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.

Hoen-tey is a special Haa Valley dish that is usually prepared during Lomba celebrations (indigenous New Year), which are held on the 29th day of the 10th month. Normally, the ingredients for Hoen-tey are prepared and cooked on the evening of the 28th day. When Hoen-tey needs to be made in large quantities, it is prepared either on the 26th, 27th or 28th day, and on the 29th day it is cooked. Long ago, Hoen-tey was only made on Lomba or specially to celebrate Lomba. Nowadays, however, it is prepared all year round. To prepare Hoen-tey, you need the following basic ingredients.\n● Buckwheat flour \n● A bunch of beet leaves\n● Turnips\n● Local butter\n● Fermented local cheese\n● Ginger\n● Clove of garlic\n● Wild black pepper\n● Chili powder\n● Walnut (optional)\n● A few stalks of green onion\n● Salt

The mlechell is covered in ginger Curcuma longa infused coconut oil during the hot bath ceremony which usually last between 4 to 10 days depending on clan protocols.