A New Baby

We are happy when a new baby is born.

We give the new baby presents.

Mum and Dad give the new baby a name.

Sometimes we take the baby to church.

The baby is part of a family.

When a new baby is born, the family celebrates.

It is a happy time.

Here are some ways a new baby is welcomed in a few different countries.

In many countries, such as Australia, the USA and England, the mother and father choose a baby’s name. They choose a name they like. Sometimes it is the name of a parent or friend. In Christian families, the baby is dressed in special clothes and taken to church for a christening. People give the new baby presents.

In Muslim families, the family and friends pray. There is a party and sugar and dates are eaten to wish the baby a sweet future. 

In Hindu families the baby is given a name on the 10^th day. A chart is made that shows where the stars and planets were when the baby was born. When the baby is grown up this chart will help choose a good day for his or her wedding.

In some parts of Morocco, a family celebrates for 7 days. On the 7^th day, the grandfather washes the new baby while the family says prayers and sing. Then a special breakfast feast is eaten and the baby is given a name.

In Korea, on the 100^th day after a baby is born, a special feast is made and people say prayers. Special rice cakes filled with red beans are put in the north, south, east and west corners of the house.  If rice cakes are shared with 100 people, it brings good luck and a long life to the baby, so the family sends rice cakes to all their friends. Many objects are placed in front of the baby, and the one he or she picks up will tell his or her future. If the baby chooses a book, it means university; if money is picked up, then he or she will be rich, and so on.

In China the same thing is done: what the baby picks up will tell his or her future. When a baby is born, family bring special food and clothes. 

In Egypt, the baby wears new clothes and is put in a special bed and carried through the house. Children carry candles and follow. They sing songs to welcome the baby to its home. In some parts of Egypt this is done 40 days afterthe baby is born, but in most places it happens soon after the baby comes home from the hospital where it was born.

In Japan, a baby is given a name on the 7^th day after it is born. Special food is made to bring the baby happiness in life. The mother and grandmother take the baby to a temple so a priest can bless it. There is a party when they get back

In Tibet two flags are hung outside the house when a baby is born.  One is to keep bad things away and the other is bring the baby good luck. The flags stay there for one month until the baby comes outside the house and is taken to a temple. Family members bring special gifts. A monk or priest comes to bless the baby. No one else comes into the house or sees the baby until the 7^th day when the baby is given a name.

If you use any part of this in your own work, acknowledge the source in your bibliography like this:
Sydenham, S. & Thomas, R. A New Baby [online] www.kidcyber.com.au (2010)

photographs © [2007] Jupiterimages Corporation
Updated May 2010 ©kidcyber