THE CULTURE AND CUSTOM OF THE MAH MERI BIRTH: SEPARATION OF THE NAVEL CORD

Normally the navel cord will fall off within a week after the baby is born. The fallen cord is wrapped with white cloth together with one or three black pepper corn and hung above a fire, with the purpose to safeguard the baby health. If the baby is sick the cord is immersed in water and the baby is made to drink the water as a healer. When the baby can crawl the cord is given to him as a toy. If the cord is lost means the baby will earn his living in a far away place when he grows up as it is said that the cord will be a part of his siblings.