African-American R/T Pregnancy, Delivery and Term Paper

These rituals performed in their indigenous countries can lower the levels of depression found in African-American women in their host countries. Such rituals are now performed less and less in western societies. More formal institutions of baptism, priest's blessings or circumcision secures the child's soul into the formal religious community. These practices integrate the child into the fold of the community but there are no such rituals for the recognition of the mother's new status. (Jones, 2002) The loss of interest in the ancient rituals while still maintaining traditional beliefs on depression and spirituality, have worsened the issue of postpartum depression for African-American women.

CONCLUSION:

African-Americans have maintained many of their traditional beliefs and values dear. However, as with every community, old rites gradually disappear amalgamating into new concepts and theories. There is a limit to which ancient values can withstand the tide of changing time. As Catherine Cartwright Jones says that western societies tend to be selective about which religious action they are willing to tolerate. They might allow a priest in the hospital to bless the child but a large group of women engaged in singing the zgrit to bless a child will not be allowed (Jones, 2002).They can have flowers in a hospital bedroom but traditional textiles to ward off evil spirits tied to the bedposts are not allowed. A woman will also have to take off all jewelry, including amulets and talismans that she thinks would ensure safe delivery. (Jones, 2002) Such has also been the journey of African-American culture in the American society.

REFERANCES:

Abiyamo: Theorizing African Motherhood. Oyeronke Oyewumi. Jenda: A Journal of African and Women Studies, 2003.

Rituals of Birth: The Blessingway Ceremony. Jeannine Parvati Baker. Freestone Innerprizes. Sept 28, 2005. http://www.freestone.org/articles/BlessingwayCeremony.html

Bellyblessing Celebrations: Honoring the journey of Motherhood. Sept 7, 2005.

Sept 28, 2005. http://www.bellyblessings.com

4. Postpartum Depression, culture and African-American Women. Linda Clark

Amankwaa. Journal of Cultural Diversity, Spring 2003. Sept 27, 2005. http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0MJU/is_1_10/ai_102025140

5. The functions of Child Birth and Postpartum Henna Traditions. Catherine Cartwright Jones,….....