The One Month Birthday
An article written by Jane Yee
Baby’s one month birthday is a celebration equivalent to the christening party. It is given by the paternal grandparents to introduce the new family member to friends. This is reserved especially for the first son because it is important to have sons to carry on the family name. Seldom are the younger sons or the daughters honored in the same manner.
Invitations to baby’s party are printed in gold on glossy red cards inserted in pink envelopes and sent to relatives, friends, and leaders in the community. Earlier on this special day, baby’s hair has been neatly trimmed, or shaven with the exception of the hair covering the soft spot in front. One boiled egg was gently peeled and rolled over the baby’s face and forehead while Grandmother prays and hopes that his complexion will be soft and without blemish throughout his life. A satin cap with a gold medallion sewn in front is put on the baby’s head and he is dressed in a long gown and a mandarin jacket making him look like a future statesman.
Baby is surrounded by parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, and godparents are selected for him. They are the special guardians for the child. It is evident that this child will be loved and cherished, and that he will never lack for proper attention and care. The party is usually held at the finest Chinese restaurants with appropriate decorations of flowers, red streamers, and the “Fook, Luk, Sau” symbols representing “Happiness”, “Prosperity”, and “Longevity”.
Baby’s one month birthday is a celebration equivalent to the christening party. It is given by the paternal grandparents to introduce the new family member to friends. This is reserved especially for the first son because it is important to have sons to carry on the family name. Seldom are the younger sons or the daughters honored in the same manner.
Invitations to baby’s party are printed in gold on glossy red cards inserted in pink envelopes and sent to relatives, friends, and leaders in the community. Earlier on this special day, baby’s hair has been neatly trimmed, or shaven with the exception of the hair covering the soft spot in front. One boiled egg was gently peeled and rolled over the baby’s face and forehead while Grandmother prays and hopes that his complexion will be soft and without blemish throughout his life. A satin cap with a gold medallion sewn in front is put on the baby’s head and he is dressed in a long gown and a mandarin jacket making him look like a future statesman.
Baby is surrounded by parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, and godparents are selected for him. They are the special guardians for the child. It is evident that this child will be loved and cherished, and that he will never lack for proper attention and care. The party is usually held at the finest Chinese restaurants with appropriate decorations of flowers, red streamers, and the “Fook, Luk, Sau” symbols representing “Happiness”, “Prosperity”, and “Longevity”.
Red eggs and oranges decorate the tables. The foods most likely to be served are sweetmeats for “sweetness”, or a pleasant life, “fish” for “easy attainment of success”, and noodles for “longevity”. Poultry, roast meats, sea foods and fresh vegetables are combined so that the fresh colors and aroma appeal to all the senses. A nutritious chicken soup, called “Mother’s Brew”, made with chicken, pork, ginger, ground nuts, wood ears, lily buds and black mushrooms, and heavily laced with brandy , is recommended for the new mother as a tonic to restore strength. It is also served to the guests. A hot and sour soup with plenty of ginger, black beans, pork hocks, and vinegar is prescribed to encourage the mother’s appetite and to cleanse the body of toxicity. This is excellent and the guests love it, too. The heir apparent is showered with gifts and money in red envelopes from the guests. On joyous occasions such as this, the host shows his appreciation by donating sums of money to his favorite charities including the Chinese church, the Chinese language school, the National Welfare council, and the family associations. This birthday is one to be remembered – because there will not be such a celebration again, until he is sixty years old, and then every ten years thereafter. After dinner, the guests are given oranges, red eggs and candied ginger to take home. These parties are less popular with the second generation and third generation Chinese Americans. More often the immediate family gathers at church and home for a
simple christening party for each child, boy or girl. Is that not more democratic? Some even celebrate every birthday for all members of the family.
Copyright 2006 - Yee Fung Toy Association of Detroit, MI
simple christening party for each child, boy or girl. Is that not more democratic? Some even celebrate every birthday for all members of the family.
Copyright 2006 - Yee Fung Toy Association of Detroit, MI