to visit a woman in labor for the first time in the maternity hospital. It can be not only relatives, but also friends who bring balloons with them and take photos with a child in their arms. At the same time, no one asks them to wash their hands and change clothes before approaching the baby.

Discharge from the maternity hospital the day after natural birth and two to three days after caesarean. And the girls can immediately go to a cafe or shopping. Local doctors recommend staying within four walls as little as possible so that the young mother does not get depressed. The nutrition of the woman in labor is also not limited by anything, since it is believed that nothing enters the milk. You can drink coffee and even wine. With alcohol during pregnancy and after childbirth in European countries is easier than in our country. But in the United States, alcohol is strictly prohibited. I support!

Colic is considered a natural process, not related to the mother's diet. The doctor sees the baby only in the hospital, and then if the child is seriously ill. The nurse visits the baby at home only on the 10th day to weigh him. Then you see each other every two to four months on vaccination days. Hats are worn on children only in the cold season, and in summer and at home, babies are bareheaded.

Korea

It is generally accepted that with the advent of a child, a family is born a second time. Absolutely everyone is waiting for the future baby: mothers, grandmothers, relatives. It is customary to patronize, caress, fulfill all her desires. Since the Koreans believe that the time spent by the baby in the womb, for a full year of life. Mom's postpartum nutrition is made up of a special seaweed soup in beef broth to restore her strength. For the first time, relatives visit mother and baby in the maternity hospital. They bring flowers and fruits. But the release is very quiet.

Previously, for the first time, the birth of a child with the necessary rituals was celebrated on a grand scale only on the hundredth day of his birth. This day is called "baek il" - "100 days". In times of great infant mortality, this date was a threshold, and the fact that the baby successfully overcame it served as a basis for joy. If the child was sick by this date, then it was not noted.

On a large scale then and to this day it is customary to celebrate "only" - the first birthday of a child - one year. Today, entire banquet halls are rented, a huge number of people are invited. The event itself is similar in scale to a wedding. And the hero of the occasion puts on a new silk suit, sits in the most honorable place. On this day, it is customary to give children's things, money and gold rings as the basis of future capital. One of the ceremonies of the evening is fortune-telling about the future of the child, when the child chooses one of the things offered to him. Today, this ritual is also performed, but in a simplified form.

USA

The USA is a very conservative country. And everything is exactly the same as 100 years ago. And, in principle, we know absolutely everything about American traditions. The most important and major event for the expectant mother takes place before childbirth. Baby shower - on this day, friends and relatives honor the unborn baby, bring gifts, say wishes. There is a completely new tradition, also prenatal. The ultrasound doctor does not tell the sex of the child to the future parents, but seals it in an envelope, which is given to the confectioner to bake the cake. A cake is cut with friends and relatives in a festive atmosphere: if the filling is blue, then the couple is expecting a boy, if pink, a girl. This holiday is called "Gender reveal party". After childbirth, the baby accepts rituals that correspond to the religion, nationality or life principles of the parents.

Childbirth, unlike the indifferent English, is carried out by the doctor himself, and not by the midwife. Mom with natural childbirth is discharged after two days. All vaccinations are given, except for tuberculosis, since this disease is considered defeated. There is no free healthcare in the US.

Malaysia

After giving birth, the young mother is subjected to a long period of confinement lasting 44 days. And perhaps this is the best time in her life. This time is reserved for the day of preserving the health and femininity of the mother. Malaya receives a hot stone massage and a full body treatment to correct her postpartum body changes. And all the housework falls on the husband and relatives, since a young mother cannot lift weights.

Finland

For the last 75 years, the state has been giving women a box with the necessary set of things to start: clothes, diapers, toys. You can take money instead of a box, but their amount is lower than the cost of the contents, so most people still prefer the treasured box.

Japan

1

In Japanese hospitals, the baby's umbilical cord is placed in a wooden box and given to the mother on discharge. This symbolizes and even guarantees the inextricable bond between mother and child. Sometimes a doll in a kimono is put in a box. This is the soul of a child. Many mothers keep the first cut hair of the child, the first shoes. A week after birth, the baby receives its official name. For this, a special ceremony is held in the circle of relatives and relatives in front of the home altar.

Pregnancy. Customs and signs in different countries

Our ancestors believed that the expectant mother is, as it were, on the border between the real world of people and the magical world of souls, since the new life emerging in her is just making her way from one universe to another. This is probably why different peoples of the world have so many rituals and signs associated with pregnancy and childbirth. Some of them seem strange, even wild, others clearly have a rationale.

In any case, modern science has proven long ago that everything that happens around a mother affects the intrauterine development of the baby. So the ancient traditions are not only interesting and informative, but often historically justified and useful.

In India

In order not to be influenced by the evil eye, it was undesirable for the expectant mother to appear in crowded places. Until now, in India, they believe that a pregnant woman should sing in order to attract good forces to herself. In addition, this has an additional benefit: the baby listens to good music and receives positive emotions even in the womb.

In Israel

It is not customary to leave a woman alone even for a few minutes before giving birth. There are always 3 people with her to protect against all the same evil spirits.

Of course, you can believe or not believe in otherworldly forces, but when someone close is always there, the future mother feels much more confident. And if something unforeseen suddenly happens, help is guaranteed to arrive in time at the right time.

In Rus'

Any whims of a woman during the demolitions were fulfilled immediately, it was believed that the soul of the child requires this, which means that God wants the same. As soon as a rumor spread about the interesting position of a neighbor, childless friends with valuable gifts began to reach out to her in succession. Appease the mistress and draw from her the strength of fertility.

In China

Here, the mood of pregnant women has always been especially monitored. They were instructed to do good deeds, not to idle talk, not to be sad, listen to music and read more canonical books. If you follow all the rules, the child will grow up wise, honest, persistent and kind.

Meeting a pregnant woman always portends good luck. And if a lady in demolition stays in the house for the night, then the welfare and prosperity of the hospitable family is ensured for many years.

In Georgia

It is customary to pass on a baby's cradle by inheritance, thus preserving the connection and friendship between different generations.

It is highly condemned here when a pregnant woman crosses her legs: they immediately warn that a child may be born lame or with clubfoot. Indeed, such a position is not very useful - blood circulation is disturbed, which, in turn, can lead to varicose veins.

In England and Scotland

To facilitate childbirth, all locks, bolts and doors were unlocked in the house, even stove dampers and hatches leading to the underground. In some families, bottles were uncorked at the same time.

An old Yorkshire superstition is still popular - to put a mother's skirt on a newborn boy, and some father's thing on a girl. Then success with the opposite sex will be guaranteed.

In England, a baby is given an egg, salt and bread, and in Scotland, a couple more matches and a few coins are added to this set. Gifts provide the child with everything necessary for many years: salt - friends, bread - food, matches - warmth and light, coins - well-being, and an egg - life energy.

In Burma

Upon learning of his wife's pregnancy, the husband goes into the forest and lives there as a hermit until the very birth. And during the resolution of the wife, she groans and screams from the burden, diverting the attention of evil spirits to herself.

Also in this country there is a holiday of cutting hair: the father solemnly cuts off a lock on the top of his daughter or son, and the mother weaves it into her braid. The more children, the more magnificent the woman's hairstyle and the more respect her society.

Korea

The age of a child is counted not from the day of birth, but from the day of conception, and the emotional state is considered more important than the physical - it is inner harmony that determines excellent health.

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