The answer is: 40 days

Lev 12:2-8 - After giving birth to a boy, a woman was considered unclean for 40 days; for a girl, it was 80 days. This period included both the time of uncleanness and the additional days of purification.

In the fascinating world of Leviticus, we see some pretty intriguing rituals related to childbirth! A woman who gave birth to a son would not only experience the pure joy of new life but also undergo a 40-day purification process, while the arrival of a daughter doubled that time to 80 days.

This idea of "uncleanness" might seem strange today, but back then, it emphasized the sacredness of life and the spiritual balance within the community. It's interesting to note that these purification rituals weren't simplistic rules; they reflected a deeper understanding of health and motherhood in ancient Israel—a society heavily intertwined with nature and the cycles of life.

Speaking of reflections, this theme can echo throughout different cultures and traditions, where rituals exist for new mothers—a universal practice recognizing childbirth's physical and emotional impacts. It's a reminder too of how sacred the act of bringing life into the world is, transcending time and belief systems. In the gospels, we see the influence of these Jewish customs when Mary and Joseph bring baby Jesus to the temple, fulfilling similar purification rites.

So, next time you read Leviticus, consider how these ancient guidelines show us the importance of honoring transitions in life—be it one's journey into motherhood or even the phases of our spiritual paths!