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thus the same at every birth, and that it is a source of danger to its elder brother (the babe) at the time of his birth. None of these ideas are current in Acheh.
Much less weight is attached in Acheh than in Java to the severance of the umbilicus[1]. When the cord is cut, a little gold-dust is sprinkled in the navel to prolong the life of the child, and the severed portion is wrapped in a piece of cloth and placed above the cooking-place, where it remains till it disappears of its own accord[2]. No feast is given on the occasion of its severance[3].
The peuchichab.On the seventh day after the child's birth there takes place the ceremony of the peuchichab (lit. = to give to taste), which is generally accompanied by the first shaving of the child's head. Like other ceremonies[4] of the kind, it may be postponed for a day or two, but it is officially understood to take place on the 7th day. The presence of the teungku of the gampōng and some leubès is indispensable at the great kanduri or religious feast given on this occasion, not only for the sake of the prayers with which the feast must be consecrated, but also because it is generally thought to be essential to the sanctity of a feast, that it should be partaken of by some indigent persons who are distinguished from the mass by their knowledge and practice of religion.
Where the peuchichab feast is celebrated on a fairly large scale, the male and female relations of the father and mother are invited in any case, and generally also a number of people from the gampōngs of both.
The guests arrive at about 8 A.M., and are welcomed without any prolix ceremonies. Some of the relatives bring a money present (say a dollar each) for the child; the father's mother gives new mats, pillows, clothes and a little swinging bed which serves as a cradle (ayōn)[5] and is supported by a rope covered with cloth. The male guests give
- ↑ Ka srōt pusat is the expression used to denote this occurrence.
- ↑ The use of the separated portion as a charm or medicament for the child, so common in Java, seems to be quite unknown in Acheh.
- ↑ The Malays cut the navel-cord with a bamboo knife; while being severed it is often supported (di-alas) with a strip of silver, which afterwards becomes the property of the midwife. (Translator).
- ↑ See p. 326 above.
- ↑ Malay buayan. The Malay cradle is of basket-work; cords are attached to the four corners and by these it is hung from a beam of the house and swings easily to and fro. (Translator).
