Hi Mandalay, can you tell me what the deal is about this childhood behavior in Haiti? What is the concern when a small child assumes this position: he stands keeping his legs straight, bends over to look between his legs?

Is this what you're talking about?

Well, the big deal is that in Haiti, it is believed that when a small child assumes this position, he is calling for his not-yet born brother or sister.  This means that the child's mom will get pregnant soon.  So, a mom who's not yet ready to have another child will usually get alarmed and ask the child to stop the behavior.

When a child does that, you'll hear people say:

Lap rele lòt. - He's calling the other.

Ask me anything