Rethinking traditional birth rites

Birth rites are considered "etiquettes beside the bed," which is closely linked to religion for many nations in the world. However, Chinese birth rites are more influenced by Confucianism and secular beliefs. Now there seems to be a tendency that Confucianism is declining and common customs are on the rise. The Confucius practice makes these rites more grand, elegant, and profound, but it also upholds some outdated notions like that of men being superior to women; whereas common customs are more closely linked to everyday life, but seems to be becoming more vulgar, superficial, and even fatuous.

The resurgence of traditional customs should be selective, and attach more attention on sincere blessing towards the children, rather than a competition of how much money or how many expensive gifts can be presented.

  Birth rites of a new touch

The modern customs also consist of five parts just like the traditional ones, yet with different practices. Let's check out some of the new birth rites that are practiced in China today.

After the new baby is born, it will be adorned with jade wares. During the pregnancy days, the husband and wife will select the jade for their future baby together. The texture, color, and in turn, the cultural bearings of the ware may vary according to the newborn's sex. The quasi-parents are to study and research the jade wares and choose something that can best embody their hopes for the baby.

This jade adornment will usually accompany the baby for life, so the jade should be very deliberately chosen, but not necessarily very expensive. Sex identification before birth is illegal in China, so many parents will usually buy a pair of jade wares beforehand.

When the mother is about to deliver, the father waits outside the delivery room with a pair of jade wares in his hands, as he will later hang the jade on the swaddle with his own hands.

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