Placenta and Umblical Cord Ceremony

Leit Buh Sohpet (Placenta and Umblical cord Ceremony) - Umsawwar

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When a newborn baby arrives in our community, a special tradition is observed, one that has been passed down through generations and is still practised today. This tradition revolves around the sacred disposal of the umbilical cord and placenta of the newborn. As soon as the baby is born, the umbilical cord and the placenta are collected and kept in a basket. Typically, a father or a close relative of the baby takes on this important role. The ritual begins in the morning, and the person responsible for it has to carry the remains in a basket and quickly run towards the tree most suitable for placing the remains. As they run, they must also swing the basket in an act called "padoi," that resembles the act of  soothing or comforting a child. The choice of tree is significant; if the newborn is a boy, a tree with a straight trunk is preferred while there is no specific choice of tree for a baby girl. This choice is based on the belief that it will help the child become a skilled tree climber as he grows up. This skill was essential because men needed to climb tall trees to clear leaves and branches in preparation for jhum cultivation and must not have fear heights. Once the tree is selected, the umbilical cord and placenta are carefully placed at the tree's topmost branch. After positioning them, the tree is vigorously shaken. This ritual is performed with the strong belief that the child will grow up to be brave. The swaying of the tree in the wind is seen as beneficial for the child's future development. It is believed that when all parts of the tree move uniformly, the child will grow up to be braver. In a few days, the placenta is no longer found on the tree, as it has likely been consumed by insects and birds, completing this unique and meaningful tradition.

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Additionally, when the baby's umbilical cord stump naturally falls off, typically within 4-5 days after birth, it is preserved by placing it on the roof of the house or near the fireplace. This practice is rooted in instilling essential values integral to the Khasi, the values of "tip iing tip sem" (knowing and remaining rooted to one’s home and family), "tip kur tip kha,” (knowing and respecting one’s family lineage) and “tip burom akor” (being mindful and respectful) in the child as they grow up. This would keep them grounded and nurturing qualities like humility, wisdom and strength of character.