Dates and childbirth

Eating dates during pregnancy is not a widespread custom in the West. However, this tradition is relatively common in Middle Eastern countries and North Africa.

Verses 23 to 25 of Surah 19 Maryam in the Noble Quran :

• “Then the pains of childbirth brought her to the trunk of the palm tree, and she said: Woe to me! If only I had died before this moment and been completely forgotten!”
• “Then he called to her from below, [saying:] Do not grieve. Your Lord has placed a spring at your feet.”
• “Shake the trunk of the palm tree towards you: it will drop fresh, ripe dates upon you.”