Russian birth etiquette

Russians have had a superstitious view since ancient times. They believe that the more people know about the mother's delivery date, the more difficult it will be for the baby to be born, and it may even lead to evil. Therefore, the date of delivery is kept strictly confidential until the baby is born. Since Russians believe that childbirth is a dirty thing, the production sites are often chosen in uninhabited places, such as barns and cowsheds. In case of difficult childbirth, use methods of unbuttoning and unlocking to ensure safety. After the child was born, he made a big publicity, lest others would not know, and held a banquet to celebrate, including honey rice at the banquet. According to traditional customs, those who come to congratulate should give gifts to express their acceptance of the newborn as a new member of society. There are generally four types of gifts: eggs, bread, salt, and matches. Food is believed to ensure good luck to a child, while salt and matches can help him ward off evil. The gift that women give to mothers is porridge. There are various kinds of porridge: barley, wheat, raisin, etc. In some places, flowers are given after the birth of a child. If a girl is born, wheat ears and hydrangeas are given, symbolizing happiness and beauty; if a boy is born, wheat ears and oak branches are given, which indicates happiness and strength.

According to custom, three or nine days after delivery, mothers and midwives should wash hands with each other to wash away dirt. Before washing hands, mothers should not "act rashly", touch idols, or milk cows. Within 40 days after giving birth, mothers are not allowed to enter church. If you give birth to a girl, then this period will be even longer. Maternal mothers do not confine themselves to confinement, do not avoid cold water, and ten days after delivery they can do housework like normal people. The baby is baptized eight days after birth. Baptisms are usually held in churches, unless the weather is bad and can be held at home. Parents cannot be present at the baptism, which is performed by the priest and godparents. The procedure of baptism is as follows: the priest recites scriptures, starts praying, then takes the baby from the hands of the godfather, pours water on its forehead, or submerses it in the water, which is called baptism. Then put a necklace and cross on the baby and wish the baby peace and health. Boys generally have two godfathers and one godmother; girls have two godmothers and one godfather. In the past, godparents were usually prestigious elders or wealthy people. Their direct responsibility was to send their children to baptisms, take care of them, monitor them, and assume the responsibility for their education. After the baptism, a baptism banquet is held, and the host entertains the guests with meat noodle soup, chicken, and rice porridge.

Naming is another important event after the baby is born. Before the introduction of Christianity to Russia, the natural right to name a child belonged to his parents. After the introduction of Christianity, the church replaced the parents' right to name their children. At baptism, the priests give names according to the calendar. When naming children from lower-class families, priests often did not take the parents' opinions into account. Sometimes, the baptism fee was not high or the priest had a bad impression of the baby's parents. As far as babies are concerned, children's names often have derogatory connotations. Some names are insulting in Greek, such as Azat - a cold person, Marov - bald, Phoka - dog, etc. The meaning of these names is avoided in the church calendar, without any translation into Russian or any mention of the original etymological meaning of these ancient Jewish, Roman, and Greek names. Nowadays, the ancient ritual has disappeared, and people think that the most meaningful and fashionable way to celebrate the birth of a baby is to plant a sapling in their own yard or on a small civic boulevard in a park. Couples who have a boy usually plant oak and chestnut trees, while couples who have a girl plant birch, poplar, cherry, apple and plum trees.

Naming a newborn and issuing a birth certificate have become the most important celebrations after the birth of a child. After the child is one month old, he must register with the local civil authority. At this time, the staff will introduce the arrangements, procedures and services available for the name day, such as providing newborn supplies, flowers, photography, taxis, etc. The naming ceremony is usually held six months after the baby is born, at the baby's office. In rural areas, the naming ceremony is held in the village hall or club.

Due to the traditional emphasis on birth, Russians today attach great importance to annual birthdays. In addition to national holidays, birthdays are celebrated grandly as extra-holiday events. When celebrating a birthday, not only friends gather, but a birthday banquet is also held. Friends congratulated them with roses, peonies, dianthus, tulips and other gifts. During the meal, everyone toasts to the parents of the birthday party. Birthday celebrations are also divided into "Daqing" and "Xiaoqing". "Daqing" occurs every 10 years when a child turns one year old, when an adult turns 50, and after 50 years of age.