Welcoming newborns

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RESIDENTS of Lembah Subang Flats, in Blocks G & H, held a ceremony recently to welcome newborns en masse.

Kelana Jaya parliamentary constituency co-ordinator Ong Chong Swen was invited as the special guest to witness the ceremony known as “Berendoi dan Cukur Jambul” where the baby’s hair is cut and the baby is then rocked in a cradle.

“When I received the invitation, I had to google the term and found out that cukur jambul is the baby’s very first haircut, done in accordance with the Malay tradition.

Traditi on celebrated : Ong sprinkling scented water on one of the babies at the Berendoi & Cukur Jambul mass ceremony held at Lembah Subang Flats.

“It is an important rite of passage and is very much seen as an occasion for the extended family to come together, renew bonds and welcome the new baby into the clan.

“The ceremony generally coincides with the end of the confinement period observed by the new mother, which lasts between 40 and 44 days,” said Ong.

She said that it was quite similar to the Chinese culture of marking a baby’s first month, known as “full moon.”

“After attending this Cukur Jambul ceremony, I realised that there are still many areas that Malaysians have to learn about each other’s cultures.

“I hope there will be more cultural interactions among Malaysians, to enhance the true spirit of brotherhood,” she added.