Sacred Iron and Celestial Birth: The Science, Culture, and Spirituality of Iron in Childbirth
Main Article Content
Abstract
This study explores the practice of placing iron objects near women during labor, examining its cultural, religious, and symbolic significance, along with potential scientific explanations. While the practice persists in various regions, its underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. The study aims to investigate whether this practice has any scientific basis, its connection to spiritual beliefs, and its role in these rituals. A combination of qualitative methods, including semi-structured interviews, a review of papers, and relevant religious texts, was employed. Data were analyzed thematically, and comparisons were drawn across African, European, Latin American, Asian, and Chinese traditions. Findings suggest that the use of iron is often linked to beliefs in its protective qualities, symbolizing strength and divine assistance. Iron's capacity to protect mother and child from spiritual harm or outside threats is emphasized in cultural and religious contexts. The study found psychological processes, stress reduction, and placebo effects could support the ongoing practice of putting iron items close to women who are in labor. In conclusion, the activity has psychological and symbolic significance in addition to its strong traditional roots. It is advised that more research be done to determine the precise function of these customs and any possible medical advantages in delivery environments. Future studies should try to connect contemporary medical knowledge with cultural customs to offer a thorough comprehension of these rites.
Article Details
How to Cite
Goshu, B. S., & Muhammad Ridwan. (2024). Sacred Iron and Celestial Birth: The Science, Culture, and Spirituality of Iron in Childbirth. Lakhomi Journal Scientific Journal of Culture, 5(4), 282-303. https://doi.org/10.33258/lakhomi.v5i4.1266
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Zhao, L., & Liu, W. (2020). The role of astrology in childbirth traditions: A comparative study of China and India. Asian Cultural Studies, 27(2), 99-117.
Adeyemi, K. (2010). African Cosmology and Childbirth Rituals. African Studies Review, 53(2), 175-194.
Adeyemi, T., & Adebayo, R. (2021). Astrological beliefs in African childbirth traditions: Persistence and change. African Cultural Studies, 18(1), 75-90.
Arliss, J. M., Kaplan, E. N., & Mooney, L. (2005). The Lunar Cycle and Birth Patterns: Myth or Reality? Journal of Obstetric Research, 21(4), 245-260.
Badran, M. (2021). Religious influences on childbirth customs in the Middle East. Journal of Islamic Traditions, 15(3), 112-128.
Bassie-Sweet, K. (2008). Maya Sacred Geography and the Creator Deities. University of Oklahoma Press.
Bensing, J., & Verheul, W. (2010). The Placebo Effect in Medicine: Implications for Healthcare Providers. Patient Education and Counseling, 80(3), 288-293.
Berhan, Y., & Berhan, A. (2014). Causes of maternal mortality in Ethiopia: A significant decline over a decade. Ethiopian Journal of Health Sciences, 24(Suppl), 15–28.
Bock, P. K. (1985). Japanese Folk Beliefs and Practices. HarperCollins.
Briggs, K. (1976). A Dictionary of Fairies: Hobgoblins, Brownies, Bogies, and Other Supernatural Creatures. Penguin Books.
Buckley, S. J. (2015). Gentle Birth, Gentle Mothering: A Doctor’s Guide to Natural Childbirth and Gentle Early Parenting Choices. Celestial Arts.
Campion, N. (2012). Astrology and Cosmology in the World's Religions. New York: New York University Press.
Davidson, H. R. E. (1988). Myths and Symbols in Pagan Europe: Early Scandinavian and Celtic Religions. Syracuse University Press.
Desta, M., Getachew, D., & Seyoum, G. (2019). Traditional birthing practices and maternal outcomes in Ethiopia: A cultural perspective. African Journal of Reproductive Health, 23(2), 85-97.
Deuteronomy 4:20. (n.d.). The Torah: The Five Books of Moses. Torah.com.
Drewal, H. J. (1989). Yoruba Ritual: Performers, Play, Agency. Indiana University Press.
Dundes, A. (1999). International Folkloristics: Classic Contributions by the Founders of Folklore. Rowman & Littlefield.
Eberhard, W. (1968). The Local Cultures of South and East China. Brill Archive.
Exodus 25:11. (n.d.). The Holy Bible. Bible Gateway.
Foster, G. M. (2002). Traditional Medicine and the Healing Practices of Latin America. University of California Press.
Galinier, J. (2004). The World Below: Body and Cosmos in Otomi Indian Ritual. University Press of Colorado.
Ganguli, S. (2012). Traditional Healing and Folk Medicine in India: An Anthropological Perspective. Oxford University Press.
Ganz, T. (2012). Iron in Human Health and Disease. Annual Review of Nutrition, 32, 133-150.
Gebrehiwot, T., & Misganaw, C. (2020). Cultural beliefs and practices influencing maternal health care-seeking behavior in Ethiopia: A qualitative study. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 20(1), 471.
Grass, G., Rensing, C., & Solioz, M. (2011). Metallic Copper as an Antimicrobial Surface. Applied and Environmental Microbiology, 77(5), 1541-1547.
Gyekye, K. (2019). Modernization and belief systems in Africa. African Studies Review, 25(2), 200-215.
Hailu, D., & Mariam, D. H. (2019). Respectful maternity care in Ethiopia: Bridging traditional and biomedical practices. PLOS ONE, 14(3), e0213956.
Kaplan, S. (2007). The Beta Israel (Falasha) in Ethiopia: From Earliest Times to the Twentieth Century. New York University Press.
Klaus, M. H., & Kennell, J. H. (2012). The Doula Book: How a Trained Labor Companion Can Help You Have a Shorter, Easier, and Healthier Birth. Da Capo Press.
Lewis, J. (2017). Spiritual Protection in African Traditional Medicine and Culture. Routledge.
McGrath, S. K., & Kennell, J. H. (2008). A Randomized Controlled Trial of Continuous Labor Support for Middle-Class Couples: Effect on Cesarean Delivery Rates. Birth, 35(2), 92-97.
Mekonnen, Y., Fekadu, A., & Alemayehu, B. (2022). Childbirth experiences in rural Ethiopia: Comparing home and hospital deliveries. Ethiopian Medical Journal, 60(1), 31-42.
Mesfin, G., & Getachew, H. (2020). Shifting childbirth practices in Ethiopia: The role of education and healthcare access. Ethiopian Journal of Health Sciences, 30(4), 212-225.
Psalm 2:9. (n.d.). The Holy Bible. Bible Gateway.
Quran 57:25. (n.d.). Al-Hadid: The Iron. Quran.com.
Roberts, J. (2019). The impact of scientific advancements on traditional childbirth beliefs. Journal of Medical Anthropology, 34(3), 145-162.
Singh, P., & Verma, S. (2022). Astrology and mental health: The psychological impact of traditional beliefs on expectant mothers. Indian Journal of Psychology, 28(1), 55-70.
Smith, L., & Johnson, K. (2018). Astrology and childbirth in modern Western societies: A historical perspective. Journal of Cultural Studies, 22(3), 89-104.
Tadesse, A. (2019). Cultural practices in Ethiopian childbirth traditions: The intersection of astrology and spirituality. Ethiopian Journal of Social Sciences, 12(1), 34-52.
Tadesse, M., Negash, E., & Worku, A. (2021). Maternal care-seeking behavior and the role of cultural practices in Ethiopia: A mixed-methods study. International Journal of Women’s Health, 13, 97-109.
Wilby, E. (2005). Cunning Folk and Familiar Spirits: Shamanistic Visionary Traditions in Early Modern British Witchcraft and Magic. Sussex Academic Press.
Williams, R. (2020). Alternative medicine and astrology: The revival of ancient beliefs in modern healthcare. European Journal of Alternative Medicine, 18(4), 78-92.
Worku, A., Gebremariam, W., & Tadesse, H. (2020). Barriers to hospital delivery among Ethiopian women: A systematic review. BMC Health Services Research, 20(1), 580.
Wright, J. (2018). The Science of Antimicrobial Metals: From Ancient Times to Modern Medicine. Springer.
Zhao, L., & Liu, W. (2020). The role of astrology in childbirth traditions: A comparative study of China and India. Asian Cultural Studies, 27(2), 99-117.