Full Moon Gift Customs: A Complete Guide
In ancient times, with less advanced medical facilities and birthing techniques, the arrival of new life was always celebrated through various customs to bestow blessings and hopes. Although the environment has evolved, elders still attach great importance to the customs of the full moon celebration, praying for the child's healthy and safe growth. Therefore, today, we have specially prepared a lazy person's guide to the full moon celebration, making it convenient for everyone to prepare for the customs of the full moon celebration!
Definition and Timing of Full Moon Celebration
When a baby reaches one month old, it is referred to as the "full moon" or "full month" celebration. Some also consider forty days as the full moon. In the past, considering the health of both the mother and the baby, the mother couldn't leave the house before the full moon, spending that time in postpartum recovery. Folk traditions extended the confinement period for better maternal care, thus prolonging the full moon celebration. Whether it's thirty or forty days, it symbolizes the end of restrictions, allowing the mother and baby to resume regular life and connect with the outside world. The celebration during this time is known as "doing the full moon (zuoyuezi)" in Min Nan language or simply the full moon or full month celebration
Full Moon Celebration Customs: What Are They
Head Shaving (Removing Birth Hair)
After the full moon, the baby becomes more adaptable to the environment, and the mother's postpartum care is well underway. All the taboos and restrictions related to pregnancy and childbirth are lifted, and it's time to shave the baby's head to eliminate impurities. Shaving the birth hair not only promotes the growth of stronger and denser hair but also symbolizes a new beginning for a fulfilling life. The shaved hair, known as "Vellus hair (sie fa)," is sometimes crafted into a keepsake brush or wrapped in red cloth and colored thread, sewn onto a pillow, or hung at the bedside for protection against evil spirits. After the head shaving, prepare a basin of fresh water mixed with boiled water for a warm bath. Additionally, prepare round stones, red eggs, duck eggs, and spring onions. While reciting auspicious words, roll a red egg on the baby's face and use a duck egg to roll over the body. Crush the spring onions, mix with egg yolk, and apply it on the baby's head before the bath.
Prepare the baby's birth date, chicken wine, oil rice, fruits, turtle-shaped rice cake, and other necessary worship items. The baby's mother or grandmother then holds the baby to report to and seek blessings from the ancestors.
Gifts from Head to Toe
Gifts from the maternal grandmother's family to the baby include clothing for the entire body, including clothes, pants, hats, and socks. However, in modern times, it is sometimes more convenient to give a red envelope, allowing the baby's parents to purchase according to their needs. In addition to this, most friends and relatives also give gifts to the baby. The parents must reciprocate with a full moon gift box, such as a full moon cake, oil rice, or a full moon chicken thigh, as a token of appreciation for the gifts received, celebrating the joy of the full moon together.
ALUXE also offers the Baby Ring series, embedding birthstones with guardian significance into the rings and engraving the newborn's name and birthdate. It serves as a special commemoration of the child's birth, symbolizing the belief and commitment of the elders or parents in protecting the child throughout their life.
Click me to visit ALUXE's Baby RingThe term "parade" here doesn't mean an actual street march as the baby has just reached one month and may not even be able to crawl. Instead, the baby is carried by parents or grandparents around the house. While holding the baby, a bamboo pole used for chasing away birds is struck on the ground, and they shout, "Owl, owl, fly to the mountain, may the child become an official quickly. Owl, fly high, may the child become a top scholar. Owl, fly low, may the child quickly become a parent."
The purpose is to expose the baby to the world, making them unafraid and wishing for success and prosperity in the future. Shouting "owl" refers to an eagle, as in the past, rural areas had chickens, and eagles were known to snatch chicks. Therefore, this action primarily aimed to scare away eagles and protect the chicks. However, as it's rare to see eagles in modern living environments, this tradition is gradually omitted.
These are the various activities of the full moon celebration customs! Generally, the maternal family and friends prepare gifts for the baby, while the paternal family is responsible for preparing the full moon gift box. Whether it's a full moon cake or oil rice, the goal is to reciprocate and celebrate with friends and relatives who have given full moon gifts. In addition to red envelopes and baby clothing, gold jewelry is also a popular choice for full moon gifts. ALUXE offers a selection of exquisite and delicate jewelry designs, perfect for giving as full moon gifts to sweet and adorable babies. Everyone can take a look and consider!
