Hurray, the baby is here!
The puller party follows after the birth – but why?
Puller party or baby peeing: the name varies in the federal states
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A centuries-old tradition that originated in northern Germany and today bears different names: whether it is a puller party or baby pee, puller schnapps or baby beer – what is behind the term? And what does the custom stand for?
After the custom spread across Germany beyond northern Germany, it bears a different name (depending on the federal state): While the name “puller party” was able to prevail in Berlin and Brandenburg, the tradition in North Rhine-Westphalia is better known as ” Baby beer “or” pee party “known. In Northern Hesse, on the other hand, the custom is called “Pullerschnaps”, whereby the term “baby pee” is probably best known in this country. But regardless of how many names there are for this tradition – the meaning remains the same. You can find out exactly which ones here.
Puller party: what is the meaning behind it?
The term was invented at a time when it was still customary to give birth to a child at home: while the mother was still recovering from the hardships of childbirth, the father was already rounding up relatives, friends and neighbors – about that to welcome new family members. And now comes the real point why this tradition was named a puller party: The still naked baby was passed around so that all guests could inspect the newborn. If someone was accidentally peed in the process, they should experience lifelong happiness.
And that’s not all: even then, the birth was celebrated with mostly alcoholic beverages. The traditional drink should symbolically help the baby to urinate – so that it does not suffer any pain. Apart from that, the guests also have to “pee” one or the other time during the festive baby peeing. After its origin in northern Germany, the name of the custom spread over large parts of the country and is still used in many households today. Except that most women are now resting in the hospital and the puller party takes place at home without a baby.
It has now even become common practice for the mother to be present at the traditional baby pee – even if the party primarily revolves around the new father (and a separate baby shower was often thrown for the women by their friends before the birth ). Nevertheless, it is much more exciting for friends, neighbors and relatives when they can see and marvel at the newborn in person. Therefore, it is perfectly permissible to break with tradition and celebrate the puller party a few days after the birth, when mother and child have arrived at home.
Baby peeing: are there traditional customs?
Since the traditional puller party is held for the father, there are a few customs for men that have prevailed over time. The best known are these three:
In many places it is the custom for guests to smoke a cigar with their new father – preferably on the balcony or in front of the front door, so as not to pollute the apartment with bad air when the baby arrives.
It is also a tradition to add small accessories to the alcoholic drinks that the father receives when the baby pees – such as a pacifier or a pacifier chain, baby socks or diapers.
- A much older custom is to hang a flag or a bed sheet (preferably in blue or pink) out of the window when a child has seen the light of day – then all friends and neighbors know immediately.
Souvenirs: What do you give for the birth?
The traditional puller party usually takes place quite spontaneously, as the father-to-be cannot really plan in advance or invite his friends and relatives to a certain day. Therefore, it is actually not usual or not a requirement to bring a small gift with you. Nevertheless, many ask themselves: What do you give at birth? In the event that you are looking for a suitable present, you can be inspired by the following ideas:
one Diaper cakeconsisting of care products for the baby
a mobile for calming down and as a sleep aid
one Pacifier chain for the stroller
a Hand ring to promote motor skills
a Photo album for the first memories of the baby
one giraffe as a pacifier and teething aid
a Clutching toy set in the form of a tool
a Washclothwho looks like an animal
one Rag doll For kuddling
a Imprint set for baby hands and feet
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