A celebration is a happy time when people get together in honour of something special.

Different religions or countries each have their own celebration or way of celebrating.

The arrival and naming of a new baby is celebrated in different ways.

A baby is part of a family

A baby is part of a family

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

At a Christening, the priest or minister pours holy water on the baby's head to welcome them as Christians.

At a Christening, the priest or minister pours holy water on the baby's head to welcome them as Christians.

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 to welcome the baby into the family's religion. 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. 

A Hindu mother with her baby.

In Hindu families the baby is given a name on the 10th 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 7th 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 100th 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 after the 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 7th 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, babies are often carried on their mother's back in a special sling.

In Tibet, babies are often carried on their mother's back in a special sling.

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 is brought outside the house for the first time 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 7th day when the baby is given a name.

See different ways babies are welcomed in different customs around the world

https://www.itv.com/news/2019-02-22/in-pictures-how-different-cultures-celebrate-arrival-of-babies

https://parenting.firstcry.com/articles/interesting-baby-welcoming-traditions-from-around-the-world/