Kubai

Kubai (Turkish: Kübey, Sakha: Күбэй) is the goddess of birth and children in Turkic mythology. She protects women who give birth[1] and gives the children souls.

Kubai has the appearance of a middle-aged woman and she was daughter of Kayra. She protects and educates the child. When a child cries during a dream and sleeps restlessly, Kubai is said to have left him. On the child reaching the age of six months, a Kam (shaman) is invited for a special ceremony to Kubai-Ana (Mother Kubai). During this they ask Kubai to safeguard and protect the baby. A talisman (a small bow and arrow) is attached to the cradle, symbolising the weapon Kubai uses against malicious spirits. The complete care and the constant presence of Kubai near the child continues until he learns to walk, run, understand speech, and speak fluently. Kubai’s functions is as a Goddess of reproduction. It was to Her that barren couples prayed for a child. Some still believe that Kubai remains in the umbilical cord to protect the child, and umbilical cord may be buried near the hearth.

References
  1. Bahaeddin Ögel, Türk Mitolojisi (Vol-1, Page 96), "Türk Tarih Kurumu" Publications, Turkey
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