Children in Turkey: Fascinating Birth Tradition
In Turkey, there are many superstitions and traditions related to pregnancy and childbirth, including common superstitions found in other countries as well as unique ones. Let's explore some of the most interesting ones.
The First 40 Days:
The number forty holds great significance in Turkey, often associated with Islamic beliefs. Many customs, including those related to infants, are tied to this number. According to Turkish tradition, a newborn should not be shown to anyone for the first forty days. Even the mother of the baby should avoid appearing in public during this period. In the past, new mothers and their infants were almost confined to their homes, interacting only with a few family members. While this custom has been somewhat relaxed, it is still common in Turkey to refrain from showing a baby to strangers during the initial 40 days. It is believed that exposing the infant might bring about misfortune or 'the evil eye.' After the 40 days, a special prayer is recited to protect the infant from malevolent forces, and the baby can then be introduced to others.
Additionally, the baby should wear the 'nazar' or 'blue eye of Fatima,' the most famous Turkish amulet believed to protect against all harm.
Infants are not praised but rather told they are not good-looking. This practice is rooted in the belief that expressing admiration might provoke envy and harm the child.
Other customs related to the number 40 include not measuring the baby's height during this time, as it is believed it could hinder their growth. Cutting the baby's nails is also avoided for 40 days.
Swaddling:
Another common practice in Turkey is swaddling infants. While many modern Turkish mothers dress their babies in regular clothing from birth, traditional swaddling involves tightly wrapping the infant in cloth. This practice is believed to help the baby grow tall and develop strong muscles. Swaddled babies are also said to sleep better and wake up less frequently during the night. Although not all contemporary Turkish mothers follow this practice, it still has many adherents.
More Pregnancy Superstitions:
1. Pregnant women should not walk under a ladder.
2. To have a strong child, the baby should be bathed in salty water.
3. Placing a turtle shell under the baby's pillow is believed to bring good luck.
4. If a pregnant woman has a sweet tooth, she will give birth to a boy.
5. Carrying a chicken egg under the belt during pregnancy is considered a protective charm.
Please note that this article is for informational purposes. It's important to remember that many of these folk beliefs lack scientific basis, and it's not recommended to follow them strictly.
