Pidyon haben is the Jewish ceremony that redeems a firstborn son from the traditional priestly service by paying five silver coins.
The Hebrew phrase means “redemption of the son.” The ceremony is based on biblical passages concerning the firstborn and is traditionally held when the boy is at least 30 days old. The father gives five silver coins to a kohen, a descendant of the priestly line, who may return the coins or keep them.
Pidyon haben does not apply to every firstborn boy. Traditional eligibility depends on factors including the parents’ status, the child’s birth circumstances, and whether a previous pregnancy ended in certain ways. Children of a kohen or Levite generally are not redeemed through this ceremony.
The ceremony is separate from brit milah, which concerns circumcision and naming and is traditionally held on the eighth day.