Gifts for the Birth of a Chinese Child
Prior to the 1900s, infant mortality rates in China were so high that families didn't name newborn children until they were one month old. Families celebrated this milestone with Red Egg and Ginger parties, in which the child was introduced to family members and given gifts. Although modern medicine has significantly decreased the incidence of early infant death, the tradition is still celebrated throughout Chinese culture with gifts of prosperity and protection for newborn Chinese babies.
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Li-shihs or Lucky Money Envelopes
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Cash gifts are a common tradition to celebrate the birth of a Chinese child. The money is meant to help the child have prosperity and good fortune. The gift is commonly stuffed in a red envelope known as a lucky money envelope. The red envelope is a Chinese symbol of good fortune and love that is given to family members and friends at various types of family dinners and celebrations.
Red Eggs
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Red eggs were traditionally presented by the parents to invite guests to the child's naming celebration. Eggs were a rare delicacy in China and were reserved only for special guests. The eggs symbolize fertility and the shape is a symbol of happiness in life. The eggs are painted red, a color that is associated with good luck, health, happiness and prosperity in Chinese culture. In modern celebrations, the red eggs are placed in a bowl for guests to take with them as they leave the party. If the child is a girl, an even number of eggs will be provided; an odd number of eggs signifies a new baby boy. Ginger is also given out at the parties because it is known to promote health.
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Jewelry
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Various types of jewelry are acceptable gifts for male and female Chinese children. Long-life locks are charms made of silver that children wear around their necks to bring luck. Bracelets made of gold or silver with charms that make a lot of noise are believed to scare away evil spirits that might bring the child harm. A jewelry gift with jade symbolizes immortality, perfection and constancy, and is the ideal stone for blessing a child's new life.
Clothing
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Babies are often given red clothing to bring happiness to their lives. Anything from pants to pajamas and shoes would be acceptable. The tiger is a symbol of protection in Chinese culture, so tiger clothing, such as hats, shoes and bibs, are often given to new babies. Hats have charms made of silver, gold or jade to bring extra luck to the new child. Shoes are made with open tiger eyes to prevent children from slipping as they master their first steps.
100 Good Wishes Quilt
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A 100 Good Wishes Quilt, or Bai Jia Bei, is a collaborative effort on the part of all the child's relatives. Family members and friends each donate a square piece of cloth, such as from an old piece of clothing, to create a blanket of memories for the new child. Each piece of cloth is believed to contain the energy of the contributor to help bring the child luck in his life. If you are going to a Red Egg and Ginger Party, you could bring your own scrap of fabric for the child and his mother or another family member who will assemble the quilt.
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References
- California State University-Chico: An Egg and a Name
- Little Buddha Baby: Chinese: Red Egg & Ginger Party
- The Earth Center: Red Eggs and Ginger
- University of California--Irvine Anthropology Department; Red Envelopes: An Old Chinese Tradition; Branden Black, et. al.
- Baby Zone: Chinese Baby Traditions
- Original Quilts: 100 Good Wishes Quilt Gallery
Resources
- Photo Credit red egg image by arkna from Fotolia.com
