Birth customs
Since the beginning of time, many cultures around the world has showed off a range of customs and beliefs that surrounds birth and the miracle it brings.
In ancestral times and up till today birth has been associated with fertility of the earth, and seen as the symbol of construction around which the universe revolves.
One example is Egypt. During the rule of pharaohs, the goddess Het-Hert (Hator) was regarded as the protector and mother deity for all woman and children. The Egyptian gods Hator, Aset and Tawaret were invoked in to becoming protectors to both lives, and discover at the same time the destiny that lies ahead for the unborn child.
Ancient Greeks believed knots had maleficent powers and could prevent or delay birth. To prevent that they took care that there will be no knot in the birthing room.
In the Roman Empire, a well known obstetrician Soranus (98-138 AD) wrote a book which was widely used until the 16th century. It was based on childbirth care and customs that was to be observed before, during and after birth. In the Middle Ages however, birth customs were more severe. Women were whipped when in their last months of pregnancy. This was supposedly to induce labor and hasten the new arrival into the world.
In India in the 18th century, the woman was encouraged to remain silent during birth; the women of the family would cry and groan, out of sympathy, for the birthing mother who could not express her pain.
In the gaelic celtic cultur Immediately after the child was born the mid-wife placed three drops of water on the new born’s head. While doing this, she would recite an incantation wherein the Three of Power were recognized as the Sky, the Land and the Sea.
Many cultures believe that eating acidic foods will help conceive a boy, while alkaline food consumption will result in a girl.
In the 18th and 19th century, birth customs changed dramatically. Evolution and emancipation of mankind saw old customs give way to be replaced by new fresh approach to birthing. 1739 saw the first ever maternity ward in Great Britain. The old birth customs gave way to new ones.
With the turn of the century, further studies were done in the area of birth and pregnancy. Women were more open and willing to give midwives chances at treating them and helping out during labour. But still some old customs are kept, one country, Germany, has a few old birth customs left. In some towns, local government still keeps a list of acceptable names for newborns. Parents must choose from it .Otherwise they have to file a form stating the reason for asking a non listed name. This birth custom is kept in effort to avoid children from being ridiculed because of their names.
Birth customs of today are a fusion of local and country traditions with the practices of modern medicine. After going as far from traditional practices as can be, modern woman are turning back to old customs in search of better delivery experience.
