Fascinating Customs Surrounding Birth and Babies
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Birth rituals and traditions vary dramatically across cultures, and many of them may seem unusual or downright strange to those unfamiliar with them. Humanity has developed numerous customs surrounding the arrival of a new life.
Some of these customs may seem bizarre to modern sensibilities, but they reveal fascinating insights into how different societies have understood and celebrated the miracle of birth.
Babies Born with a Caul
A caul is a rare condition in which a baby is born with a thin membrane of the amniotic sac still covering its head. In various European cultures, babies born with a caul were considered to be fortunate and were believed to have special protection against drowning. The caul itself was seen as a talisman, and many believed that a baby born with one would be immune to drowning, even if it fell into water.
Historically, caul were highly prized, and people would often collect them as lucky charms. Sailors, in particular, sought to obtain cauls, believing they would protect them at sea. In some traditions, mothers even sold their child’s caul to sailors for good luck, perpetuating the mystical association with the condition.
Trow Baby-Stealers
In Orkney and other parts of Scotland, there was a deep-rooted belief in a mythical creature called the trow—a being that was said to steal human babies and replace them with changelings. These changelings were often believed to be sickly or deformed, and the belief in trow theft was used to explain the sudden illnesses of otherwise healthy infants.
To protect newborns from being stolen, it was common for mothers or close relatives to stay awake on the first night after birth, keeping watch over the baby. Some believed that women who died during childbirth were taken by the trow and replaced with an enchanted block of wood. The folklore surrounding the trow reflects the fears and anxieties long associated with the vulnerability of newborns.
The Lotus Birth
The Lotus Birth is a modern practice that involves leaving the umbilical cord and placenta attached to the newborn after birth. Rather than cutting the cord, it naturally detaches from the baby. Proponents of this practice believe it provides the child with access to the blood and stem cells still present in the placenta, offering potential health benefits in the early days of life. The placenta is often treated with herbs or sea salt to slow its decomposition and minimize odor.
However, critics warn that this practice may expose the infant to increased risk of infection, as the placenta can decay before naturally separating. Despite these concerns, the Lotus Birth has gained a following among natural birth advocates who believe it promotes a deeper connection between mother and child during the early bonding period.
The Russian Povitukha
In 17th-century Russia, childbirth was managed by a type of midwife known as the povitukha. Unlike modern midwives, the povitukha had little formal medical training and often relied on folk wisdom and superstition to manage deliveries. Their methods were unconventional and at times quite extreme.
For example, it was not uncommon for the povitukha to instruct a woman in labor to jump off a bench or to force her to vomit in order to speed up delivery. In some cases, women were even hung upside down to help with the birth process. These methods, while well-intentioned, were often dangerous and lacked any understanding of hygiene or modern medical practices.
Saint Raymond Nonnatus
Saint Raymond Nonnatus is the Catholic saint of childbirth and midwives, yet his own birth story is rather unusual. He was born via posthumous Caesarean section after his mother passed away while pregnant. His name, “Nonnatus,” literally means “not born,” a reflection of his unique and miraculous birth.
Despite the irony of being the patron saint of childbirth while having never experienced it himself, Saint Raymond is honored by midwives and pregnant women, especially those seeking his intercession for safe deliveries. His legacy is one of protection and comfort during childbirth, and his name is associated with towns and parishes in places like New York, Puerto Rico, and Argentina.
Silent Birth
One of the more modern and controversial birth customs is the practice of Silent Birth, which is advocated by the Church of Scientology. According to Scientology teachings, babies are highly sensitive to the noises and emotions around them during birth, and any loud noises can cause psychological trauma that lasts a lifetime.
To prevent this, Scientologists believe that the birth environment should be silent, with no talking or instructions given during labor. The only sounds allowed are those of the mother in distress. This practice has been criticized for its lack of medical basis and its potential to create unnecessary stress for the mother, but it remains an important part of Scientology’s birth rituals.
Eileithyia
In ancient Greek mythology, Eileithyia was the goddess of childbirth, overseeing the delivery of babies and ensuring a safe, smooth birth for mothers. She was both a helpful figure and a vengeful one. When angered, Eileithyia could make childbirth difficult and prolonged, especially for women she deemed unworthy. Her mother, the goddess Hera, was also known to cause suffering for women who were carrying Zeus’s children.
Eileithyia was a powerful figure in Greek culture, and many myths surrounding her involved her temperamental nature. Women who were able to appease her were believed to have smooth, easy births, while those who incurred her wrath could face prolonged and painful labor. This duality made her both a protective and a feared figure in Greek society.
key Takeaways
These strange customs surrounding birth and babies illustrate just how varied and deeply ingrained cultural practices can be.
Driven by superstition, religion, or attempts to improve infant health, these customs offer fascinating glimpses into how different societies have approached one of the most universal experiences—childbirth.
