Author: Catrin Geldmacher

Omugov is the traditional term for postpartum care. The mother, mother-in-law or a close relative comes to the mother and the newborn. They do most of the housework and take care of the mother and the baby. This includes holding the baby at night so the mother can catch up on sleep. At Omugow, there is pepper soup and massage with hot water on the mother's stomach. This helps to loosen and flush out blood clots from the mother's body after birth. The baby gets a massage every day with a special baby shower. Omugov lasts for two months.

Sarah, early childhood educator, 35 years, Nigeria

One of my culture's favourite celebrations is the haircut festival. It takes place on two dates, one year apart. The first festival: The first haircut in the child's life is celebrated with friends and family. It does not matter how old the child is (2 years, 6 years, 10 years...). The only important thing is that the child's hair has never been cut before. Each guest is allowed to cut a piece of a strand of the child's hair and gives a little money for it. There is a lot of singing and dancing. When each guest has had a turn, the cut hair and the money are given to the godparents. The godparents' task is to double the money collected during the next year.The second celebration: After one year, everyone meets again. The godparents bring the hair and the doubled money. A small house is built from small sticks and bark (about 20 cm high) and the roof is covered with the hair. Then the little house is set on fire and the guests dance around the burning little house. It is a very special feeling for me to think of the hair cutting festivals of the past and now to organise the festivals for my children myself.

Margarita, 37 years, Peru