Chinese Birthday Celebrations !

满月和百日(Mǎnyuè hé bǎi rì) – Chinese baby customs

China has a unique tradition for new born babies. The first important event for the newly born baby is the Full month celebration or one hundred days celebration.

Following the full month of confinement, mother and child are presented to friends and relatives with满月(Mǎnyuè, a full moon celebration). sometimes known as a ‘red egg and ginger party’. The origins of this custom come from ancient Chinese culture, when infant mortality was high. These parties were held to celebrate that the baby had survived the first month of their life, which meant that they were more likely to survive into adulthood.

Some Chinese families prefer to host the celebration On the hundredth day which is called 百日(Bǎi rì, The First One Hundred Days).The event is meant to celebrate reaching the age of “满百日”(Mǎn bǎi rì,100 days )but in Chinese, they take the 100 days as a symbol of “百岁” (Bǎi suì,one hundred years) It is a way to both celebrate the birth of the child and wish the child a long and happy life.

During the celebration, relatives and friends of the family will also return some presents. The presents include those which the child may use, like foods, daily materials, gold or silver wares. But the commonest are some money wrapped in a piece of red paper. Grandparents usually give their grandchild a gold or silver ware to show their deep love for the child. In the evening, the child’s parents give a rich feast at home or a restaurant to the guests at the celebration
In recent years, some of the traditions surrounding red egg and ginger parties have been modified. Parents may choose to hold the celebration at a fancy restaurant, complete with costumed Chinese performers or even a children’s magician. Also, the baby may be anywhere from one to three months old by the time the party is held.