Salting

Salting Newly-Born Babies
Salting is a ritual that accompanist the birth of a newborn baby. Mothers and grandmothers customarily clean the skin of newly-born babies with salt. This can be done in two ways: They mix some salt with the bathing water then rub the skin of the newborn with this saltwater, then wash it off immediately or they rub the skin with salt, leave it for a while on the skin, then wash it off with water. This habit can be done for either spiritual ceremonious or for remedial purposes or for both. They believe it purifies and tightens the skin. It strengthens skin, boosts the immunity system, lowers sweating, strengthens bones and muscles and adds a sweet smell to the skin and finally helps the baby to get rid of the bad smell that was stuck to the body during childbirth.