Birthing traditions grow NHB's heritage list

Practices like lenggang perut among board's 18 new intangible cultural heritage items

Left: Bengkung (traditional wrap) is a key part of the confinement period for Malay mothers, who wrap their abdomen and back to lose weight and flatten the tummy.
Above : Bengkung (traditional wrap) is a key part of the confinement period for Malay mothers, who wrap their abdomen and back to lose weight and flatten the tummy. PHOTO: ROOTS.SG
Soya beans being removed from the boiler at Nanyang Sauce factory. Soya sauce making has been added to the National Heritage Board's intangible cultural heritage inventory, which now stands at 88.
Soya beans being removed from the boiler at Nanyang Sauce factory. Soya sauce making has been added to the National Heritage Board's intangible cultural heritage inventory, which now stands at 88. ST PHOTO: KUA CHEE SIONG
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A pregnant woman lies on layers of multi-coloured sarongs. A midwife massages her abdomen, while the pieces of fabric are pulled out from under her one by one, gently rocking the expectant mother.

This process, known as lenggang perut, aims to shift the foetus into the right position in the womb for a smooth delivery.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on March 20, 2020, with the headline Birthing traditions grow NHB's heritage list. Subscribe