In biblical times, the treatment of the navel at birth was an important aspect of newborn care, reflecting both practical and symbolic significance. The navel, or umbilical cord, is mentioned in the context of birth and early life in the Scriptures, providing insight into ancient practices and cultural understandings.

The primary biblical reference to the treatment of the navel at birth is found in the book of Ezekiel. In Ezekiel 16:4 , God speaks metaphorically to Jerusalem, describing its origins and neglect: "On the day of your birth, your cord was not cut, nor were you washed with water to cleanse you; you were not rubbed with salt or wrapped in cloths." This passage highlights several key practices associated with the care of a newborn:

1. Cutting the Cord: The cutting of the umbilical cord was a fundamental step in the birth process, signifying the newborn's separation from the mother and the beginning of independent life. The failure to cut the cord, as mentioned in Ezekiel, symbolizes neglect and lack of care.

2. Washing with Water: Washing the newborn with water was a customary practice to cleanse the infant from the blood and fluids of birth. This act of washing not only served a hygienic purpose but also symbolized purification and the beginning of a new life.

3. Rubbing with Salt: The practice of rubbing the newborn with salt is less understood but is believed to have had both practical and symbolic purposes. Salt may have been used for its antiseptic properties, helping to prevent infection. Symbolically, salt was a covenantal element in the Bible, representing purity, preservation, and the enduring nature of God's promises.

4. Wrapping in Cloths: Swaddling the newborn in cloths was a common practice to provide warmth and security. This act of wrapping the infant tightly in strips of cloth helped to mimic the womb's environment, offering comfort and protection.

The treatment of the navel and the associated practices at birth were deeply embedded in the cultural and religious life of the Israelites. These actions were not merely practical but carried significant symbolic weight, reflecting themes of care, covenant, and the sanctity of life. The neglect of these practices, as illustrated in Ezekiel, served as a powerful metaphor for abandonment and spiritual destitution.

In the broader biblical narrative, the care of the newborn and the treatment of the navel underscore the value placed on life and the responsibilities of parents and community to nurture and protect the vulnerable. These practices, while rooted in ancient customs, continue to resonate with the enduring biblical themes of life, purity, and divine care.Ezekiel 16:4
And as for your nativity, in the day you were born your navel was not cut, neither were you washed in water to supple you; you were not salted at all, nor swaddled at all.
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Second visit to Nazareth - the Mission of the Twelve.
... the thirty years which lay between the Birth of Christ ... In view of the treatment which
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