At the beginning of August (I know, I know…more than a month ago now), my husband and I went to New Jersey to visit family and have a sheemantham/valaikappu performed. This is sort of the South Indian equivalent of a baby shower. My dad timed his visit to the US (my parents moved to India a few years ago) so that he could attend, and we had set up a web streaming account so that my mom and other relatives abroad could witness the festivities.

• Literal meaning: hair parting just above the eyebrow, where it is said that Lakshmi (goddess of wealth) resides
• Originally done for each child, now just the first one
• Typically done by husband’s parents
• Meant to ask for good health for mother and child
• Done in the last few months of pregnancy to ensure that the baby can hear the chanting of the prayers
• Crushed banyan flowers are smelled by the mother to protect the mother and baby and make for an easier delivery
• Pregnant woman is presented with a new sari

• Women from the community gather to place bangles on the pregnant woman’s arms
• Glass bangles – the sound is meant to be particularly good/engaging/appealing for the baby; entices the senses
• Non-religious, cultural tradition
• Typically done by the mother’s parents (which, when combined with the sheemantham could get confusing, I should think)