A rather gruesome looking squidgy mass of cells and blood vessels, the placenta is (understandably) the lesser talked-about aspect of birth.
Usually around 1lb in weight, it’s generally expelled between 15 and 20 minutes after a baby is born and for most women, that’s that.
In recent years however, there has been a growing interest in the potential benefits of consuming the placenta, in various forms – though some experts disagree about how safe this is.
While the squeamish may refuse to consider the placenta at all, placing a special focus on it is a custom as old as time.
Here are some of the most unusual ancient beliefs and customs from around the world…
Nepal
The Nepalese treat the placenta as a friend of the baby. In fact, the name ‘bucha-co-satthi’ is directly translated as meaning ‘baby’s friend’.
Peru
Legend has it that Inca Yupanqui built a palace to house a gold statue of his mother Mama Rawa Occlo. Inside it he placed the placenta from his own birth. Long before Sophie the Giraffe was invented, the Incas of Peru would dry out the umbilical chord and give it to the child to chew on later on while teething.
Hawaii
Native Hawaiians treat the placenta as a sacred part of the baby. When it is buried in nature, a tree is planted over it so it grows with the child.
China
The Chinese are big believers in the restorative powers of eating the placenta. Ziheche (紫河车), dried human placenta, is used in traditional Chinese medicine and consumed by the mother right up until menopause.
Nigeria
In ancient tradition, the Igbo people considered the placenta to be the deceased twin of the newborn baby. When the placenta was delivered, full funeral rights were conducted before it was buried. The Ibani people believe not knowing where your placenta is buried could contribute to a lack of progress in life… or even an untimely death. #WheresYours?
New Zealand
‘Whenua’, the Māori word for placenta, is also the word for ‘land’. Māori people insist that the placenta and umbilical cord are buried together in a special receptacle (an ipu whenua) on the child’s native land, creating a special relationship between the newborn baby and the earth.
Transylvania
As part of an ancient custom, a couple who did not want any more children would burn the placenta after the birth of their last child. Afterwards the father would consume the ashes in the belief that it would make him infertile.
Cambodia
Cambodian people believe that burying the placenta is key to ensuring the health of the baby and its mother in the future. It is wrapped in banana leaves and kept near the baby for three days before a burial ceremony.
British Columbia
Kwakiutl of British Columbia bury the placentas of boys and girls differently. Following the birth of a girl, the placenta is buried in the hope that the child will become good at digging for clams. Boys’ placentas are left exposed for the ravens to eat, in a custom they believe will encourage prophetic visions.
Cover art by Philadelphia Placenta Pills
