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.

When diving into Leviticus, it’s fascinating to recognize that understanding ancient cultures requires peeking behind the curtain of the laws they held. The 40 days of purification after giving birth to a boy is rooted in the Hebrew understanding of ritual impurity associated with childbirth. For a girl, the doubled period of 80 days hints at the unique regard yet twisted societal perceptions surrounding femininity during that era.

Interestingly, these extended periods reflect not just concerns over physical status, but also social and spiritual dimensions. Purity, in this context, was closely tied to community participation in religious life. Imagine for a moment how this affected women's roles in families and society—40 or 80 days cut off from festivals and gatherings based solely on the gender of their newborn!

Moreover, the biblical story of Mary’s purification adds depth to this topic as she did exactly as prescribed in Luke 2:21-24—a link that fortifies the adherence to laws of Leviticus in tangible warmth. Interestingly, this text also reminds us of connection points within the biblical narrative—Jesus experiencing life within the very fabric of cultural norms.

And beyond its historical framework, why not view purification as a metaphor? Cleanliness is next to a fresh start! Whether reflecting on ancient rituals or contemporary stages, it captures the essence of renewal that resonates timelessly throughout life. So while those days of counting down might seem boring, they can also represent anticipation—an ancient way adherents ensured harmony in both home and heart.