As this blog evolves, the goal is to pay homage to how I was raised, added in some modern twists or two. I've been copying images from my mom's albums. This picture is of me and my older sister, Valentina.
One of the old world traditions I've been honoring is keeping Liljana indoors for the first 40 days of her life (aside from doctor's appointments, of course). Many cultures have various newborn things they do and mine is no different. I don't think it's as common to practice the 40 Day Hibernation rule, but I've been loving it. It doesn't hurt that it's wicked cold outside and I'd rather keep my little girl indoors, warm and cozy.
I asked my mother about the 40 Day tradition and wanted to know where it came from. She tells me that many women in the village thought that the first days of a baby's life made her open to spirits, bad people, etc. Keeping a baby indoors was a way to protect, but also build up the baby's immune system.
Fact? Fiction? Who knows, but it's my way of instilling some traditions with my new family, along with recognizing the ways things were back when. Five days to go!
1 Comment
My family does the 40 days of hibernation too! I thought it was just a Hispanic-thing, ha. When my sister had my niece, my mom was so protective of her AND the baby not venturing out in the first 40 days that she spent a lot of time making trips to the store for her. I guess it's a little silly/superstitious but it made us all feel better to follow a tradition. In a way it provides mental/emotional comfort to do things the way our mother/grandmother/etc. did it. Regardless, hope you enjoyed the night out!
-G
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