Uganda beer and coins in Scotland: traditional rituals for meeting newborns

In all cultures, the birth of a child and the pregnancy of a woman have always been accompanied by special rites. Russia is no exception: still many expectant mothers do not cut their hair during pregnancy and do not pick up a needle and thread. Of course, much has become a thing of the past, and some traditions are mistaken for superstition, while some have firmly entered our lives and are quite perceived as the norm. Each nation has its own rituals, which, as many believe, help protect babies from evil spirits. A touching photo project by WaterAid talks about how it is customary in different countries to invite newborns to a new life.

Madagascar: a young mother holds her baby in her arms; he is only seven days old. On her face is a sandalwood mask that protects her from evil spirits. The branches are ground and with the help of water turn them into a paste, and then applied to the face.

USA: The baptism of four-month-old Emmeline. Many Christians believe that holy water helps wash away original sin.

Nigeria: a tree branch is kept in a bowl of Calabash so that it gives root. This solution should be drunk by a pregnant woman, it accelerates childbirth.

Zambia: grandmother holds a newborn granddaughter in her arms. On the neck of the girl is a kakonde necklace. It is traditionally dressed for babies, as they believe that it can protect them from diseases.

Japan: Natsumi’s mother and her four-week-old daughter during the oquizome, the first ceremony, one of the most important holidays for young parents, where the baby is presented with an abundance of dishes (naturally, they don’t give him anything to try).

Malawi: Granny Meliz cooks porridge from corn and soy. This special dish, which is given to newly born mothers, is believed to help a woman become strong and energetic.

Zambia: An 18-year-old mother bathes her one-month-old daughter in a special decoction of roots, which helps to strengthen the girl’s health and protects her from evil spirits.

Ghana: a newly made mother with her baby in her arms after the Kosoto ritual, during which loved ones cut the bark from a tree, cook it for a long time and then pour it on the young mother. Ghanaians believe that a decoction will save a woman from stomach problems during subsequent pregnancies.

Sweden: Sebastian with his son Harry in his arms and his wife Maria. The man personally cut the umbilical cord, in Europe it has already become a tradition: so popes are more involved in the process of the birth of their children.

Uganda: 30-year-old Nagit with her children and husband. The newborn has thin twigs saturated with water on his arms, legs and neck. Similar bracelets are worn by babies at the blessing ceremony.

India: pictured is a girl of Criticism, who is two years old. Mom paints her eyes and forehead with antimony. It is believed that this will save the girl from evil spirits.

Scotland: Five-week-old Emma presented with a silver coin. It is believed that the coin will bring the girl luck and prosperity.

Uganda: 58-year-old Avas along with his entire family and clan elders. According to tradition, to celebrate the birth of a grandson, all family members drink local beer from a common cup served by a grandmother.

Ghana: Mary, Sampson and their Nathaniel, who is two years old. In infancy, they all went through the traditional rite: the healer makes a tiny incision on the cheek, which will help protect against convulsions.

Watch the video: Kenya. Wikipedia audio article (April 2024).