Birth Rituals in Korea
Many cultures have a rite of passage that marks the birth of baby. In Korea tradition, the rituals begin during the woman's pregnancy. Some of these rituals are still practiced today, but some are not. There are food taboos-certain foods that pregnant women are not supposed to eat. These include hot and spicy foods and broken crackers or cookies. In the past, close to the time of birth, there were various symbolic actions that signified an easy delivery of the baby. For example, family members left doors open, and did not repair room, doors, or fireplaces in the kitchen. Today, as in the past, there is a special care to keep the mother and baby well after the birth. The mother traditionally eat seaweed soup, full of iron, to regain her strength. She is also not supposed to drink cold water for 21 days.