Theraveda Buddhism

• Theraveda Buddhists in Sri Lanka ritualistically admit newborns into their religion. Once a baby is old enough to travel outside the home, and astrology indicates a favorable day, the family visits the nearest Buddhist temple. The parents, or a temple officiant, lays the baby on the floor of the shrine room, sometimes near a statue of Buddha. The infant receives the blessings of the Triple Gem, an initiation rite that some other followers of Buddhism reserve for older converts who are able to recite the blessings back to the presiding monk.
  
  Some Theraveda Buddhists in Thailand symbolically receive newborns into families one month and one day after birth. Buddhists believe that prior to the one-month milestone children "belong" to spirits and are in a more fragile state, as spirits can inflict illness. The infant's hair is presented as an offering, symbolizing the transition of care from the spirits to his family. The ceremony, called Khwan, is performed in two steps. First, a Buddhist monk shaves off most of the infant's hair, places it in a container fashioned from banana leaves and floats it in a body of water. Then, relatives tie cotton threads around the baby's wrists and ankles before reciting blessings. The Khwan ceremony may be followed by gifts and celebration. Traditionally, the child is not named until the Khwan ceremony has been performed.
  
  

Mahayana Buddhism

• Some Mahayana Buddhist monasteries in India celebrate the first month of a newborn's life by sending monks to clean the family's home following the mother's month-long postpartum resting time. Close friends and family gather at the new parents' home to honor the birth with an intimate celebratory gathering called Dun. Three weeks later, parents host a large party, called Dagang, in public and away from home. Friends, family and neighbors eat, drink, dance and present gifts to the parents and newborn.
  
  

Tibetan Buddhism

• Tibetan Buddhists hold a ceremony to welcome infants into the world on the third or fourth day of life. Friends, family and neighbors visit the family's home, bringing gifts of food for the parents and clothing for the baby. Hada scarves are presented to the parents and the baby, as they symbolize good will and are frequently given at celebratory events. The new parents traditionally serve pancakes to visiting guests.
  
  The parents select a name for the baby on an astrologically favorable day following the birth ceremony. A living Buddha may be invited to give a blessing when the child is named. Once the infant is one month old, the parents take him to the nearest temple to worship for the first time. Parents may smear black ash on the baby's nose to protect him from evil during his first outing.
  
  

Western Adaptions

• As Buddhism gains popularity in the U.S. and Europe, many followers adopt newborn traditions similar to those common in prominent western religions, such as Christianity and Judaism. Some parents work with spiritual leaders to develop birth blessings, then hold receptions in their homes or in rented venues. Western elements such as cake and white gowns may be incorporated into these celebrations.