Valaikaapu
Valaikaappu (Tamil: வளைகாப்பு) (Malayalam: വളക്കാപ്പ്) is a prenatal ceremony or celebration similar to baby-shower, held by South Indian women in Tamil Nadu, a few parts of Kerala, and Telangana, 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 7th month or the 9th month of the pregnancy. It is widely practiced among both the urban and rural populations of the region.[1]
Etymology
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
It is related to the more formal traditions of
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.[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
According to some Tamil traditions, the mother-to-be is served seven types of rice and sweets. Rice types include
Similar ceremonies
Similar ceremonies are held in other parts of India and in Pakistan, including among
.Gallery
-
Valaikaappu ceremony
-
Bangles on Valaikaappu
-
Bangles on Valaikaappu
References
- ISBN 978-9048125982.)
{{cite book}}
:|first=
has generic name (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link - ^ 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.
- 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. Retrieved 10 April 2022.
- ^ "Indian Spices: Omam". Indian Spices. Retrieved 10 April 2022.
- ISBN 9812293272.