essay

Russian rituals, customs, and beliefs associated with the midwife (1850-1930)

russian traditional culture: religion, gender, and customary law • Armonk, N.Y. • Published In 1992 • Pages: 122-145

By: Listova, T. A..

Abstract
This historical study examines some of the customs, rituals, and beliefs reflecting the status and role of midwifes in Russian peasant communities. The elderly women who served as midwives enjoyed enormous respect, regarded as kind and benevolent individuals who were sought out not only for delivering babies but also, as needed, for advice and assistance in postnatal care and child feeding. Additionally, midwives had a religious role, praying for the health and protection of children under their care.
Subjects
Gift giving
Ethics
Avoidance and taboo
Childbirth
Postnatal care
Ceremonial during infancy and childhood
Gender roles and issues
culture
Russians
Region
Europe
Sub Region
Eastern Europe
Document Type
essay
Evaluation
Creator Type
Historian
Document Rating
4: Excellent Secondary Data
Analyst
Teferi Abate Adem ; 2019
Field Date
not applicable
Coverage Date
1850-1930
Coverage Place
Russia
Notes
T. A. Listova
Includes bibliographical references
LCCN
92004775
LCSH
Ethnology--Russia (Federation)
Folklore--Russia (Federation)
Russians--Intellectual life
Russians--Folklore
Russia (Federation)--Social life and customs