| Description |
First Childbirth Rituals
The first childbirth ritual is the process that a new mother, the 'mlechell', goes through during after the birth of her first born child. A mlechell drinks herbal medicines to cleanse her body and make her strong and healthy. She begins her Omesurch (hot bath ritual), which usually takes place one to three months after giving birth, that lasts for several days, depending upon her clan. On the last day of this ritual she goes through an herbal steam bath called Omengat. The Omesurch and Omengat cleanse and heal the mlechells’ body. Each clan uses different combinations of plants. The final presentation is the last process when the mlechell is prepared for presentation to her husband’s family. Her body is coated with 'reng' (coconut oil and ginger mixture) giving her a glowing appearance. She is adorned with her family’s traditional grass skirt, headdress, and body ornaments. A Palauan money is placed around her neck by her husband’s family. The ceremony symbolizes her transition into motherhood and establishes a bond between the two families. |
