Birth practices can vary by culture and two of the cultures that I found interesting to read about regarding birth practices are the Chinese culture and the African culture. In this discussion, I will describe a few of the beliefs and rituals of each and if these cultures are similar or different.
The Chinese culture highly regards family as a vital unit of society and a birth is accompanied by certain rituals (Singapore National Library Board, 2013). In order to not disturb the fetus and help avoid injury or miscarriage, pregnant women are advised to refrain from any strenuous activities, such as heavy lifting, moving furniture, or outdoor work and avoid speaking offensive words and looking at anything unsightly. Certain types of foods should not be eaten, but other foods are encouraged, including foods with firm, smooth, and white textures to help strengthen the uterus, make childbirth easy, and possibly have a child with a fair or white and smooth complexion. Prayers to Chinese goddesses ensure the health of mother and child. After the baby’s birth, there are three main customs which are carried out which are a 30 day confinement period, eating a specific confinement diet, and providing offerings to ancestors and gods/goddesses. When the full confinement is completed, it is regarded as the child’s first birthday and …show more content…
References
African Tribes. (2016). Birth and Childhood Rituals. Retrieved from: https://africantribesuws.wordpress.com/birth-and-childhood-rituals/
Global Voices (2016). Africa: Traditional practices still flourish in Nigeria. Retrieved from: https://iwpr.net/global-voices/traditional-birthing-practices-still-flourish
Singapore National Library Board. (2013). Heritage and Culture: Chinese birth rituals. Retrieved from:
The Chinese culture highly regards family as a vital unit of society and a birth is accompanied by certain rituals (Singapore National Library Board, 2013). In order to not disturb the fetus and help avoid injury or miscarriage, pregnant women are advised to refrain from any strenuous activities, such as heavy lifting, moving furniture, or outdoor work and avoid speaking offensive words and looking at anything unsightly. Certain types of foods should not be eaten, but other foods are encouraged, including foods with firm, smooth, and white textures to help strengthen the uterus, make childbirth easy, and possibly have a child with a fair or white and smooth complexion. Prayers to Chinese goddesses ensure the health of mother and child. After the baby’s birth, there are three main customs which are carried out which are a 30 day confinement period, eating a specific confinement diet, and providing offerings to ancestors and gods/goddesses. When the full confinement is completed, it is regarded as the child’s first birthday and …show more content…
References
African Tribes. (2016). Birth and Childhood Rituals. Retrieved from: https://africantribesuws.wordpress.com/birth-and-childhood-rituals/
Global Voices (2016). Africa: Traditional practices still flourish in Nigeria. Retrieved from: https://iwpr.net/global-voices/traditional-birthing-practices-still-flourish
Singapore National Library Board. (2013). Heritage and Culture: Chinese birth rituals. Retrieved from: