Soon to come...

I did a little bit of reading online about baby showers, after a conversation with the cousin. It didn't occur to me that baby showers are for right after the baby is born, and not for a month later (as per traditional chinese customs). I always thought the term "Baby Shower" is just the English equivalent for what we call “满月” (man yue or full month) in Mandarin.

Here's what I read about anyway:

In Chinese culture, a baby's first month birthday calls for a celebration. Proud parents would introduce their latest addition to friends and relatives by holding a Red Egg & Ginger Party (the red eggs I'm familiar with but I've got no idea about the ginger part).

Guests attending these parties/celebrations would bring gifts. "Lysee" (in the Cantonese language means "Lucky Money") in red envelopes are often given to baby boys, while girls may receive expensive jewelry. The guests don't leave empty handed either. The parents hand out red-dyed eggs, symbolising happiness and the renewal of life.

Traditionally, this was also a time to re-intro the mother to the world. The Chinese believe the mothers are in a highly weakened state in the period immediately following birth. Just as English custom calls for new mothers to enjoy a brief period of confinement, Chinese mothers have traditionally been expected to rest indoors for 1 full month after giving birth. This helped ensure they didn't become overtired, or contract any germs or illnesses from the outside world that could prove dangerous in their weakened state. I've also heard of how the new mothers aren't allowed to shower for a period of time! *eeewwwww*

Besides resting, they would also drink a a supposedly nutritious broth made with pig's feet, eggs, vinegar and ginger.

In the past, due to the traditional importance of male children in Chinese culture, red egg and ginger parties were sometimes given for boys only, or the celebration for boys were more elaborate. Today, parties are given for babies of both sexes.

I'm looking forward to Natalie's first month celebration this weekend. Will update with photos following that *winks*