Health & Life

Why Do We Postpone the One-Month Anniversary Ceremony for Babies?

Introducing the time-honored tradition of the one-month anniversary offering, a meaningful practice passed down through generations. Uncover the intriguing reason behind the delay in offerings for baby boys and girls, as we explore this fascinating cultural tradition.

Administrator

11 July, 2024

In Vietnam, it is a common tradition for parents and grandparents to hold a one-month birthday celebration for their newborn baby. This ceremony is a meaningful way to introduce the new family member to relatives and friends, as well as to give thanks to the Twelve Midwives and the Patriarch for the baby’s healthy birth.

However, have you ever wondered why this ceremony is usually delayed for baby boys and girls? Let’s find out the answer in this article!

1Why is the one-month birthday celebration delayed for baby boys and girls?

According to traditional beliefs, the one-month birthday celebration for baby boys is delayed by one day, while for baby girls, it is delayed by two days. Folk beliefs suggest that boys are expected to be bold and proactive to achieve success, hence the one-day delay. On the other hand, girls are associated with humility and yielding to maintain family harmony, which is why their celebration is delayed by two days.

Nonetheless, these practices of delaying the one-month birthday celebrations for baby boys and girls are based on folk beliefs passed down through generations without scientific basis, and therefore, they are not mandatory.

Why is the one-month birthday celebration delayed for baby boys and girls?

2How many days should the one-month birthday celebration be delayed for baby boys and girls?

Following the folk belief of “girls go back two, boys go back one,” the one-month birthday is calculated accordingly.

Here is how the one-month birthday is determined based on the lunar calendar:

For baby boys, the one-month birthday celebration is held one day before the actual birth date.

For example, if a baby boy is born on the 15th day of the third lunar month, his one-month birthday celebration will be held on the 14th day of the fourth lunar month.

For baby girls, the one-month birthday celebration is held two days before the actual birth date.

Similarly, if a baby girl is born on the 15th day of the third lunar month, her one-month birthday celebration falls on the 13th day of the fourth lunar month.

How many days should the one-month birthday celebration be delayed?

3Do we need to hold the one-month birthday celebration exactly on the calculated day?

Since the practice of delaying the one-month birthday is based on folk beliefs, parents can choose to follow it or not. However, this occasion marks an important milestone and provides an opportunity for well-wishers to offer blessings for the baby’s future.

It is advisable to hold the one-month birthday celebration on the exact day for added peace of mind, ensuring that the baby receives blessings and protection from ancestors and deities.

Do we need to hold the one-month birthday celebration exactly on the calculated day?

This article has provided answers to the question of why the one-month birthday celebration is delayed for baby boys and girls. We hope that you now understand the reasons behind this tradition and can plan your baby’s one-month birthday accordingly!

Source: Marrybaby.vn

Frequently asked questions

The one-month anniversary ceremony for babies, also known as a ‘full-month’ celebration, is often postponed because it is believed that doing so will bring good luck and protect the baby. This tradition is rooted in cultural and religious beliefs, with the idea that the first month is a vulnerable time for the newborn and the mother.

In many Asian cultures, it is believed that evil spirits may target newborns, and by postponing the celebration, families can protect their babies from potential harm. This belief is often associated with the idea of ‘not inviting attention’ to the baby during the first month. Additionally, in some religions like Buddhism and Taoism, the first month is considered a period of spiritual purification for the mother, and it is customary to allow her time to rest and recover.

The celebration varies across different cultures but often involves inviting family and friends to a small gathering. Traditional foods like hard-boiled eggs, pork, and rice wine are served, symbolizing blessings for the baby’s future. Red eggs are particularly significant, representing fertility, happiness, and good luck. Gifts are often given to the baby, and it is a joyous occasion for the family to introduce their new addition.

Yes, in some cultures, the baby’s head is shaved during this ceremony, which is believed to promote healthy hair growth. The hair is then offered to deities or kept as a memento. Additionally, the baby may be dressed in traditional clothing, and there may be rituals involving blessings from elders or religious figures.

Modern interpretations of this tradition often focus on the celebration aspect, with some families choosing to have a simple gathering or even a ‘month-day’ party, similar to a birthday celebration. The emphasis is on creating a memorable occasion to mark the baby’s first month and to share the joy with loved ones.