Materials
childbirth
ICH Materials 53
Photos
(11)-
_Beshik_ cradle
Kyrgyzstan -
_Tushoo kesuu_ celebration
Kyrgyzstan -
Jentek toi
Kyrgyzstan -
_Tushoo kesuu_ celebration, a child making first steps
Kyrgyzstan -
Woman giving blessings to the child
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Kyrgyzstan -
Jentek toi celebration
Kyrgyzstan -
Ritual of encradling the newborn for the first time
Kyrgyzstan -
Woman with a child
Kyrgyzstan -
Traditional customs related to the childhood
Mongolians deeply respect childbirth and childhood as a good omen and bright future. They have many valuable customs related to the childhood. For instance, there are the custom of naming, custom of ablution to a child, customs of cutting the child’s hair for the first time, etc.
Mongolia -
The custom of giving ablution to a child
Mongolians consider childbirth as a good omen. Mongols perform an ablution to a child in order to honor the one who has adapted the form of a precious human being and has been born on the earth as a little citizen of the state. A new born baby is washed ceremonially with pure water of its birthplace and welcomed by parents and relatives, and life-long name is given. It is a sole that a midwife, who plays a main role in the custom of naming and giving ablution to a child, is considered as the most respected guest of that custom. People who joined in this ceremony including midwife are giving gifts to new born child, such as clothes and items, and close relatives give a foal, calf and baby camel for purpose of preparing livestock of future herder. During the ceremony, people say praises, sing a lullaby and songs that compliments the parent.
Mongolia -
Palau's Rich Heritage in Nature and Culture_A Young Mother
First Childbirth Rituals\nThe 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.
Palau