Human beings in traditional societies are surrounded from birth by a variety of endemic customs that serve either to deter evil forces or to attract friendly spirits. In Algeria, a highly religious and traditional society, religion and custom coexist, sometimes harmoniously but as often in apparent discord. Algerian society finds order, serenity, and happiness in al-Hayat al-Taqlidiyya--traditional life--which cushions people from birth to death. The tangible nature of customs and practices appears to approximate a form of spirituality that religion may be unable to provide.
Algerians mark the three major passages in human life--birth, marriage, and death--with a series of colorful customs meant to ease a person's course. An emphasis on food, characteristic of all Algerian customs, is derived from old Arab traditions. Lavish meals reflect respect for the guest and the hospitality and generosity of the host, two important virtues that constitute a source of pride among Arabs.
The birth of a baby is joyously celebrated in Algeria. While baby boys are more highly prized than baby girls, all children are thought to contribute to family stability. Fertility provides a woman with some guarantee of marital security. A sterile woman lives under the constant threat of divorce or polygamy. She would do anything to procreate, resorting to magical practices if modern medicine fails.
As soon as the infant is born, an imam (a religious figure in charge of observances inside and outside the mosque) whispers Qur'anic verses into the child's ear. The recitation of prayers marks all ceremonies, whether joyous or sad, in an Algerian Muslim's life. Shortly after birth, the child is covered with henna, and its whole body rubbed with olive oil. It is given a mixture of ground cumin and sugar candy to suck.
Tradition requires the maternal grandparents to proffer the baby's layette, and to provide their daughter and her child with ample attention, care, and nutritious food. Food is an important element in all Algerian festivities, and every occasion has its proper dish. The variety, quality, and quantity of food prepared is dictated by old traditions. For a new mother, dishes are designed to help her recover her strength and prepare her to breast-feed the baby.
If the newborn is a girl, chicken is prepared for the mother every day for forty days; if a boy, a cock replaces the hen. The new mother is given milk, prunes, and a paste called zrira (prepared from ground wheat, butter, and honey). This paste dish, also called tajin as-slak (notice of safe delivery), is sent to relatives and friends to announce the birth.
The period of childbed recuperation is forty days, usually ended by a visit to the hammam (public steam bath). The forty days must be spent in total rest and relaxation. The new mother eats well and luxuriates in the attention provided her. She is forbidden to cook--indeed, all meals prepared by her are presumed cursed. Prohibitions dictate the comportment all should adopt with her. A woman in childbed should never be provoked; angering her might lead to her madness. All her wishes are to be fulfilled; to incur her malediction is a great risk.
All precautions are taken to protect the mother from jealous in-laws or rivals. The need to
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