Ibanag and Filipino Childbirth Rituals
"For parents, birth rituals and ceremonies provide an immediate sense of connection as well as inclusion of the child into the clan, tribe or community. These rituals establish at a very early stage, who they are. The rituals also serve as guideposts as they grow and develop their own sense of identity. Even if they drift away from or reject their heritage, their early experiences give them a place to return to if they so choose". The Ibanag culture is filled with childbearing rituals and practices which have been handed down from one generation to another. Here are some of them. 1. It is said that if a pregnant woman has a lot of blemishes or pimples on her face, her baby will be a girl. 2. If the mother glows and radiates beauty, the baby will be a boy. 3. If the mother craves for sweets and other carbohydrates, the baby will be a girl. 4. If the mother is craving for oily or fried foods, the baby will be a boy. 5. The mother should not eat 'balut' (a native duc