Thank you!

The Yong Family would like to thank all of you (relatives and friends) who participated in Anderson's one-month celebration on Saturday night. We appreciate you spending the time to join us in sharing this joyous occasion. For those that were not invited, we have to apologize because we have to limit ourselves, after all we ARE working on a budget :( ......

We had a blast and we hope you did too. We tried to follow the Chinese culture and tradition to the best of our knowledge. We had a lot of older and wiser relatives to advise us. We hope we did not disappoint any of them or you. We received a lot of gifts. Cash, Gold, Clothing, Toys & ..... Once again thank you for your generosity and thoughtfulness. I would like share some of the gifts with you since some of you complained that we never opened presents in public.. :)

There are Gold (rings, bracelets, pendants.....)

And there are Cash and Gift Cards ...

And of course clothing, toys and .....

I am actually very surprised that some of the Chinese friends who claimed that they are not familiar with this occasion. So, I decided to google it and found some interesting information.

This is what the ChinaCulture.org said: "..... the first important event for the newly born baby is the one-month celebration. Among Buddhist or Taoist families, on the morning of the baby's 30th day, sacrifices are offered to the gods so that the gods will protect the baby in his or her subsequent life. Ancestors are also informed of the arrival of a new member to the family. According to custom, relatives and friends receive gifts from the child's parents. The types of gifts vary from place to place, but eggs dyed red are usually a must both in the city and countryside. Red eggs are chosen as gifts since they are the symbol of change in life; their round shape also symbolizes a harmonious and happy life. Eggs are dyed red because red represents happiness in Chinese culture. Besides eggs, cakes, chickens and hams are also often given as gifts. As during the Spring Festival, gifts are always given in even numbers.

During the celebration, relatives and friends of the family will also give some presents that the child may use, such as food, daily necessities, or gold or silverware. But the most common gift is money wrapped in a piece of red paper. Grandparents usually give their grandchildren a gold or silver item to show their deep love for the child. In the evening, the child's parents prepare a rich feast at home or go to a restaurant to celebrate."

This is what About.com said: "In Chinese culture, a baby's first month birthday calls for a celebration. Proud parents introduce their latest addition to friends and relatives by holding a red egg and ginger party. Traditionally, the baby's name is also announced at this time.

Guests attending red egg and ginger parties bring gifts. Lysee or "lucky money" in red envelopes is 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, symbolizing happiness and the renewal of life.

Red egg and ginger parties have their origins in ancient Chinese culture. As in other countries, infant mortality rates in China were quite high prior to the medical advances of the twentieth century. A baby who reached one month of age was likely to survive, and so the event was celebrated.

Traditionally, this was also a time to reintroduce the mother to the world. The Chinese believe 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 one 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. Besides resting, they drank a nutritious broth made with pig's feet, eggs, vinegar and ginger. Many new mothers still follow this ritual today.

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 was more elaborate. Today, parties are given for babies of both sexes.

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. But the custom of passing out red-dyed eggs continues. Parents may also use the brightly colored eggs to announce the birth; an even number of eggs are sent out for a boy, and an odd number to announce a baby girl.