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| Mother and Child, 1916. by Charles W. Bartlett |
Quick reference notes I have been keeping for last few months (with input from friends and family).
• Kashmiri word for pregnant: ba’ri’tch. [Baariya. Sanskrit word for wife.]
• in Kalyug 13 year old girls will give birth
• During eclipse, whatever the woman is doing…the baby will have its mark. If a woman picks knife…the child will have cut mark. If woman plays with fire…child will have burn mark. And so on. Stay indoors during eclipse. Muslims also believe in it. Muslim neighbours used to ask Pandits for the exact timing of eclipse, it used to be a giveaway that the lady is expecting a child.
• Generally stay indoors.
• Maag month (January/February) born sleep with half eye open.
• Ghat paksh born with slit eyes
• Mool: Baddest time according to Kashmiri Jantri (almanac) for giving birth
• Find someone who has thumb (Frozen neck). Get massaged (kari thumb) by pregnant woman. [My parents actually asked one of my friends if he needed massaging. It was embarrassing to say the least and infuriating. Had a little light with parents]
• Pregnant woman is not supposed to see a maharaj – groom
• She should generally not sit in the room with the entrance door, whoever visits the house should touch her head
• She is not supposed to be informed of any deaths. Pregnancy time generally a time of impurity.
• Ath wairith Zan. Born with hands open. Lucky kid. Like Akbar.
• Owl hooting in tree. Boy is predicted.
• In 9th month give butter. Kishmish sheera Raisins soaked overnight. (kateer)
• Woman needs to sit carefully during last days of pregnancy in order to avoid having a child with ‘Tond ‘ – conical enlarged head.
• While leaving for delivery, tie a knot in chunni that the woman is wearing.
• eat “ha-nd“, dandelion leaves post delivery. Rich in Iron
