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Babinden is a traditional Bulgarian observance celebrated in Russia and known as the Day of the Midwives.
At dawn, women, and children under three rise and head to the local well, where they draw water and infuse it with basil or geranium. Drinking the infusion, they make their way to the midwife's house, where she is bathed by the mothers and presented with a bouquet of geraniums tied in red and white ribbon. The ribbons symbolize a healthy child with rosy cheeks.
The midwife removes the ribbons to secure a silver coin. Each coined ribbon then embellishes each child born with the midwife's help, along with a gift of new socks and shirts. Next, another pitcher of water is drawn, infused with basil or geraniums, and taken to the local church, where it is blessed. Mothers will use the blessed water a little bit each day to bathe for the next forty.
At noon, the party returns to the midwife's house, where the mothers and their female relatives prepare a feast exclusively for women. Upon its conclusion, the town's men join the festivities, usually dressed as oxen and pulling a cart. Their job is to parade the midwife through the village. Should the men encounter any women, a fee to pass is paid.
Babinden's elaborate customs celebrate motherhood and the essential services of midwifery. It's a celebration of life and an assurance that the midwife blesses each child during its first three years to ensure a long, healthy life.
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