Poganiqia (baby-in-cradle birth celebration) is a convivial, cheerful event, or else, a ritual birth bread celebrated in Lunxhëria families when a child is born. Actually, Lunxhëria province has long been home to poganiqja ritual.
On the third day or even until the seventh day, relatives and neighbors appear at the newborn baby’s house. A traditional kulaç (bread-like bun) is prepared beforehand by a young woman provided that she has given birth to a child, her mother and father are alive, is beautiful and a kind person.
As soon as the kulaç is made, people and children come to visit. Treats like gliko and candies are served and men drink raki.
They start congratulating the newborn baby, wishing:
Me këmbë të mbarë (May your baby bring you joy, good health, happiness, and prosperity)
Edhe 100 vjec (Happy birthday)
Të rritet kanakar (May your baby grow up to be a favorite)
U bëftë i hairit (May your baby be blessed with a bright future)
The cradle is placed in the middle of the sofa (living room). The lying-in mother brings the newborn baby and puts it in the cradle. The children come close to the cradle and sing:
When it is a baby boy:
Poganiqe djalë burrë (Poganiqe, today boy tomorrow man)
Ta dërgojmë në Masurë (Let’s see him go to Masura)
Të na bjerë para shumë (To bring back plenty of money)
Para shumë e lira shumë (Yes, piles of money)
I majmë si derri, i butë si qengji (As healthy as a horse, as gentle as a lamb)
Daltë me shëndet nga djepi (May this little boy grow up)
When it is a baby girl:
Poganiqe vajzë grua (Poganiqe, today girl tomorrow woman)
Ta dërgojmë në përrua (Let’s see her go to the small river)
Të na lajë carbat (To wash our clothes)
Carbat e skutinat (Clothes and baby swaddling bands)
E majmë si deri… (As healthy as a horse …)
Djali (vajza) që na lindi rroftë (The newborn boy (girl) may have a healthy long life)
U plakt e u trashëgoftë (May it grow up and be thereupon blessed with children)
Shtëpinë me fëmijë mbuloftë (Cheerful voices overwhelming the house).
Bukur ke gatuar – o zonja Leni (This so nicely cooked-o, Mrs. Leni)
Seç të kanë shquar-o (You, far and wide known-o)
Të kanë fluturuar-o (You, highly praised-o)
