A question about culture (what does string around the waist mean?)

Specialties Pediatric

Updated:   Published

Hi folks,

While doing a clinical in the ED this past weekend, we had an infant come in who, when stripped down to his birthday suit, was found to be wearing a thin "belt" of leather/string tied around his waist. I assume that this has some cultural or religous significance, but I can't find any sort of reference to this practice. Do any of you know what this might mean? I think that the parents were of Indian (not Native American) descent, but I could be wrong about that.

Just curious about this, and I didn't have the opportunity to ask the parents...I was hoping someone might be able to help me out.

Thanks!

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hi, from what I have heard from my granny,they used to tie a piece of string around the navel as a way to hold the bellybutton in so the child would not have an outie.:)

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×

I might be wrong, but I think the Hindu religion has this.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER, ICU, L&D, OR.

Shucks if I know :rotfl: ?

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×

I've heard of putting a penny in the belly button to prevent a hernia, or to repair a hernia, but never heard of a string arond the waist.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks for the suggestions! I suppose this just teaches me that I need to speak up and ask when I have questions like these...

Thanks again...

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU, PICU,IVT,PedM/S.

could just be a sibiling......

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×

Nahh...you guys are all wrong....

I'm doing a cultural paper as we speak. Here's the scoop:

In Hispanic (Latino) culture, it is believed that a spell is cast on a child when a person with the evil eye (mal de ojo) admires the child without touching it. Children are protected by special earrings, necklaces, amulets or other jewelry, or, in this case, a belt, which should not be removed during examinations.

Hope this helps....

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×

Russian Orthodox have a string tied around the waist at birth (?) and it stays on...committment to God? Not sure. Came in contact with a few in L&D, string NEVER comes off.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU.

Hmong babies often have a string bracelet. Something to do with keeping the baby's soul attached to him.

Anyone read "The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down"?

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×

very interesting....keep em coming

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×

Yea, it's an Indian Hindu thing. I'm not sure of the rational behind it though...

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment