In Hinduism, the concept of the household is very important. A Hindu person is seen as going through different stages of life and the household holds the title to one of these stages.
Within the stage of the household, the man is given the duty of looking after the woman and children.
In the final stage of life, the Hindu person is obliged to give up all so as to experience God in totality. They they are expected to give up all their possessions (business) to the younger generation.
The child is very precious in Hinduism. The Hindu Vedas knew that the senses of the foetus start developing at three months.
They therefore placed great importance on the influence of music on the foetus in utero. Pregnant women are encouraged to surround themselves with soft, gentle music to help the foetus develop its senses.
When did Hinduism come to SA?
References were made to Hindu traders coming to South Africa before the colonial era but there is no conclusive research to verify this.
In 1860 the first Indian contracted labourers arrived in Natal to work in the cane fields on three year contracts.
The largest distribution of Hindu people is in Natal, then Gauteng and then Western Cape.
Are there any special pregnancy traditions that Hindu mothers should follow?
As already mentioned, the Hindu Vedas knew that the senses of the foetus start developing at three months.
Pregnant women are encouraged in Hinduism to surround themselves whenever possible, with soft, sweet music to help the foetus develop its senses.
In addition, many pregnant women will wear or be given tinkle bracelets and anklets that jingle. To further develop the senses, Hindu people surround the pregnant woman with pleasant pictures, especially a picture of Lord Krishna.
When a woman is expecting, she is given a coconut in her sari as this is a symbol of fruitfulness.
In the seventh month a traditional prayer is said by family and friends asking that all will be well with the mom-to-be.
This is also serves as a thanksgiving that she is in the family way. Her parents organise it and everyone brings gifts. Gifts usually include saris, jewellery, make-up and perfume. Parents should bring something in gold.
According to tradition, the expectant mom goes to stay at her parents' home about a month before her due date. In a sense this is a renewal of family ties.
Are there any special traditions with regard to birth and the two years thereafter?
When the baby is born, it is customary to announce the exact time the child was born to all as the time baby is born is an indication of certain things. For example, it indicates certain initials that the baby's name must begin with, linked to signs of the Zodiac.
On the sixth day the child traditionally wears new clothes for the first time as one does not prepare for this beforehand, especially not where clothes are concerned.
The baby is bathed, then dressed in all new attire and the red dot is put on. Some people also name the child on the sixth day.
The first visit of the baby's life should be to the temple.
On the sixth day baby has a special prayer place (shrine) initiated and is presented to God by a female family member.
Another woman must fulfill this duty as the mother is bleeding. The family member asks the goddess (Vidhata) to prepare a beautiful life for the baby. Vidhata is believed to write your destiny for you.
If a newborn baby comes to a Hindu person's house, it is customary to rub some oil on his head as a symbol of anointing.
After a month the baby is presented to the sun as the sun is seen as a very important astrological phenomenon and a reflection of God.
The naming ceremony is usually conducted before the baby is five weeks old. The aunt carries the baby and officially names her. This is seen as a record of the birth.
When the baby is first given cereal, there is a tradition whereby milk and rice pudding is made. The dish is symbolically fed to the child for the first time.
Family and friends are invited to witness this event and a celebration is made of it. It is also customary as part of this ceremony to touch the baby's tongue with a teaspoon (usually performed by an aunt).
After a year boys' hair are usually cut to cleanse the children of the dirty hair they had as a foetus.
Do the Hindu traditions in South Africa differ from other countries?
When contracted labourers came to this country, many lost contact with India. Many original traditions and cultural deeds were lost or became mixed-up and infiltrated with new ideas and ways within the multicultural South African population.
What would be a good gift to take?
Any gifts are welcome. Gifts usually include saris, money, jewellery or clothes for baby.
Anyone of any faith is welcome to the above-mentioned ceremonies and celebrations.
A non-Hindu person need not worry about breaking any rules when visiting a Hindu household to wish parents or pregnant women well.