In Western society birth is usually celebrated with a baby shower. Why not have ceremonies that uplift mother and child during their life journey? Birth and motherhood are considered rites of passage in the many West African societies. Rites of Passage ensure the spirit’s progression and transition through the many stages of life. Upholding these rituals can improve the quality of life for Afrikan people in the Diaspora. In Western society many spirits are not at peace. Embracing our Afrikan traditions can ease our souls. The spirit at times is looking for a spiritual home. I chose to ground my son’s spirit by performing the rite of passage of placenta burial. Placenta burial is a blessing for the child and the mother’s womb. The placenta burial place will be where child can reconnect with their spirit and seek guidance. The ritual also offers protection of the child. The mother’s womb heals spiritually and physically after the burial. Her fertility is also restored. It keeps the lines of communication open between nature and spirit.
The beautiful life giving placenta is given back to the earth to continue its life giving journey. My homebirth made it very simple for me to keep my placenta in my possession. Parents wishing to take their placentas home after a hospital birth may run into some obstacles, but it is still possible. The placenta can be preserved in the freezer until the ritual is ready to be performed. A hole for the placenta is usually dug in the yard of the parents or a relative of the child. If this is not possible a park can be used. Close family and friends can be invited to the ritual. Libation can be given to the ancestors at the beginning of the ceremony. A prayer or blessing can be used to thank the spirit guides and the placenta for protecting the child. The ceremony can be followed with a feast. The ritual can be done in a way that fits each family’s lifestyle. Make it personal, spiritual, and fun!
Mut Raet is a birth doula and is currently writing a book, “Holistic Parenting from the Pan – Afrikan Perspective to be released in 2007. Visit her myspace page at: www.myspace.com/mutyemaya
ASHE!
I am soooooooooooooooo glad to finally see an article on this wonderful tradition.I am the mother of eight wonderful children and have planted five of their placentas.I am greatful to see that this practice is still alive,especially in the younger generation.Continue to spread the word my sistah.Sad to say most women of Afrikan descent are not aware of this practice.
Tree Planting
Two months after my son's birth on july 2, 2005, my husband, infant son, and I drove from Philadelphia, PA to Murfreesboro, TN along with a close friend for our son's naming cermony. As apart of the naming cermony we planted our son's placenta with a tree in my parents Tennessee backyard. Family and friends came from as far Kentucky, St. Louis, DC and Atlanta to welcome Kijani into the community. We currently live in Philadelphia as my husband works on his Phd in African American Studies and it was engerizing to be surrounded by 35 plus people who love us after giving birth so far from home. It grounded our entire family. Peace and blessings.