Seven month ceremony

This weekend my good friend Ade celebrated the seventh month of her pregnancy with a traditional Indonesian seven month ceremony. Or rather, semi-traditional as it occurred in Shanghai using certain foods that her mom had brought from Indonesia and the guests were a multinational crew from all corners of the earth. Ade had asked me over a month ago to be the master of ceremonies and so I was also an integral part of this happy event.

Prior to the party, Ade and Nick had prepared a one page “cheat sheet” for me so I could perform my duties. They involved getting people’s attention when the ceremony was supposed to begin, giving people clues as to the appropriate behavior and explaining the meaning and custom of each of the six separate steps. Seven is deemed the perfect number in Javanese culture and thus after seven months it is appropriate to welcome the baby into the world prior to birth. I won’t try to include the Indonesian words here, but please find the major rituals below:

1) Blessings – Ade asked for blessing from her mother and Nick to welcome the baby into the world. It was very emotional part of the ceremony.
2) Ritual bathing – Nick and Ade’s mother both had to pour water on Ade in seven key areas. This happened on the balcony and Ade got soaked – she had to change her clothes after that. After getting doused, Nick broke the clay pot used so that it could not be used again.
3) Symbolism of birth – an egg was dropped down the front of Ade’s gown to symbolize easy delivery, then a string tied around her waist was cut by Nick, finally two coconuts (only symbolizing a girl and the other a boy) were hidden in the fold of her garment and Nick had to chose one. He kept trying to choose both, but eventually he selected the girl. We’ll see if it’s right! After that Ade had to change her clothes seven times. This was where the audience participation started coming in. I prepped the group that we were not supposed to like the first six wraps. As her mother wrapped them around I would ask, “So, what do we think of this one?” It was great, the crowd really got into it, booing, groaning, etc. When she finally put on the seventh wrap she got a resounding round of applause (even though it was the ugliest).
4) Cutting the coconut – Nick had to prove his power and chop open a coconut. It took him five strokes. I hope that doesn’t mean Ade will have five hours of labor! This also happened outside and our timing was perfect because just when it finished it started pouring.
5) Buying blessings with fruit salad – After changing her clothes again, Ade and Nick had to serve us a traditional fruit salad, but we all had to pay for it. This symbolizes that we were hoping that all the good points of each of them were given to the child. I passed out ritual coins and everyone ate the salad which we had to say we liked or otherwise it would be bad luck. The salad was good – no need to fib.
6) Cutting the rice – the final event was Nick had to cut a traditional cone shaped rice dish in two to signify that he would be a good provider. We all watched and applauded then helped ourselves to rice, meatballs and other Indonesian specialties.

Afterwards several people recommended that I go on the Indonesian seven month ceremony MC circuit. I’m not sure what the demand is in Shanghai – but if anyone is looking for an MC….
I feel blessed to be included in such a special event. All the best to Ade, Nick and the little one on the way.

Cheers!