In a Dong Ethnic village, immediately after a baby is born, the very first errand centers on letting the maternal grandparents know about this good news. And, as soon as the maternal grandfather receives this happy news, he would send a rooster and sweet rice to his daughter and son-in-law's house. These special gifts, which he prepared earlier, would now be cooked into a chicken porridge for the new mother. Within the first three days after birth, the family is to stay home; this is for good luck.

The observation of the baby's one-month birthday is considered a serious matter and is usually celebrated in a grand style. The celebration is held separately at the maternal and the paternal sides of the family. If the newborn is a boy, this celebration is held on the 30th day after birth, while a baby girl's celebration is held on the 29th day.

The paternal side of the family also has to send more than 30 buckets of pork, rice wine, and sweet rice as presents to the maternal family. When these presents arrive at the maternal household, they will be shared by all the relatives and friends who are attending the birthday feast. As soon as the feast is over, the maternal family gives a prepared 'trousseau' to the baby's mother to confirm that her marriage has finally been completed.

If the baby is the firstborn of the couple, an elder female relative on the baby's father's side will take the baby on the first month birthday to his/her maternal grandfather to be given an official name.

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