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{{Short description|Tamil prenatal ceremony}} | |||
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2020}} | {{Use dmy dates|date=August 2020}} | ||
{{Use Indian English|date=August 2020}} | {{Use Indian English|date=August 2020}} | ||
'''Valaikaappu''' | '''Valaikaappu''' (in Tamil: {{Lang|ta|வளைகாப்பு}}) is a [[Baby shower|prenatal ceremony]] or celebration similar to a baby shower, practised as part of [[Tamil culture]] by South Indian women from [[Tamil Nadu]] and parts of [[Kanyakumari district|Kanyakumari]], as well as regions of [[Kerala]] bordering Tamil Nadu, meant to bless a pregnant woman, celebrate her fertility, and prepare the baby and mother-to-be for a safe birth. It is typically held at the 5th month and 7th month of the pregnancy by the mother side of the girl in her mother’s house. It is widely practiced among both the urban and rural populations of the region.<ref>{{cite book |last=Stone |first=Pamela K. |url=https://www.amazon.com/Childbirth-Across-Cultures-Non-Western-ebook/dp/B003RISTJ6 |title=Childbirth across cultures : ideas and practices of pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum |publisher=Springer |year=2009 |isbn=978-9048125982 |editor-last=Selin |editor-first=Helaine |location=Dordrecht [etc.] |pages=100 |editor-last2= |editor-first2=}}</ref> | ||
The | == Etymology == | ||
The etymology could be related to two [[Tamil language|Tamil]] words that mean to protect the bangles: valaiyal (வளையல்) which is typically a glass bangle, and kaapu (காப்பு), which means to protect. The equivalent in [[Malayalam]] would be (വള) for bangle. | |||
== History == | |||
It is related to the more formal traditions of [[Seemantham]] or Simantonnayana dating back to the 4th century BCE, documented in the [[Kalpa Sūtra|Kalpa Sutras]], possibly part of the [[Jainism|Jain]] ([[Mahavira]]) and the slightly later, but contemporary, [[Buddhism]] traditions (dated earliest to 6th century BCE). It is practiced widely in South India. Valaikaappu was originally a simple ceremony, mainly limited to the exchange of bangles. But as Valaikaappu became more widely practiced, it grew more lavish, and since the 1980s has been celebrated more widely, according to anthropologists who have studied the practice. It is conducted with "magnificence and sumptuousness", with gifts including jewelry, saris, household appliances, and gold ornaments.<ref>{{cite journal |last=Petitet |first=Pascale Hancart |author2=Pragathi Vellore |year=2007 |title=Ethnographical views on valaikappu. A pregnancy rite in Tamil Nadu |url=http://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/docs/00/34/71/68/PDF/valaikkappu.ang.pdf |journal=Indian Anthropologist |volume=37 |issue=1 |pages=117–145 |access-date=2 August 2012}}</ref> | |||
. | == Purpose == | ||
The mother-to-be's wrists are adorned with glass bangles (red and green) in odd numbers. It is believed that the bangle sound induces the child's senses and brain activity. It is also well-known that fetal hearing begins in the 7th month.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Your Baby's Hearing and Communicative Development Checklist |url=https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/your-babys-hearing-and-communicative-development-checklist |access-date=2022-04-10 |website=NIDCD |language=en}}</ref> Women at the ceremony sing hymns and songs. A paste made of [[sandalwood]] and [[turmeric]] is applied to the mother-to-be's hands and face to reduce the body heat and calm the mother and baby from fear and anxiety of child birth. The guests then place a garland and bangles on her wrists, shower her with flowers, and bestow well-wishes and prayers for a safe delivery.<ref>{{cite book |last=Stone |first=ed.: Helaine Selin ; co-ed. Pamela K. |url=https://www.amazon.com/Childbirth-Across-Cultures-Non-Western-ebook/dp/B003RISTJ6 |title=Childbirth across cultures : ideas and practices of pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum |publisher=Springer |year=2009 |isbn=978-9048125982 |location=Dordrecht [etc.] |pages=102}}</ref> Another purpose of the ceremony is to honor the pregnant woman and to ensure the birth of a healthy child. After the celebration, the mother-to-be rests at her parents' home for the final weeks of her pregnancy.<ref>{{Cite web |last=namscorner.com |date=April 8, 2022 |title=Valaikappu lunch menu |url=https://www.namscorner.com/valaikappu-lunch-menu-baby-shower-lunch-menu/ |access-date=April 8, 2022 |website=namscorner.com}}</ref> | |||
== Food at the ceremony == | |||
According to some Tamil traditions, the mother-to-be is served seven types of rice and sweets. Rice types include [[Pulihora|tamarind rice]], [[Chitranna|lemon rice]], [[curd rice]], mango rice, mint rice, tomato rice, and [[coconut rice]]. [[List of Indian sweets and desserts|Sweets]] served include a variety of [[Payasam|payasams]] ([[Tapioca balls|javarisi]], [[Moong|paruppu]] payasam), fruit salad, and sweets like [[bengal gram]] [[laddu]], multigrain laddu and [[Gulab jamun|gulab jamoon]]. A healthful laddu made of ginger, palm jaggery ([[karupatti]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Karupatti (Palm Jaggery) - 1 Kg. |url=https://karupatti.com/product/karupatti-palm-jaggery/ |access-date=2022-04-10 |website=Best Karupatti Makers |language=en-US |archive-date=30 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220630123304/https://karupatti.com/product/karupatti-palm-jaggery/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>), [[Nigella sativa|omam]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Indian Spices: Omam |url=http://anjaraipetti-receipes.blogspot.com/2008/10/omam.html |access-date=2022-04-10 |website=Indian Spices}}</ref> ([[Ajwain|carom]]), and other items is served for good digestion. The feast is centered on the health of the child and the mother-to-be, and not the guests. Vegetarian food is usually served to the guests mainly consisting of rice, [[Sambar (dish)|sambhar]], 3 types of vegetables and a dessert. | |||
== Similar ceremonies == | |||
Similar ceremonies are held in other parts of India and in Pakistan, including among [[Bengali people|Bengali]] (who call it [[Shaadh]]), [[Maharashtrians|Marathi]] and [[Konkani people|Konkani]] women (who call the ceremony [[Dohale Jevan]] [डोहाळे जेवण]), [[Punjabi people|Punjabi]] women (who call it [[Godh-Bharai]]), [[Sindhi people|Sindhi]] women, and [[Marwari people|Marwari]] women.<ref>{{cite book|last=Soundar|first=Chitra|title=Gateway to Indian culture|year=2003|publisher=Asiapac Books|location=Singapore|isbn=9812293272|pages=70|edition=2nd ed. (revised).}}</ref> It is similar in concept to [[Baby shower|Baby Shower]]. | |||
==Gallery== | ==Gallery== | ||
<gallery> | <gallery> | ||
Latest revision as of 10:34, 31 December 2025
Valaikaappu (in Tamil: வளைகாப்பு) is a prenatal ceremony or celebration similar to a baby shower, practised as part of Tamil culture by South Indian women from Tamil Nadu and parts of Kanyakumari, as well as regions of Kerala bordering Tamil Nadu, meant to bless a pregnant woman, celebrate her fertility, and prepare the baby and mother-to-be for a safe birth. It is typically held at the 5th month and 7th month of the pregnancy by the mother side of the girl in her mother’s house. It is widely practiced among both the urban and rural populations of the region.[1]
Etymology[edit | edit source]
The etymology could be related to two Tamil words that mean to protect the bangles: valaiyal (வளையல்) which is typically a glass bangle, and kaapu (காப்பு), which means to protect. The equivalent in Malayalam would be (വള) for bangle.
History[edit | edit source]
It is related to the more formal traditions of Seemantham or Simantonnayana dating back to the 4th century BCE, documented in the Kalpa Sutras, possibly part of the Jain (Mahavira) and the slightly later, but contemporary, Buddhism traditions (dated earliest to 6th century BCE). It is practiced widely in South India. Valaikaappu was originally a simple ceremony, mainly limited to the exchange of bangles. But as Valaikaappu became more widely practiced, it grew more lavish, and since the 1980s has been celebrated more widely, according to anthropologists who have studied the practice. It is conducted with "magnificence and sumptuousness", with gifts including jewelry, saris, household appliances, and gold ornaments.[2]
Purpose[edit | edit source]
The mother-to-be's wrists are adorned with glass bangles (red and green) in odd numbers. It is believed that the bangle sound induces the child's senses and brain activity. It is also well-known that fetal hearing begins in the 7th month.[3] Women at the ceremony sing hymns and songs. A paste made of sandalwood and turmeric is applied to the mother-to-be's hands and face to reduce the body heat and calm the mother and baby from fear and anxiety of child birth. The guests then place a garland and bangles on her wrists, shower her with flowers, and bestow well-wishes and prayers for a safe delivery.[4] Another purpose of the ceremony is to honor the pregnant woman and to ensure the birth of a healthy child. After the celebration, the mother-to-be rests at her parents' home for the final weeks of her pregnancy.[5]
Food at the ceremony[edit | edit source]
According to some Tamil traditions, the mother-to-be is served seven types of rice and sweets. Rice types include tamarind rice, lemon rice, curd rice, mango rice, mint rice, tomato rice, and coconut rice. Sweets served include a variety of payasams (javarisi, paruppu payasam), fruit salad, and sweets like bengal gram laddu, multigrain laddu and gulab jamoon. A healthful laddu made of ginger, palm jaggery (karupatti[6]), omam[7] (carom), and other items is served for good digestion. The feast is centered on the health of the child and the mother-to-be, and not the guests. Vegetarian food is usually served to the guests mainly consisting of rice, sambhar, 3 types of vegetables and a dessert.
Similar ceremonies[edit | edit source]
Similar ceremonies are held in other parts of India and in Pakistan, including among Bengali (who call it Shaadh), Marathi and Konkani women (who call the ceremony Dohale Jevan [डोहाळे जेवण]), Punjabi women (who call it Godh-Bharai), Sindhi women, and Marwari women.[8] It is similar in concept to Baby Shower.
Gallery[edit | edit source]
-
Valaikaappu ceremony -
Bangles on Valaikaappu -
Bangles on Valaikaappu
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ Stone, Pamela K. (2009). Selin, Helaine (ed.). Childbirth across cultures : ideas and practices of pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum. Dordrecht [etc.]: Springer. p. 100. ISBN 978-9048125982.
- ↑ Petitet, Pascale Hancart; Pragathi Vellore (2007). "Ethnographical views on valaikappu. A pregnancy rite in Tamil Nadu" (PDF). Indian Anthropologist. 37 (1): 117–145. Retrieved 2 August 2012.
- ↑ "Your Baby's Hearing and Communicative Development Checklist". NIDCD. Retrieved 10 April 2022.
- ↑ Stone, ed.: Helaine Selin ; co-ed. Pamela K. (2009). Childbirth across cultures : ideas and practices of pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum. Dordrecht [etc.]: Springer. p. 102. ISBN 978-9048125982.
{{cite book}}:|first=has generic name (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ↑ namscorner.com (8 April 2022). "Valaikappu lunch menu". namscorner.com. Retrieved 8 April 2022.
- ↑ "Karupatti (Palm Jaggery) - 1 Kg". Best Karupatti Makers. Archived from the original on 30 June 2022. Retrieved 10 April 2022.
- ↑ "Indian Spices: Omam". Indian Spices. Retrieved 10 April 2022.
- ↑ Soundar, Chitra (2003). Gateway to Indian culture (2nd ed. (revised). ed.). Singapore: Asiapac Books. p. 70. ISBN 9812293272.