The baby stays inside for the first 40 days of its life to protect it from sickness, while the mother fasts and prays. Then it is time to celebrate! Women and children bring presents, bless the baby, dance and eat. So much fun!
The opening procession of the party consists of a older child carrying the baby while everyone shouts blessings. If the baby is a girl, a girl will carry her and if the baby is a boy, a boy will carry her. The goal of this is to have the baby grow up with the character of the person who holds them. It is a great honor to hold the baby.
Here is a photo of the opening procession:
Then the party gets going with old women dancing and singing. It is a hoot!
