This is just a small selection of traditional presents given to newborn babies around the world. Many may also be part of the traditions of other countries, cultures and religions.
Sources: 成人快手 World Service Language Services, Australian Government, Woven Stories: Andean Textiles and Rituals, Andrea M. Heckman and The Africa Centre, London
Production: Dani Dutra, Charlotte Thornton, Marina Shchukina, Steven Atherton
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Peru
Men usually knit their son鈥檚 first chullo, a colourful alpaca wool Andean-style hat with ear flaps and a tie under the chin. It is a traditional gift of the Andean Plateau in South America, covering not only Peru but also parts of Argentina, Chile, Bolivia and Ecuador. -
China
A red envelope filled with money is traditionally given to babies in China and it is said to bring prosperity and happiness. The envelope can be plain red or have "Luck" or "Fortune" written on it, as well as good wishes for the baby. -
Russia
Babies in Russia are given a silver spoon, to bestow future wealth and good luck. The fact the spoon is made of precious metal as well as silver's antibacterial properties - useful when the child starts teething - also make it a practical present. -
Brazil
When knitted red baby shoes are given to newborns in Brazil, it is believed they will bring the baby good luck and protect him or her from "evil eyes". Some say they should be the first gift an expectant mother receives when she announces the pregnancy. Others claim the baby should leave the hospital wearing them. -
India
Silver anklets are given to baby girls in India, where body decoration is a tradition. Other common presents are figurines for display in a child's nursery or bedroom. However, it is important to be certain of the parents' and family's religious affiliations to make sure you choose the right one. -
Venezuela
A "puno de azabache", or a hand in the shape of a fig, carved on jet, is often given to newborns in Venezuela. The hand - a closed fist, with the thumb between the middle and index finger - is believed to offer protection to the child. Ancient civilisations believed the black semi-precious stone carried magic properties. -
Azerbaijan
In Azerbaijan, the "gozmuncugu" - an eye-shaped amulet - is given to protect a newborn child from the "evil eye". Babies wear it in a visible place, such as on the wrist. -
Burma
In Burma (Myanmar), a necklace made of a thread, blessed by a Buddhist monk or soothsayer, is thought to bring good health and protection to a newborn child. A suitable charm - such as a coin, bead or shell - is chosen by the monk after reading the baby's fortune. -
Kyrgyzstan
In Kyrgyzstan a dried wolf paw is placed under the baby鈥檚 pillow to ward off evil spirits and protect them from bad dreams. It forms part of a ceremony in which older women offer blessings and good luck spells over the baby's cradle or "beshik". -
Australia
Dreamtime children's storybooks are given as baby gifts in Australia. The stories tell tales of relationships between people, animals and the land. "The Dreaming" is a sacred Aboriginal story about how ancestral spirits created the world. The Rainbow Serpent (pictured) represents the source of all life and is the protector of the land and its people. -
Egypt
A palm with a blue eye is traditionally given to newborns in Egypt and is pinned to their clothes, offering protection from the "evil eye". It is believed to have originated with the Pharaohs, who used turquoise gemstones for protection against evil. The stones were also thought to bring faithfulness, happiness and good fortune. -
Ghana
In Ghana families can give a coloured, beaded necklace as a gift to a baby. If they are more wealthy a gold pendant can be added, or gold jewellery may be handed down from parents to their children.
