Birthday Celebrations for Elders
An article written by Jane Yee
The Chinese labored under stressful conditions in an unfriendly environment. Few survived to old age. When they lived beyond sixty and seventy, it was an occasion to celebrate. The sixtieth was considered the “lesser” celebration, and the “seventieth” the “greater” celebration. Until recently, people observed only the gentleman’s birthday. The woman either didn’t want all that attention, or they just would not admit they were getting old. Now a couple may celebrate their seventieth birthday together, or they may celebrate a fiftieth wedding anniversary and the seventieth birthday simultaneously.
The children and grandchildren, together, give the party to honor the elders. A good day is selected and red invitations are ordered from the printers. They are similar to the wedding invitations, though the god of “longevity” may be pictured.
He is an old man holding a peach, “the fruit of immortality”. He carries a staff with a water gourd and is easily recognized because he is a balding old man with a long beard. The words “long life” are on the lantern. The sprig of evergreen means “everlasting” of course.
The foods served are of gourmet quality such as sharks fin soup, Peking duck, lobster Cantonese, sea cucumbers, abalone with black mushrooms, steamed whole fish with Mandarin sauce, crab meat spring rolls, squab, choice fruits and vegetables. Their color combination and artistic presentations are unique. Long noodles stir fried with meats and vegetables are also served. The last course is a sweet soup of almond paste or almond gelatin with sweet lichee fruit, cherries, and pineapple.
For entertainment, an operatic play or musical presentation would be appropriate. If such is not available, recorded tapes provide Chinese music.
The honored couple are toasted and congratulated. Guests bring their favorite wines, sausages, cakes, oranges, or red envelopes. The host, in turn, presents donations to the couple’s favorite charities. It is a form of sharing their good fortune. After the banquet, souvenir rice bowls and chopsticks are given to the people to take home.
Throughout the centuries, the ancient philosophers have taught their disciples the rites of filial devotion. That respect for elders brings peace and order to strengthen the family and the nation. From their example we learn how we must conduct our lives.
Copyright 2006 - Yee Fung Toy Association of Detroit, MI
The children and grandchildren, together, give the party to honor the elders. A good day is selected and red invitations are ordered from the printers. They are similar to the wedding invitations, though the god of “longevity” may be pictured.
He is an old man holding a peach, “the fruit of immortality”. He carries a staff with a water gourd and is easily recognized because he is a balding old man with a long beard. The words “long life” are on the lantern. The sprig of evergreen means “everlasting” of course.
The foods served are of gourmet quality such as sharks fin soup, Peking duck, lobster Cantonese, sea cucumbers, abalone with black mushrooms, steamed whole fish with Mandarin sauce, crab meat spring rolls, squab, choice fruits and vegetables. Their color combination and artistic presentations are unique. Long noodles stir fried with meats and vegetables are also served. The last course is a sweet soup of almond paste or almond gelatin with sweet lichee fruit, cherries, and pineapple.
For entertainment, an operatic play or musical presentation would be appropriate. If such is not available, recorded tapes provide Chinese music.
The honored couple are toasted and congratulated. Guests bring their favorite wines, sausages, cakes, oranges, or red envelopes. The host, in turn, presents donations to the couple’s favorite charities. It is a form of sharing their good fortune. After the banquet, souvenir rice bowls and chopsticks are given to the people to take home.
Throughout the centuries, the ancient philosophers have taught their disciples the rites of filial devotion. That respect for elders brings peace and order to strengthen the family and the nation. From their example we learn how we must conduct our lives.
Copyright 2006 - Yee Fung Toy Association of Detroit, MI