Amulets for giving birth (Spain) 

Human birth is difficult due to our anatomical characteristics which combine a rapid cerebralisation at the foetal stage with a birth canal of limited dimensions due to our bipedalism.

As a result, there has been a high rate of death (maternal and neonatal) linked to delivery, though strictly controlled in richer countries (in Spain, for example, four women die per every 100,000 deliveries), and also reduced over the last 30 years in poorer countries, despite high rates in Asia and especially Africa. The use of rites and amulets still exists in many places.

Even today, pregnant women in Tortosa and its surroundings go to seek protection from the sanctuary of Nuestra Señora de la Cinta (Our Lady of the Ribbon), where they buy the corresponding ribbon to wear during delivery.

Photo, Francisco Javier Maza Domingo.