Baby showers are constantly growing in popularity – even in the distant lands of India, China and South Africa. The customs of celebrating Mums-to-be may differ from the Baby Showers that we know here in the UK but they are all wonderful ways of sharing the joy and excitement of becoming a new Mum.
In India Baby Showers are called ‘Godh Bharai’ which has a lovely meaning – it translates as ‘to fill the lap’. The tradition is to fill the Mum-to-be’s lap with gifts, sweets and fruits to bless her and her little one with abundance and love.
Parties in India end of the 7th month or in the 8th month of pregnancy. The Godh Bharai is a women-only party with singing and dancing, fun and games and feasting. Gifts include jewellery and money for the expectant Mum, baby clothes and accessories that she will need once her baby is born. Silver bangles are given as they represent prosperity, intelligence, success and strength – all good wishes for both Mother and baby.
As the Godh Bharai is for women only there is normally an amount of teasing and fun but it’s also a great way of giving the Mum-to-be love and support at such an important time in her life.
Celebrations in China
Baby Showers in China are known as ‘Red Egg and Ginger Parties’ and are held on the evening of the first or second full moon after the baby’s birth and are big celebrations. They are banquets with 8 course meals and gifts range from little red envelopes full of money (red is a lucky colour in China), prams and pushchairs to baby clothes and accessories. Guests are presented with hard boiled eggs that have been dyed red (to symbolize happiness and the renewal of life) and picked red ginger (which is supposed to balance out an overtired new Mum’s yin and yang with a little heat).
Parties in africa
In South Africa Baby Showers are called Stork Parties and are often planned as a surprise for the Mum-to-be. They take place typically when the expectant Mum is about 6 months pregnant.
Stork Parties are very similar to American Baby Showers due to the high volume of American television programs viewed in South Africa. They are relaxed and informal but they really go to town on their cakes! The cakes made as central pieces for the Stork Party are beautifully crafted and decorated, with several bakeries specialising in them. Even the cup cakes are stunning! In fact Stork Parties are becoming so popular in South Africa they have professional event planners to help organize them.