(i) The umbilical cord is cut to separate the baby from the baby.
(ii) The placenta is carefully disposed to guard it against evil and to ensure continued fertility.
(iii) There are ululations to announce the birth and sex of the baby.
(iv) Sacrifices and prayers of thanksgiving are offered to God and the ancestors.
(v) Medicinal herbs or waters are administered to the baby to protect her/ him from "evil eyes".
(vi) Both mother and child are secluded for a certain period of time.
(vii) Both mother and the child are shaved to mark the end of seclusion.
(viii) Feasts and celebrations are held to welcome the baby into the community, to congratulate the parents and express appreciation for God's blessings
(ix) Gifts are given congratulating the parents and welcoming the baby.
(x) The child is given a name to give her/ him identity.
- The cutting of the umbilical cord symbolizes the separation between the mother and the baby to become independent individuals
-The burying of the placenta after birth in a safe place ensures future fertility of the mother
- The coming out of the seclusion of mother/ baby symbolizes the concept of death of ones state of life and resurrection to a fuller state of living.
- The shaving of the mother's/ baby's hair symbolized the start of a new life for both mother and baby
- The cleansing/ blessing of the home where the child is born ensures further procreation and good health.
- The naming of the child is a link to the family/ ancestors
maurice.mutuku answered the question on August 29, 2017 at 07:47
- According to the Africa traditional concept of birth, how is the expectant mother supposed to behave in order to protect herself and the unborn baby?(Solved)
According to the African traditional concept of birth, explain how the expectant mother is supposed to behave in order to protect herself and the unborn baby.
Date posted: August 29, 2017. Answers (1)
- What are the factors contributing to harmony and mutual responsibility in African communities?(Solved)
Discuss the factors contributing to harmony and mutual responsibility in African communities.
Date posted: August 29, 2017. Answers (1)
- What is the importance of kinship ties in traditional African community?(Solved)
Describe the importance of kinship ties in traditional African community.
Date posted: August 29, 2017. Answers (1)
- What is the meaning of kinship ties according to the African concept of kinship?(Solved)
Describe the meaning of kinship ties according to the African concept of kinship.
Date posted: August 29, 2017. Answers (1)
- What is the meaning of community according to the African concept of community?(Solved)
Explain the meaning of community according to the African concept of community.
Date posted: August 29, 2017. Answers (1)
- What is the meaning of life and its wholeness in the traditional society?(Solved)
Describe the meaning of life and its wholeness in the traditional society.
Date posted: August 29, 2017. Answers (1)
- What are the traditional ways of worshipping God?(Solved)
Discuss the traditional ways of worshipping God.
Date posted: August 28, 2017. Answers (1)
- What is the responsibility of the living towards spirits?(Solved)
Give the responsibility of the living towards spirits.
Date posted: August 28, 2017. Answers (1)
- What is the role of spirits according to the African concept of spirits?(Solved)
Give the role of spirits according to the African concept of spirits.
Date posted: August 28, 2017. Answers (1)
- What are the types of spirits according to the African concept of spirits?(Solved)
Discuss the types of spirits according to the African concept of spirits.
Date posted: August 28, 2017. Answers (1)
- What are the attributes of God according to the African traditional understanding?(Solved)
Explain the attributes of God according to the African traditional understanding.
Date posted: August 28, 2017. Answers (1)
- What is the relevance of Elijah's prophetic mission to Christians today?(Solved)
Give the relevance of Elijah's prophetic mission to Christians today.
Date posted: August 26, 2017. Answers (1)
- How can corruption be fought?(Solved)
Describe how corruption can be fought.
Date posted: August 26, 2017. Answers (1)
- What was the importance of the Temple in Israel?(Solved)
Give the importance of the Temple in Israel.
Date posted: August 26, 2017. Answers (1)
- What factors led to the division of the Kingdom of Israel?(Solved)
Give factors that led to the division of the Kingdom of Israel.
Date posted: August 26, 2017. Answers (1)
- What were King Solomon's achievements?(Solved)
Discuss King Solomon's achievements.
Date posted: August 26, 2017. Answers (1)
- What qualities of a good leader are drawn from King David?(Solved)
Highlight the qualities of a good leader drawn from King David.
Date posted: August 26, 2017. Answers (1)
- What were David's achievements as King of Israel?(Solved)
Discuss the achievements of David as a King of Israel.
Date posted: August 26, 2017. Answers (1)
- What lessons do Christians learn from King Saul's failures?(Solved)
Give lessons that Christians learn from King Saul's failures.
Date posted: August 26, 2017. Answers (1)
- How was the Israelites' new understanding of the nature of God from the Exodus?(Solved)
Describe the Israelites' new understanding of the nature of God from the Exodus.
Date posted: August 25, 2017. Answers (1)