Life Span Development LocalCustomForInfants - PPT.pptx

Local Customs for Infants

1. LOCAL CUSTOMS FOR INFANTS | GUJARATIs

2. Practices Immediately After Birth Gadhthuthi Immediately after a child is born, a cloth end is dipped in a solution of honey or jaggery water and given to the child to lick. This ritual is known as Gadhthuthi .

3. Ceremonial Events and Milestones Sixth-Day Celebration: Chatth ni Pooja On the sixth day after birth, a celebratory ceremony called Chatth ni Pooja is held. This day is considered significant because it’s believed that the first six days are the most critical for an infant’s survival. If the baby survives this period, it is believed they will continue to thrive. This ceremony honors that survival. It is also believed that an infant’s destiny is written on this day. Because of this, no one is supposed to touch the baby except the mother. On a ceremonial table, a paper, pen, money, and other trinkets are placed. The money, known as jhap no paiso , is meant to ensure the child grows up with a stable and calm temperament, as " jhap " means "quick" in a negative sense.

4. Ceremonial Events and Milestones Naming Ceremony: Badiya Pooja | Naamkaran Vidhi The twelfth day is for the naming of the infant. Before this, babies are addressed with temporary terms like baby, babo , or nano. An official naming ceremony is held after the 1.25 months duration, which involves a ritual where the brother's sister whispers the chosen name into the baby's ear and then announces it to the family. Afterward, everyone spends time with the infant, and the ritual of swinging the baby on a swing ( jhoola jhulana ) is performed.

5. Ceremonial Events and Milestones Return to Paternal Home: Jiannu The Jiannu ceremony marks the mother and baby’s return to their paternal home. The mother brings clothes, toys, utensils, and even jewelry for the infant to mark the joyous occasion. The father's family often reciprocates by giving jewelry on this day.

6. Postpartum Care and Restrictions For the first 1.25 months, the mother and baby are to remain in the same room and are not to be touched by anyone, not even the father. During this time, a caregiver known as a daiyaan is responsible for all household work, including giving baths and massages to both the mother and the infant. The daiyaan also handles tasks like wrapping the baby properly and taking them out into the sun for short periods. This role can also be performed by another elder in the house, but the massage requires a specific skill set, so only a knowledgeable person is given this responsibility. At the end of the 1.25-month period, the mother is allowed to move around the house, but it is still advised to limit the baby’s exposure to different environments. To mark the end of this period, the mother and baby, along with the family, visit a place of religious significance. After this, the frequency and locations of the baby’s outings are determined by the unique customs of each family and the health of the mother and child.

7. Infant Health and Protective Customs Traditional Diet Infants are traditionally given two special things. One is a liquid blend of Ayurvedic herbs, known as ghasaro or chamcho pivdavano . This is said to be nutritionally rich and is given daily to aid in proper digestion and help the baby grow strong. Another practice is giving Swarnapashan , a medicine containing elements of gold. This is believed to sharpen intelligence and boost immunity. It is given monthly or once every three months. In addition, babies may also be given diluted juice and lentil water to build strength.

8. Infant Health and Protective Customs Protective Amulets Najariyu is a unique piece of jewelry, such as a black thread or black and silver anklets, believed to ward off the evil eye. Other protective measures include tying a black thread around the waist or neck, applying kajal to the eyes, or placing a small black spot of kajal behind the ears or on the forehead. In some cases, the stump of the umbilical cord is dried and worn in a locket around the infant's neck, as it is believed to strengthen immunity

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