In China, there’s a popular old wives’ tale that claims a pregnant woman’s food cravings can predict her baby’s gender. The saying “sour for boys, spicy for girls” (suan nan la nu in Mandarin) suggests that a preference for sour foods indicates a boy, while craving spicy foods means a girl is on the way.
Gender Preference
The preference for sons over daughters has deep roots in China. Traditional Confucian beliefs value males for continuing the family line. Historically, in an agrarian economy, males were viewed as more physically capable of supporting the family. Despite modern gender equality movements, this belief still persists.
If a pregnant woman craves sour foods, some family members might celebrate, thinking it means a son and thus secures the family line. On the other hand, cravings for spicy foods might suggest a daughter, which can influence how the expectant mother is treated and, in extreme cases, lead to pressure for an abortion.
According to the National Bureau of Statistics of China, there were over 30 million more males than females in the country by the end of last year. This imbalance has resulted in many men being unable to marry or start families.
Mumbo-Jumbo?
These beliefs have no scientific basis. Tencent Medipedia, a Chinese medical science website, stated on Weibo that a baby’s gender is determined at conception and is unrelated to a mother’s taste preferences. Experts say that while women might experience appetite changes during pregnancy, this is due to physiological changes rather than the baby’s gender.
Pregnancy hormones inhibit gastric enzyme secretion, leading to nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. Acidic foods can help alleviate these symptoms, which explains why pregnant women might prefer sour tastes.
In China, it is illegal for doctors to reveal the baby’s gender. Prenatal checks focus solely on the overall development of the unborn child.
One supporter of the old saying commented, “It’s hard not to believe this. When I had a son, I loved sour plums. When I had a daughter, I really loved spicy hotpot.” Another person, advocating for science, said, “Let’s believe in science. Whether it’s a boy or a girl, I will give my unborn child the best of everything.”
Pregnancy Tales
There are many other old sayings in China about predicting a baby’s gender. One claims that a round belly signifies a girl, while a pointed belly suggests a boy. Medical experts debunk this, explaining that belly shape depends on the mother’s body type, fat content, and pelvic shape.
Another unscientific belief is that a woman carrying a boy will have rough and dull skin, whereas carrying a girl will leave her skin smooth. Experts clarify that skin conditions during pregnancy are related to hormone levels, not the baby’s gender.
