Baby Gift-Giving Traditions Around the World

Baby shower party supplies exude cuteness to the nth power. Sometimes, we begin to have doubts if the said occasion is for the expectant mom or an excuse to return to childhood. Baby shower themes are colorful and fun. Nevertheless, it is an important milestone for a mom-to-be especially if she is having her firstborn. This signifies the transition of a woman to motherhood and it is made more memorable because she is spending it with her friends and family.

The common attendees are women but nowadays, it becomes a co-ed gathering where the husband invites some of his best buddies. The program involves finger-foods and party games. Yup, games such as guessing the gender of the baby or drinking from a baby bottle. Let us not forget the giving out of favors and opening of gifts. This is the typical itinerary but as we live in a world with diverse cultural backgrounds, either it is a baby shower or after the baby is born, each country has its own custom they practice.

Here is a short list:

The Payals of India

Payals (silver anklets) is a traditional jewelry of Indian women. In India, it is customary to give a newborn girl her first Payal to celebrate her arrival.

The Chullo of South America

Originated from the Andes mountain ranges, fathers personally knit their son’s first chullo. If the father cannot knit, the task is given to his closest relative. A chullo is knitted cap with ear flaps and strings in each flap that can be tied under the chin.

Don’t touch the ground on Bali

Bali babies are not allowed to touch the ground for three months. So, the baby must be held 24/7 because the Balinese consider the ground impure.

The freezing cold bath of Guatamela

The Mayans of Guatamela believe bathing their newborns in ice cold water can boost their child’s immune system.

Sleeping at negative degrees in Denmark and Sweden

In Denmark and Sweden, mothers let their babies sleep outside the freezing cold weather. They have the same reason as the Mayans.

The Agra Hadig of Armenia

On the first tooth of Armenian babies, parents celebrate Agra Hadig. They spread out symbolical things (i.e., stethoscope or book) on a flat surface and let their child pick an item. Whichever they choose could be their future career, well, only time will tell.

The “stork parties” of South Africa

Did you ever believe that a newborn child is delivered by a stork? Scientifically speaking it is impossible. Maybe Africans does because they do organize “stork parties” and the highlight of the said event is the stork-inspired cakes.

The Sebou of Egypt

 Seven days after birth, they held the Sebou in Egypt. It symbolizes the right of passage of the newborn. 

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