Hindus believe in the rebirth of the soul in a different body after its release from the body of a dead person. During pregnancy, the mother is urged to read the Hindu scriptures and meditate, as the unborn baby should be conscious of the new environment that he/she will be born into. After birth, the baby is washed ceremonially, and the parents dip a golden pen in honey, and they write the word “AUM” on his/her tongue. The priest will subsequently propose an appropriate syllable for the new-born’s name. The naming ceremony will take place on the tenth day after birth. Hindu mothers like to consume hot foods, nuts, and hot drinks (ex. milk) during their pregnancy and delivery. Family members will be sure that the mother has complete rest for 40 days after she has given birth, and they will worry if she has to get up in the first few days. This approach is based on the belief that during this period of 40 days, the new mother is most vulnerable to illness. Body massages with almond, coconut, and jasmine oil are traditionally provided to mother and new-born. After a couple of weeks, the mother and the new-born are taken to the Temple for thanksgiving to the gods.
