Well, like I said I really don't know about its origin but I would guess it is more cultural than religious. My knowledge of it is simply through the passing down of stories and women's wisdom, much like midwifery practices. So maybe we could just say it has its origin in women's culture!

It is fairly popular. I would say 25-40 percent of women choose this method. Sometimes, I think it is hard to take the time for this for some women after an exhausting birth but most love it when partaking.

I would say it takes 5-10 minutes for the cord to burn and usually the father participates. Most the time the midwife will hold either side of the cord and the father will burn in between or visa versa.

Sorry it took so long to respond. I've been super busy, as I'm sure most of you are, too.

Good luck! Cortney