Indian Baby's Newborn Celebration

Mudan (head tonsuring) is an important ceremony in Hindu communities. It is also known as Chaula or Choodakarana), and is performed during the first year or in the third year of a child’s life. In some communities, the mundan is done only for the male child, however depending on the beliefs and customs girls too may have mundans.

The first haircut is an important ritual and it is believed that shaving the hair rids the child of his past life's negativity. Some believe that a mundan bestows a long life, a better future and also protects the child from the evil eye. Some believe the hair on a newborn’s head is impure and only a mundan can cleanse the child’s body and soul.

Some believe that a mundan helps release excess body heat and keeps the baby's head cool. Some also believe that a mundan helps relieve headache and pains associated with teething. It is also a common belief that shaving off the hair stimulates cells and improves blood circulation, which may help in the growth of better and thicker hair.

The mundan ceremony is considered a purification ritual and is done on a specific day at an auspicious time that is decided by the priest based on the time of the birth.

A havan/homam is performed by a priest. The mother sits with the child in her lap and faces the west of the sacred fire. The priest shaves off a part of the child’s head while chanting sacred hymns. After that a barber who specialises in mundan ceremonies shaves off the rest of the hair. (In some families, the father performs the initial ceremony instead of the priest.)

The shaven head is washed with holy water (Gangajal) and a paste of turmeric and sandalwood is applied. It is believed that this mixture cools the head and helps nicks and cuts to heal faster. The shaved off hair is either offered to a deity; in India, it is also sometimes offered to a sacred river like the Ganga. The priest offers specific instructions on how the hair should be disposed. In some cultures, a tuft of hair is left on the head (also known as shikha, choti, or bodi). It is said that shikha protects the brain.

Every family has its own traditions for performing the mundan ceremony. Some perform it at home inviting the priest and relatives to bless the child. Others may ask the barber to come home after their priest gives them an auspicious day and time.

Some families may even have a family tradition where they take their child to a holy place or a temple for the first haircut.

Read More

Malay Baby's Newborn Celebration

Many cultures around the world practise some form of tonsure ritual for newborns or babies. Some remove just a few locks; others call for baby’s hair to be completely shaved. Cukur Jambul, it is the baby’s very first haircut, done in accordance with Malay tradition. It is very much seen as an occasion for the extended family to come together, renew bonds and welcome the new baby into the clan.

In a traditional cukur jambul, the baby’s hair is tonsured and then ultimately buried in the ground. The closest family members are always invited to witness the event. Usually, prayers are recited or sung (also known as marhaban or berzanji). Everything in-between depends largely on family tradition and regional customs.

The cukur jambul usually begins in the late morning with a reading from the Quran or the marhaban or berzanji. The new father or mother then carries the baby to each person who will snip off a lock – usually grandparents, family or village elders, members of the marhaban or berzanji group, and religious leaders. It is customary (though not compulsory) for those who do the honours to present the baby with a little gift in cash or kind. The locks are put into either a bowl of water or a young coconut cut and shaped into a bowl. In some families, it is also customary to weigh the locks and donate its weight in gold (or the cash equivalent) to the poor and needy. Once the ceremony ends, this hair is then buried.

The cukur jambul ceremony generally coincides with the end of the confinement period (pantang) observed by the new mother, which lasts between 40 and 44 days. Many new parents choose to hold the ceremony at the home of a respected family elder, but this is not always convenient or possible, owing to sheer logistics such as the size of the property and the number of guests.

Most new parents invite family and close friends. Yet others also include neighbours and colleagues. However, a big and lavish kenduri is not mandatory. A low-key and intimate affair with only close family members can be just as meaningful. Some new parents choose to hold no party at all.

Another important element is the dulang or ceremonial tray which holds the scissors and the young coconut (or bowl of water). Often, these are accompanied by daun kunyit (turmeric leaves), bunga rampai (fragrant bouquet which usually includes pandan leaves, jasmine and frangipani), and perhaps some honey and dates.

Guests are usually then served food and drinks. These days, it is common to see traditional Malay dishes such as nasi briyani, nasi minyak, kambing guling, ayam masak merah and gulai daging served alongside chocolate cakes and Western dishes. And while it used to be that guests were presented with a quintessentially Malay bunga telur (a hardboiled egg enclosed within a single flower) as a party favour, these days they are sent off with sweets and cakes, too.

Find a variety of baby newborn package available from Sweetest Moments.

Read More

Egyptian Baby's Newborn Celebration

One of the most popular and cherished Egyptian celebrations is the celebration for welcoming babies into the world, the “Sebou’”. It is held exactly one week after the baby’s birth. The word “sebou” means ‘seventh day’ in Arabic and is a form of the Arabic word for ‘week’. For convenience’s sake however, many parents today celebrate the Sebou’ a couple of weeks, or even a month, after their child’s birth. Although this event is the Egyptian equivalent of western pre-birth baby showers, it would be utterly unthinkable for Egyptians to celebrate a birth before it actually happens since it is presumptuous to assume that the pregnancy will come to term safely. The “Sebou’” used to be the occasion for naming newborn children, circumcising boys (Christians and Muslims alike) and piecing the ears of girls. Nowadays, in most cases, these practices take place separately from the celebration - usually before mother and baby leave the hospital.

An important component of the celebration is food. Those families who can afford to arrange for the slaughter of an animal (usually a sheep), and this is referred to as “sacrificing” or “offering” an animal to safeguard the child’s life. The practice is derived from the story of the prophet Abraham (Ibrahim, in Arabic) whose son’s life was saved by a heaven-sent ram. The story is related both in the Koran and in the Old Testament. In Egypt, sacrificing an animal and distributing the meat to the needy is a common ritual upon acquiring something new and valuable. One may choose to “offer” a single lamb or more, or one may donate the cost of the animal(s) to charity. The women of the family (but not the still-recuperating new mother) prepare a big dinner. In addition to the ‘Aqiqah’ (the lamb meat), many different dishes are prepared, and a special hot beverage, ‘moghat’, is served. Made from a powdered herbal fiber, it is thick and sugary, heavy with ghee and sesame and is commonly believed to be beneficial for nursing mothers.

The “Sebou” is the occasion for family and friends to visit the new baby. Nowadays, it is a convenient alternative for parents who may not feel up to receiving visitors at the hospital. It is also a way to have everyone visit at the same time. Visitors bring gifts for the baby. Gold earrings, necklaces and bracelets are typical gifts for baby girls. Amulets (written prayer rolls placed in gold or silver cases) are given to both boys and girls. These are pinned to the babies’ clothes or placed in their beds - to provide protection against the ill luck and disease. Pendants or pins decorated with turquoise stones (blue is a lucky color) or representing Quranic verses or crucifixes are also common baby gifts. More practical baby items may also be given, and close relatives often give a gift of money. The new mother is not left out and receives her share of gifts (usually jewelry). In accordance with Egyptian etiquette, gifts are only opened after the guests have left.

The actual ceremony begins with the guests scattering salt on the mother and around the house (again, to ward off the Evil Eye). The baby, bathed and dressed in a brand new outfit, is then placed in a special decorated container and taken on a tour of the family home, followed by a procession of family members (mainly children) carrying lit candles and chanting songs welcoming the baby to the world. The container in which the newborn is carried is a large sieve, or colander, filled with nuts, corn and other seeds. Once the tour is over, the “baby-shaking” begins. The baby, still in its brightly decorated colander is (gently) shaken, or rolled, while the women form a circle around it, singing. Baby-shaking dates back to the Pharaonic era, and is a means for “cleansing” the baby of evil spirits. The grandparents in particular are supposed to shake the sieve while reciting chants instructing the baby to obey its parents and family throughout its life. The mother must then step over the baby (hopefully asleep in the sieve) seven times without touching it, while the older women sing and make as much noise as possible, beating mortars and pestles, saucepans, and anything else that makes a racket. The noise is meant to clear evil spirits out of the way, and prepare the baby for life in a very loud and hostile world. Towards the end of the ceremony, after the meal, each guest is given a small white cloth bag (made of silk for those who can afford it) filled with nougat, colored crystallized sugar called “sokar nabat” and gold and silver colored coins. Among the Bedouins in the western and eastern deserts and in the Sinai, a second celebration is usually held forty days after the baby’s birth. Sometimes, the baby is only given a name at that time. This is because of the high infant mortality rate that used to prevail among Bedouin children.

Today, most of the customs described above are observed in a spirit of fun. Some well-to-do urban families have even begun to organize “Sebou’s” in public venues such as hotels, amusement parks - or even at the neighborhood McDonald’s. Still, an element of superstition continues to lurk underneath, and the sentiment behind the celebration remains the same, with most families feeling that not throwing a “Sebou’” might somehow bring misfortune to the baby.

Read More

Spanish Baby's Shower Celebration

Traditionally speaking, Catholic families are known for having large families. This was no exception in Spain a generation or two ago. However, in recent decades this tradition has been slowly disappearing. Now, Spaniards are opting to have one or maybe two children. Nevertheless, the excitement surrounding the arrival of a new baby has not diminished.

As with many European countries, baby showers are not a rarity in Spain anymore. The growing popularity of baby showers is due in large part to Hollywood; most women are familiar with Miranda’s baby shower in Sex & the City or Jennifer Lopez’s infamous and opulent baby shower for her first child.

Spaniards now celebrate the arrival of a new baby much in the same way as Americans. About one month before the baby is expected, a group the expectant mother’s closest female friends and family members gather at her house and celebrate the eagerly anticipated arrival of her child. The guests always bring gifts for the mother and child. Usually the mother-in-law, sister or close friend of the expectant mother organizes the party and takes care of all the details so that the mother can relax.

Whoever decides to take charge of this important task sends out invitations or calls all of the guests to inform them of the shower. During the shower, gifts are opened and lighthearted games are played. There’s always food available, oftentimes just a few snacks and drinks. Some people prefer to have the event catered, while others like to keep the atmosphere more intimate and personal by making the food themselves.

One of the most important parts of planning a baby shower is decorating the house. The decorations are usually fun and imaginative. At the end of the party the guests get a little trinket to remember the party and to say thanks. Sometimes an ultrasound photograph of the baby is given out.

Once the baby is born, it’s the proud father’s responsibility to call up close family members and friends to deliver the joyous news. Nowadays, nearly all births in Spain take place in a hospital, but it’s best to visit the baby after it has already been brought home. However, friends and family who visit at the hospital generally bring a gift for the child. Most people do not visit the baby while it’s still in the hospital, but choose to send flowers to the new mother or a congratulatory note.

After the baby is home, even more celebrations take place. The mother often invites people over for an afternoon snack, known as a merienda. The gentlemen usually go out for a round of drinks at a local bar. At these functions it is considered rude to be critical of the child’s size, hair, weight and so on.

Young couples tend to send out a hand written card or photo of the child to friends and relatives to share the good news. In the past, the tradition of announcing the baby’s arrival in the local paper was very popular, but hardly anyone does it anymore.

Read More

Korean Baby's Newborn Celebration

In Korea, the first 100 days is a very special time for parents and a newborn baby. It is the time that increases the newborns potential of success on earth. Historically, the survival rates before the first 100 days was very minimal, the rates would drastically increase after the first 100 days. Therefore, throughout history and even today many parents are still celebrating the first 100 days with a large party. Some adoptive parents will have fun celebrating this party after the first 100 days after the 'gotcha day" in Korea. It is a time to not only celebrate the child's life however also to celebrate the parents.

Very soon to the 100 day celebration of your baby, plans should start to take place either if planning a large or small party. If the child is sick at this 100 day mark, then a party should not be discussed since it is considered bad luck for the newborn. Most likely though the child will be healthy and happy to party along with the other members of the family so this should not be worried. At this party, it has been traditional to pray and offer gifts to the gods, red rice cakes are given, gift giving and of course feasting!

The main part of the Korean 100 day celebration is the praying to the gods. These gods are called 'samsin halmeoni' or sometimes just 'samsin'. These gods are special because they have protected the child during the days in the womb, during childbirth and during the first few days of birth. Therefore, gifts of thanks are given to the gods such as offerings of rice and soup. The offerings are usually setup in front of a makeshift shrine inside the parent's house. Since the baby is not supposed to leave the house up until the first 100 days, it is best that the makeshift shrine be built inside the house. After the 100 days, the mother and child can leave the house and go to the shrine but not until then.

Read More

Japanese Baby's Newborn Celebration

Baby showers in Japan are rare, although due to “westernization” some occur. Like many cultures, Japanese have their superstitions and it may be seen as tempting fate if one prepares or gives gifts for the expected baby. Gifts from family, friends, and coworkers usually don’t come until after the baby is born. It’s considered polite to wait until the mother and newborn have been home for a month or two, when they’re rested and healthy and the family hubbub has subsided a bit, before visiting and bestowing gifts. 10,000 yen (ichiman) or more is a traditional gift for many occasions, and welcoming new life into the world is no exception. With “westernization” this is also changing slightly and clothes, toys, etc. are getting to be more common. Because of smaller living spaces – many still roll out their futons in the common area at night – it would be considerate to call and ask if anything is needed or wanted. If one wants to buy something before the baby’s birth, consider something with a dog theme because dogs are believed to help with safe and easy deliveries.

There are a few traditions centered around the new baby, circumcision excluded. When the baby’s umbilical cord falls off, it is saved in a wooden box (heso) specifically for that purpose. This is a well wishing for the mother and child’s relationship in the present and future. On the baby’s 7th day お七夜 (oshichiya), he or she is named. Often at the ceremony are special dishes, one of them being red rice with beans. Red symbolizes happiness and fortune. The mother and grandmother may take the baby (30 days for boys, 32 days for girls) to the temple to be blessed by the priest. The baby’s first visit to the Shinto shrine is お宮参り (omiya mairi). Upon their return, family and friends celebrate. Between 100-120 days the weaning ceremony, or first's meal お食い初め (okuizome), occurs where it’s pretended the baby is eating food in the hopes that he or she never has to worry about food.

Often people get lost in the moment of wanting to celebrate and welcome the new life brought into this world. What’s seen as a polite gesture by one may be seen as rude by another, culturally different or not. Asking never hurts and will be considered thoughtful.

Read More

Baby's first hair cut

A Chinese baby often receives its first haircut at the end of its first month. Traditionally, the baby's head was shaved except at the top of the crown to remove the hair they considered was grown in the womb. The cut hair was then tied with red string and saved as a keepsake



Tradition also dictates that you shave your baby's head, although most parents don't observe this practice anymore. Instead, they trim a little bit of hair off, to symbolise the shedding of the birth hair (hair from the womb). After the first hair cut, both the mother and the baby must bathe in water mixed with pomelo leaves, to wash off any unwanted and evil vibes.

You are meant to wrap your baby's hair in a piece of red cloth and sew it to his pillow to help calm him down. Some parents who shave the baby's entire head will use the hair from this first hair cut to make a special calligraphy brush, engraved with wishes of wisdom, health and happiness.

Related : Tradition Chinese baby's full moon
Prev << Traditional foods: Ang Ku Kueh and Red Eggs

Read More

Traditional foods: Ang Ku Kueh and Red Eggs

Traditional cakes and eggs, dyed red to symbolise luck and blessings are given out to relatives and friends. Eggs are chosen as they represent fertility and their round shapes symbolise harmony. It is believed that if you have a boy, you give out an odd number of eggs, and if you have a girl, you give out an even number of eggs.

According to word of mouth on Hokkien tradition, if you have a son, plain round Ang Ku Kueh 紅龜粿 (red glutinous peanut cakes) are given out, and if you have a girl, you mould the ang kus into the traditional tortoise moulds, which are more intricate and delicate.

In efficient Singapore, you can now find company like Sweetest Moments that provide full moon packages. They have different varieties of food that you can choose, but will always include traditional ang kus and red eggs. Some food options include cakes, chocolate, glutinous rice cakes, cupcakes and pastries. These outfits can even provide deliveries for your customised food boxes. And you get to pick design for the boxes and personalized baby card!

Prev << Tradition Chinese baby's full moon
Next >> Baby's first hair cut

Read More

Tradition Chinese baby's full moon

It is customary for Chinese families to celebrate baby's full month, also called Man Yue 滿月, 弥月 or baby's first month. The Chinese parents usually celebrate with a simple full month buffet at home and distributing of full month cakes and gift packs to friends and relatives.

The first month after a baby's birth is a significant time for Chinese families, where it is customary to also distribute baby full month gift packs. During this time, the Chinese parents often celebrate with a buffet lunch, or a celebration. Concurrently, the full month also marks the end of the mother's confinement period.

Typically, a baby full month celebration is held where friends and relatives are invited to welcome the arrival of the new baby to the family. Some may opt to host a simple buffet lunch at home, while others may choose to have a party. Of course, with the new baby as the center of attention, this is an excellent opportunity for the proud parents to show their baby off to the adoration of their guests.

Another special full moon tradition of the Chinese would be the presentation of baby full month gift packs to friends, colleagues and relatives. Delightful treats such as cakes, hard boiled eggs dyed in red and "Ang Ku Kueh" which resemble longevity and prosperity. A must in a full month gift pack would be a red egg in each pack that signifies new life and good luck.

Find a variety of baby full month package available from Sweetest Moments.

Next >> Traditional foods: Ang Ku Kueh and Red Eggs

Read More