Culture
There is nothing more painful for new parents than a baby crying, but during the annual Nakizumo contest held in Japan, children's tears and screams are welcome.
This unusual tradition, which is more than 400 years old, is based on the belief that crying for a long time is good for the baby's health.
During the Nakizumo contest, the name of which translates as “sumo crying children”, parents give their children dressed in kimonos to sumo wrestlers, who in turn keep their babies on a small stage and They're trying to make them cry.
Sumo wrestlers shout the phrase “Cry! Cry! Cry!” or they make terrible grimaces to catch children's tears.
Although it sounds pretty scary, many toddlers continue to sleep or laugh in the face of sumo wrestlers.
Two children participate at the same time, and the first one to start crying wins the duel.
According to the famous Japanese proverb, “crying babies grow fast”, the contest is designed to promote the growth of healthy children and strengthen their spirits.
This year 114 babies born in 2012 took part in the competition.
Why does the baby cry?
As you know, newborn babies often cry. This is how they report that they are hungry, they are in pain, they are afraid, they want to sleep, and many other things.
It can sometimes be difficult for parents to understand why a baby is crying. Here are a few reasons why babies usually cry:
– the baby is hungry
– his diaper is dirty
– wants to sleep
– wants to be in his arms
– tummy problems
– you need to spit
– it's hot or cold
– teeth are cut
– wants to rest
– wants to play
– he's not feeling well
The sound of a baby crying
According to recent studies, we can't ignore a baby's crying because our brain is programmed to respond to that sound even when we're not the baby's parents.