Magazine - Full Month Tradition in different race/culture

Different Culture / Tradition in Singapore

I read this article from Motherhood - Baby Plus (volume 13 - 2008) and felt it is good for all of us to know.
Throughout the time, tradition have been modified. Parents may choose to hold the celebration at fancy restaurant, chalet or home with assistance of party caterers, performers or even a magician. The baby may be anywhere from less than a month old to more than one month old by the time the party held.

Chinese                                                           Indians

In Chinese culture, a baby’s first month birthday is often the biggest celebration in the traditional calendar. It also marks the mother’s reintroduction to the world, with her ‘sit the month’ time coming to an end. The month old celebrations stem from ancient Chinese culture, where infant mortality rates in China were very high in those days. It was widely believed that a baby who reached one month of age was more likely to survive and reach adulthood. Hence the event became a milestone worthy of celebration. To commemorate their latest addition to the family, friends and relatives are invited for a night of feasting and celebration. Banquets are held to welcome a new member into the family officially. The baby will be dressed in red, a colour long heralded for its auspicious symbolisms of good luck and happiness. True to tradition, the baby wears a silver of gold padlock around his neck, to symbolise being locked to this world. Of course, the one month old baby is the star attraction, and recipient of well wishes from guests. Tradition also calls for the baby's name to be announced around this time. Prior to this, the child is often given a fake name or a 'milk name' to deter any evil spirits from harming the baby and keeping misfortune at bay. Guests present the baby with gifts such as 'Li Shih' (lucky $$) in bright red packets, clothing or gold ornaments with the Chinese character 'Fook" (good luck), in addition to well wishes. In turn, the proud parents make sure the guests do not leave empty handed, with hard boiled eggs dyed red for good luck and happiness. Eggs represent fertility and the renewal of life. Guests usually receive an even number of eggs for a boy, and an odd number for a baby girl. In addition, guests are given little cakes to take home. The baby also has his head shaved during the feast. The removing of birth hair is speculated to mark the child's independent existence and foray into the world.

Indian parents who are Hindus rarely come together without prayer, and when they know that a baby will ne born to them, there is much thanksgiving and prayers offered for the health and safety of the soul who has come to their house. Hindu rituals begin before a child is born. Ceremonies may be performed during pregnancy to ensure the health of the mother and growing child. During the third month of pregnancy a ceremony is performed. This is done for the strong physical growth of the fetus. Another ceremony is performed during the seventh month. This is the equivalent of a baby shower and means 'satisfying the craving of the pregnant mother'. Prayers are offered for the mother and child with emphasis on healthy mental developmenet of the unborn child. Hindus believe that mental state of a pregnant woman affects the unborn child. Once the child enters the world, a ceremony is performed to wlecome the child into the family, by putting some honey in the child's mouth and whispering the name of God in the child's ear. Other rituals include a naming ceremony, the child's first trip out and the child's first taste of solid food. The ear piercing ceremony and first haircut ceremonies are also considered highly significant. These sacraments are performed on both the sexes. Hindus believe that the piercing of a hole in the lower lobes of the ear have benefits of acupunture. Head shaving is connected to the removal of impurities.

Malays                                                             Eurasians

For Malay Muslims, the most significant ritual in a child's life comes about when he is seven days old. Termed 'Aqiqah', it means 'the hair of the forehead' and also means the animal that is sacrificed after the birth of a child. The main purpose of Aqiqah is to give thanks to Allah, for the gift of a child, and as a joyous announcement of the birth to inform others about this new addition to the family. According to most jurists, Aqiqah is a highly recommended Sunnah. The proper time for Aqiqah is the seventh day or after, counting from the day of the birth of the child. Parents or grandparents should perform Aqiqah for their children or grandchildren. In some traditions, it is said that one should sacrifice two lambs for a boy and one for a girl. But this is not enforced as one can sacrifice even one for the boy. This dates back to how Prophet Muhammad sacrificed one lamb for Hasan and for Husain. The meat of the animal should be divided into three portions - one third for for the poor, one third for friends and one third for the family. One can also give all the meat to the poor and needy people. In Arabic the word 'Aqiq' is also used for a precious stone. One can also say that Aqiqah is a ceremony that helps us realise the preciousness of our children.

As a religion, Christianity has a strong set of traditions to mark the one month old milestone. Among many Christian communities, infant baptism is considered the first rite of life, especially for the Catholics. 'Eurasian' typically refers to amix of European and Asian lineage, and this often translates to a combination of different cultures. Eurasian Catholics, like all Catholics, usually baptise their child within one month from birth and on the first sunday of the month. However, it is a tradition with some Eurasians to have the christening robe sewn from the wedding veil of the mother. In the old days, there were no mass baptisms, and godparents took the baby to church as the mother was considered to be physically weak. Today, both the parents and godparents attend the baptism ceremony. The child's name had to be a Christian name. Godparents, usually members of the family or good friends, are morally responsible for the child's upbringin should anything happen to the parents. Even today, Eurasian adults fondly remember and pay tribute to their godparents.