Skip to main content

Traditional cradle ceremony with a modern look

Decorated cradle
Cradle ceremony i.e. 'uyyalo lo veyyatam' in Telugu literally means placing the new born baby in the cradle. This is one of the very first functions of a new born baby which is followed by 'naama karanam' i.e the naming ceremony.

In the olden days the baby was delivered at home with the help of a mid-wife and the new born baby was placed in the cradle on an auspicious day. With the change in the life style, delivery of baby takes place in a maternity hospital and the just born baby is placed in the cradle by the nurse within hours of delivery. However, this is not taken into account. Traditionally the cradle ceremony is celebrated on 11th day or 21st day from the day of delivery. Unlike traditional Hindu marriages and house-warming ceremony i.e grihapravesam, cradle ceremony need not be celebrated on an auspicious date / time (i.e sumuhurtham). However, it is ensured that the baby is not placed in the cradle when the time is inauspicious like 'durmuhurtam' / 'varjyam'.

Cradle ceremony need not compulsorily celebrated on the 11th or 21st day only but it can be celebrated according to convenience / on a convenient day till 3rd month. Traditionally, this is a social function when friends and relatives are invited to bless the newly born baby.
In the olden days, the cradle which was made of wood was decorated with colorful fresh flowers, silk saris and traditional toys. The function was celebrated either in a temple or mostly at home. With the modern lifestyle, the traditional functions are celebrated with a modern touch / look. The cradle that is mostly made of synthetic / fabric material and not hard wood. The cradle is decorated with balloons, fresh seasonal flowers and toys and of course soft cloth is also spread inside the cradle. 
New born baby Chi.Siddharth with his parents
and grandparents
The new born baby and its' parents dress in traditional attire and are seated with the baby placed in it's mother's lap. The grandparents of the newly born baby or the elderly ladies in the circle apply traditional 'bindi' (with vermilion) on the forehead between the eyebrows and a black dot with kajal on one cheek. This is mandatory as it is believed that these protect the baby from evil eyes, if any by absorbing the ill effects (no scientific evidence on this). Parents, grandparents and close relatives bless the couple and the new born baby with 'akshintalu' i.e rice mixed with turmeric. They then gift them with clothes and silver items.

The baby is then gently placed in the cradle while the elderly ladies swing the cradle and sing classical lullaby songs. The other invitees then go in lines to bless the baby and place / give gifts to the baby. As this is a social get together, there is spread of fun and laughter in the air. Of course, there continues the photo / video session amidst the laughter which is followed by a sumptuous meal / lunch.

It's not mandatory to serve meals to the invitees but it's a matter of convenience / affordability. At the end of the function, the lady invitees are given 'tambulam' i.e betel leaves, betel nut, 1-2 seasonal fruits and 'pasupu' and 'kumkuma' (turmeric powder and vermilion which is optional).

And of course, the most awaited goodie bags filled with candies / toffees for the little guests who come along with their parents.
The little ones literally feel too excited to receive these bags from the hosts. Finally the invitees / guests disperse and take home enjoyable moments.
Labels:

Popular posts from this blog

Seemantham - The South Indian Traditional Baby Shower ceremony

Seemantham is a traditional south Indian way of celebrating baby shower. The same is celebrated in north India as 'godbharai' ('god' means lap in Hindi - 'd' in 'god' is pronounced as 'the' and bharai means 'to fill'). The celebration differs from region to region. Seemantham is also known by the names 'poolu mudupu' (i.e adoring flowers in the hair) and 'gajulu todagadam' (i.e wearing glass bangles) in Telugu. It is celebrated in the 5th or 7th or 9th month of pregnancy. Seemantham is one of the 16 Hindu samskaras known as 'simantonnayana' in Sanskrit. It is a samskara of the embryo / foetus that develops in the pregnant woman's womb. Usually, seemantham is celebrated for the 1st pregnancy only and not for the subsequent conceives. There are certain superstitious believes on celebrating the function. In the olden days, people believed that pregnant women are easily prone to 'dishti' or evil e
Post a Comment
Continue Reading »

How To Perform Aksharabhyasam At Home And Basar temple

Aksharabhyasam Meaning The word 'Akshara' means letters (alphabets) in Sanskrit and 'abhyasam' means practice. Aksharabhyasam is a traditional religious function of Hindus. It is also known as 'Vidyaarambham' which literally means starting of education. In this function a child is given initiation for writing / education. With this function the child is ready to receive formal education in a school. The function is performed in different ways in different regions of India. When to perform aksharabhyasam In the olden days, aksharabhyasam was performed when the child was 5 years old. But presently because of early education at Kindergarten level, parents perform this ceremony when the child is in his 3rd year i.e. after the child completes 2 years. Normally there is a belief that aksharabhyasam should not be performed after the child completes 3 years and is in its 4th year. Where to perform aksharabhyasam The function can be performed either in a temp
Continue Reading »

School Speeches - Farewell Speech By School Principal to Outgoing Students

Author Reserves All Rights. Listen to the speech in my YouTube Channel: This sample speech would be helpful for the school principal to deliver on the occasion of school farewell day party. Respected teachers and my dear students, Good Morning / Good Afternoon to each one present here and a very warm welcome to you to the school farewell party. It's a nostalgic feeling as I remember my student life in school and my school farewell party. I am sure we all have mixed feelings on this day which is a blend of joy and sadness. On one hand you feel enthusiastic as you will be stepping into a completely new different world where you will find relatively more freedom than in a school life. While on the other hand you will feel sad as you have to depart from your school / classmates. My dear friends the time has come to bid you all farewell with a heavy heart from this esteemed institution which protected you, cared for you, supported you and guided you all these years.
Post a Comment
Continue Reading »