Preparations are made for the reception of the visitors, and an equal
number of the wife's female relations are also invited. When the
guests arrive they partake of a common feast, and presents of money
are exchanged. The married pair remain in the house of the wife's
parents, where they are lodged in a secluded part of the dwelling par-
titioned off by mats, while the relations return to their homes. A
midwife is then called in, who watches over and takes care of, the
pregnant woman until after delivery. After the birth of the child
has been happily effected the mother is supported in a half-sitting
posture by two women, and the umbilical cord, which is cut with a
bamboo or an iron knife, is dried and is carefully preserved. The
mother and child are both washed with warm water to which some
betel leaves are added. The infant receives as drink cocoa-nut milk
or water mixed with syrup until the mother is able to nurse it with
her own milk. The first-born child in a family gives rise to festal
entertainments among the members of the clan, to which the family
belongs. All the women of the neighbouring clans pay a visit to the
invalid mother and the child, and bring with them presents of fine
fruits and other articles of value. In return for this kindness the
family procures some huge sea-fish or a large hog which is cooked with
taro and is served up to the guests who offer new presents which are,
however, all distributed or mutually exchanged among the visitors.
