laughing party

My sister has been a wonderful source of knowledge regarding traditions (the nursing necklace ritual was her brain child). She shared this latest idea, taking from Navajo tradition:

After a Navajobaby is born, the first celebration takes place just after the child's first laugh. Yes, laugh! "We believe the soul (also called `the wind') enters the body soon after birth," says Lori Alviso Alvord, a Navajo physician. "A baby's laugh is an indication that the soul has become attached to the body."

Alvord continues: "The person who made the baby laugh is expected to host a party, at which small pieces of rock salt are placed in a woven basket. The baby `gives' the pieces of salt to each guest. The Navajo believe that by doing this the baby will grow up to be generous and giving."

LET THE GAMES BEGIN!

Get out your whoopie cushions and knock-knock jokes, and start doing those facial exercises for better goofy-face dexterity!! If you need some inspiration, I recommend watching Monster's Inc (with particular focus on the end...not so much the frightening-children part).

p.s. "Winner" wins the prize of knowing you connected BabySmiles with her soul. No party needed!