Red Egg & Ginger Party

I just recently heard about an interesting Chinese tradition called a "Red Egg and Ginger Party" which is thrown for a baby who is about one month old.  What a great way to celebrate the blessed occasion of a new baby!  I did some research to learn more about this tradition so I can host one of these fascinating parties one day...

This party is a way for parents to introduce their new baby to friends and relatives.  In ancient Chinese culture, it also was the time when the baby was given a name and formally accepted into the family.  This celebration is accompanied by dinner and can be held at home or in a restaurant. Today, children's magicians or performers are sometimes present for entertainment.

The significance of the color red is that it represents happiness and good luck.  Eggs symbolize fertility and the renewal of life.  An egg's shape is associated with harmony and unity.  Ginger adds a touch of 'hotness' to food and therefore can balance the yin (cold) and yang (warm) of Chinese food. New mothers are often tired and weak (too yin) after given birth, so ginger is good for her.

Apparently, guests receive red-dyed eggs and ginger at this party. More traditional parents will also give thank you gifts of small biscuits with pork in them instead of thank you notes.

If attending a Red Egg and Ginger Party, you can bring gifts of clothing or lucky money.  Apparently, tigers are the king of beasts and have special powers for protecting children so babies are given tiger hats, shoes and bibs.  Lucky money is usually given in red envelopes to baby boys, while girls receive expensive jewelry from close relatives.

If you are planning a Red Egg and Ginger Party, a good book to get is Good Luck Life: The Essential Guide to Chinese American Celebrations and Culture. It is packed with tons of information to make your party authentic and successful.

Comments

[Ray]

How much money should a guest bring for a boy's gift?