FT251

Boy or girl? The difference between the sexes is an enduring fascination; gender is the main distinguishing characteristic of newborn children. A mass of folklore has grown up over the centuries around what influences the sex of a baby; now science has settled some of the mysteries – but has also revealed more.


There is a mass of traditional beliefs on how to ensure that you conceive a child of a particular gender. Wives were supposed to keep a wooden spoon (with a pink ribbon round it) under the pillow to ensure their child was a girl. Making love when the Moon was full, or on even-numbered days of the month, was also supp­osed to ensure a girl; the odd-numbered days and the dark of the Moon favoured boys.