The birth of a baby, almost always, brings a gallon of joy and happiness to a family. The entire process of giving birth is miraculous and unique. From fresh flowers to cute little clothes, buying gifts for the newborn is always fun. Apart from the toys, flowers, and garments, money trees are the latest trending gift option for the baby. It is said to bring good luck and fortune in the baby’s life. These are also known as Pachira plants and hold immense significance to various communities.
Even though the experience of bringing a new life to the world has been going on since the start of mankind, women and medical practitioners are now more aware of the birthing techniques. The social norms and politics around pregnancy have also evolved over the years. However, many societal customs and rituals remain unchanged and sacred throughout the centuries. Here are some very interesting baby gift-giving traditions from around the world that would give you a sneak-peak into various cultures across the globe:
- Brazil
In various Brazilian societies, is believed that knitting red-colored shoes and gifting them to the newborn would ward off any evil eye and bring good luck to the baby. It is also that the knitted red footwear has to be the very first gift that a pregnant mother must receive while others believe the baby should wear them while exiting the hospital.
Many new mothers in Brazil also gift presents to all the visitors who come to the hospital for seeing the mom and baby after childbirth. It is a rare tradition as the customary ritual is usually of bringing gifts to the new mom.
- India
When a girl is born in India, she is gifted with a pair of silver anklets. Silver is considered as an epitome of strength in India and it is said to bring the hope of the baby growing up into a healthy and strong individual. Silver, as a metal, has its benefits and is of great importance in Indian culture. Decorating the body is seen as a popular tradition in the country. So, if you are attending a ceremony of the baby’s arrival, don’t just buy flowers and send flowers in Kolkata or little shoes. Gift the little one silver trinkets and you are sorted.
- Egypt
Palm plants hold great significance in the culture of Egypt. Usually, when a baby is born in Egypt, s/he is given a palm that has a blue eye. This is attached to the baby’s clothes and is believed to protect him/her from an evil eye or bad spirit.
- Australia
Australia has a very unique tradition of giving Dreamtime storybooks to the newborns. These children’s books have stories of relationships, animals, land as well as cultural beliefs and values.
- United Kingdom
While the United Kingdom does not have any specific baby gift-giving rituals, people there generally buy keepsake boxes, photo frames, happy birthday cakes, rattles and jewelry for the newborn babies. When it comes to giving presents to babies, American culture and English culture are pretty similar.
- China
We all know how important the color red is for the Chinese. From their national flag to the religious beliefs, red is an inseparable part of the Chinese culture. In the country, people put money in red envelopes and gift them to newborn babies. The envelopes are usually plain red while some have “luck” or “fortune” written on them. It is believed to bring immense wealth and joy to the life of the infant.
- Russia
Wehave all heard people using the phrase “born with a silver spoon” for the rich youngsters around us. It seems like Russia took the phrase way too seriously and traditionally, babies there are gifted with a silver spoon as it is believed to attract good fortune and wealth into their future.
These were some cool gift-giving traditions from around the world that people follow to celebrate the birth of a baby. So, the next time you are invited to such a ceremony, don’t just go for the usual toys or a flower bouquet online delivery. Make an effort to gift them something that holds importance to their cultural beliefs. The family would be glad to know the effort and thought you have put in for buying something meaningful for their little one.
