Anderson went to have his checkout on Friday. He weighed in at 12 lbs and 4 oz. He took three shots and something else... Miranda took him.
Then mommy got sick and I was taking care of him yesterday and today. I woke up and fed him three times last night. I guess I can appreciate Miranda a little better now... She is better now and I think she will take over tonight..
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Amnesty International Report On Malaysia 2009
The government tightened control of dissent and curtailed the right to freedom of expression and religion. Bloggers were arrested under the Sedition Act, and the Printing Press and Publications Act (PPPA) was used to control newspaper content. Ten people were arbitrarily arrested and detained under the Internal Security Act (ISA). Security forces continued to use excessive force while the establishment of an independent police complaints misconduct commission was postponed. Immigration personnel and volunteers conducted mass arrests of migrant workers. At least 22 people were sentenced to death. The number executed was unknown.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Police to quiz Kit Siang for sedition, defamation
PENANG, May 30 — DAP leader Lim Kit Siang will be the latest politician questioned by police today for alleged sedition and criminal defamation, this time apparently against the prime minister at the start of the Penanti by-election campaign.
Lim said police officers came to a ceramah in Penanti last night where he was speaking to inform him that he will be questioned in connection with defamation and sedition related to Datuk Seri Najib Razak in his speech last Sunday.
"Apparently I'm wanted by police 4 sedition & criminal defamation of Najib + Malaysia," Lim posted in his Twitter account at about 1.30am.
"I told the police to come to my Penang house to question me. I don't know what it’s about as I gave three speeches that night," the Ipoh Timur MP told The Malaysian Insider.
He said Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, who is his son, lawyers and reporters are expected to be there as well when the police turn up at 11.30am.
In one of his speeches last Sunday at a ceramah in Bukit Mertajam, the veteran politician said Najib was the primary target in the Penanti by-election as it was “a referendum on the credibility, integrity and legitimacy of Najib in his second month as Prime Minister”.Kit Siang accused Najib of allowing the police to conduct an unprecedented raid on the DAP national head office in Petaling Jaya.
He said Najib's “1 Malaysia. People First. Performance Now” slogan has been shredded and discredited with the Perak political crisis, abuse of police power in curbing political dissent, unequal distribution of scholarships and the delayed release of the audit on the Port Klang Free Zone.
He has been campaigning strongly in the Penanti by-election despite Barisan Nasional's absence on the ballot paper. Polling day is tomorrow.
Kit Siang this morning noted the new government method to “fix” the opposition or dissent by using sedition and criminal defamation charges instead of the Internal Security Act (ISA) that provides for detention without trial.
His colleague, DAP national chairman Karpal Singh, is facing a sedition charge while rights activist Wong Chin Huat was held recently for alleged sedition.
Kit Siang and Karpal have previously been held under the ISA.
Controversial blogger and Malaysia Today editor Raja Petra Kamarudin has been slapped with criminal defamation and sedition charges apart from being previously held under the ISA for allegations linking Najib and his wife to the murder of Mongolian beauty Altantuya Shaariibuu.
RPK, as he is popularly known, has skipped bail and is said to have left the country.
The Sedition Act is, however, perceived to be less oppressive than the ISA but yet drafted in such a way that it gives the government absolute power to make arrests on its political enemies.
According to section 4 (1) of the Sedition Act, a person is considered to have committed an offence under this law if he or she attempts to do, or make any preparation to do, or conspires with any person to do, any act which has or would, if done, have a seditious tendency.
It further read that any person is found to have committed an offence under this law if he or she utters any seditious words, prints, publishes, sells, offers for sale, distributes, or reproduces any seditious publications or imports any seditious publications.
Yet in all of this, there is no real and clear definitive guideline as to what constitutes sedition.
Zaid attacks racial overtones in anti-Chin Peng campaign
KUALA LUMPUR, May 29 — Former communist leader Chin Peng laid down arms 20 years ago, and on April 30, he lost his final bid in the Federal Court to return to Malaysia, but in recent weeks Umno leaders and media controlled by the party have turned him once again into the country’s “Public Enemy No. 1”.
Datuk Zaid Ibrahim, a former Umno Cabinet minister, expressed concern today over the racial overtones of the campaign to prevent Chin Peng from coming home.
“According to Rais Yatim and Ahmad Zahid Hamidi there is a new enemy — the group that wants to revive communism. The ministers may have come to this conclusion because there are a few Chinese who want Chin Peng to be allowed home,” the former de facto law minister wrote on his blog today.
Rais, the information minister, and Ahmad Zahid, the defence minister, both claimed this week there were moves to revive communism.
Utusan Malaysia and Berita Harian have also been running anti-Chin Peng stories on a daily basis in what appears to be a campaign to whip up a sense of nationalism among readers.
Former security forces veterans are also being interviewed to rail against the “evils of communism”.
Rais also said this week that RTM would start airing documentaries on the “cruelty” of the communists.
Writing in his weekly column in Berita Harian, Datuk Abdul Rahman Sulaiman, a former MP and a media advisor in the Najib administration, claimed that the principles of freedom of speech and democracy were fronts to revive communism.
He added that the tendency of the opposition to speak of a class struggle by using specific terms such as "ruling elite", "Umno elite", "Umnoputras" and "marginalised groups" reflected the same pattern.
The anti-communist campaign so far suggests an attempt to paint a picture of the Chinese community as sympathisers.It also appears to include the portrayal of Malay Pakatan Rakyat (PR) leaders such as ousted Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Nizar Jamaluddin as a communist sympathiser because of his close ties with the Chinese-dominated DAP.
Zaid, who was sacked from Umno and who is expected to join a PR party, defended those who have pleaded for Chin Peng to return to Malaysia.
“Many are sympathetic to Chin Peng’s aspiration to return home and die. This does not mean they want to revive communism.”
He pointed out also that even the Chinese in China were now practising free market capitalism as are the Chinese community in Malaysia.
“So what is the motive of Umno in making a big issue of communism? Don’t cause friction among the people by creating a new enemy.
“I wonder if Chin Peng were a Malay, would our stand and emotions be the same?”
Zaid noted that Utusan Malaysia was campaigning aggressively against Chin Peng, and while he agreed that the former communist leader was “cruel,” he pointed out the “cruel” communists included former fighters such as Rashid Maidin and Shamsiah Fakeh who were allowed to return home to Malaysia.
From the Malaysian Insider, May 30, 2009
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Funnies
| 道歉信 ******************************************************************* 孝順 父 : 不要一天到晚學人家飆車,讓父母擔心,一點也不知道孝順 早上七點半。 這天，公司外的清掃婦。 甲婦：「如果妳的老公有外遇，妳會怎麼樣？」 修理 甲婦：「我家兒子經常弄壞電器，幸好他老爸會修理。」 保證 錯誤 一對夫婦結婚二十周年，老婆提議殺隻雞慶賀一番。 比毒 話說我有兩位同事，一男一女，非常喜歡鬥嘴，平常沒事就互"虧" |
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Maybe Obama Was Busy
Monday, 18 May 2009 01:47
By Adib Zalkapli, The Malaysian Insider
By Adib Zalkapli, The Malaysian Insider
Foreign Minister Datuk Anifah Aman said today the late congratulatory message from the United States on the appointment of Datuk Seri Najib Razak as prime minister was not a major issue and may be caused by President Barack Obama's busy schedule.
Obama's congratulatory message came over a month after Najib was sworn in.
“Maybe President Obama was busy; I do not know the real reason. I believe a phone call was made earlier,” Anifah told reporters here on his return from an official trip to Washington where he had talks with his US counterpart.
He also said that US secretary of state Hillary Clinton had called him soon after Najib was appointed prime minister.
“Secretary Clinton had called me when I was in Jakarta to convey her congratulatory message,” said Anifah.
On the appointment of the Malaysian ambassador to Washington, Anifah said the matter was not discussed during his meeting with Clinton.
“When the time comes you will know,” he said when asked to confirm reports that Datuk Jamaluddin Jarjis would be appointed ambassador to the United States.
Anifah described his meeting with Clinton as a success.
He said that he had expressed Malaysia's hope for the return of two Malaysians detained at Guantanamo Bay, after the US State Department completed its review.
“She told me that we will be informed about it as soon as possible,” said Anifah.
The two Malaysians — Mohd Farik Amin and Mohammed Nazir Lep — are being held at Guantanamo Bay for alleged involvement in the Jemaah Islamiah and Al-Qaeda militant groups since 2003.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Footage of 'speaker dragged out' banned
The one enduring image of the controversial May 7 Perak assembly sitting was that of speaker V Sivakumar being physically removed from his chair and dragged out of the chamber to allow his rival, R Ganesan, to take over the proceedings. 首要媒体集团（Media Prima）已经下令旗下的四家电视台，禁止播放民联霹雳州议长西华古玛在5月7日的州议会中，遭强行拖出议会厅外的录影。
西华古玛在上周四举行的霹雳州议会上，遭到一群相信是便衣警员的人士，强硬从议长座位上扛起来，然后把他拖出议会厅外和“软禁”，以便安排国阵议长甘尼申坐上议长的宝座。
尽管其中一家电视台成功拍到这个粗暴的过程，但是首要媒体高层却在当天傍晚迅速下令，一切关于西华古玛被拖出议会厅的影像，不能够出街。
与巫统关系密切的首要媒体集团，拥有国内所有4家私人免费电视台，即TV3、ntv7、《八度空间》与tv9。
根据匿名消息指出，电视台职员是在5月7日傍晚接到高层的“指示”，不能够播放西华古玛遭拖出议会厅的极具争议片段。
“我们拥有西华古玛被拖离席位的整个影像，但是我们接到高层的指示，不可以播放。”
消息说，由于管理层没有足够时间发出书面通知，因此相信这个只是一项口头指示。
尽管如此，其中一家电视台却于隔天在副议长许月凤否认本身夺取西华古玛权力的记者会新闻中，“意外”地安插上述片段，结果招致内部调查。
“有关片段（西华古玛遭拖出议会厅）是以快速方式播放，但是我们很快的接到命令，必须写报告向上司解释。”
消息说，这份报告相信是呈交给首要媒体里负责电视新闻与时事的集团董事卡玛鲁查曼（Kamarulzaman Zainal）。
“我们必须写报告，解释播放有关片段的原因，这样他们才知道要怪罪于谁。”
电视台也被令，在新闻中使用旧档案，例如法庭和过去的州议会录影，而不可以使用5月7日现场的片段。
消息也说，电视台也被禁止播放，警方在州议会外面展开的大逮捕行动，当时共有69人被捕，包括许多国州议员在内。
《当今大马》曾在上个月报道，首要媒体高层曾发出一封内部电邮，给属下电视台的各语文新闻编辑，下令旗下电视台在报道蒙古女郎炸尸案时完全不能提及阿都拉萨与首相纳吉夫妇。
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Celebrating Mother's Day in Church
Sunday School Children
The Choir
"Coffee Club"
Grace Fellowship
Mothers over 8o Years young with members of Chinese Program CouncilClick here for more pictures
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Friday, May 8, 2009
Thursday, May 7, 2009
It's All About Race, Stupid!
Thursday, 07 May 2009 19:19
Raja Nazrin has just launched the debate on whether it is time that Malaysia abolishes the Monarchy and turns this country into a Republic. Yes, the Republic of Malaysia. I like the sound of that. I think I shall go along with that.
NO HOLDS BARRED
Raja Petra Kamarudin
Oh, no! Not another ‘stupid’ article from RPK. Sheesh…….it’s getting to be very boring. If it’s not about Altantuya, it’s about stupid this or stupid that.
Yes, I pre-empted what you are going to say and said it first. So there!
But that is just the thing. It is about race. And if you thought it is about anything else then you are plain dumb and deserve to be called stupid.
Oh, I forgot, I am talking about what happened in Ipoh today. And what happened in Ipoh is about race. It is about ensuring that the Malays do not lose political power. And, as far as Perak is concerned, as far as Umno is concerned, Perak has fallen into the hands of the Chinese.
Did DAP not win the most number of seats in Perak? And is not DAP a Cina-Kominis party that wishes to see the end ofKetuanan Melayu and the New Economic Policy and wishes to replace it with Meritocracy and a Malaysian-Malaysia? And is this not what Lee Kuan Yew also propagates for Singapore? And is not Singapore persecuting and discriminating against Malays? Are not Malays serving in the Singapore Armed Forces not allowed to even carry guns because the Chinese do not trust them? And is not Singapore the enemy of Malaysia who is illegally occupying Malay land that the British robbed from the Johor Sultanate?
Did PKR not win the second highest number of seats in Perak? And is not PKR a non-race-based party that wishes to see the end of Ketuanan Melayu and the New Economic Policy and wishes to replace it with Meritocracy and Ketuanan Malaysia? Are not only half the PKR Wakil Rakyat Malays while the other half are Chinese and Indians?
Did PAS not win the least number of seats in Perak? And is not PAS an Islamic party that classifies Ketuanan Melayu and theNew Economic Policy as nationalism and discrimination and therefore haram (forbidden) -- and does it not support DAP and PKR in opposing Ketuanan Melayu and the New Economic Policy? Is not PAS the boneka (puppet) of DAP, and although theMenteri Besar is from PAS, DAP actually pulls the strings from behind the scenes?
Yes, that is what it is all about. That is why Pakatan Rakyat must be kicked out of Perak at all costs. That is why fairness, legality and the Constitution are no longer crucial. In the fight to uphold Malay Supremacy, fairness, legality and the Constitution must take a back seat. The ends justify the means. It is not how you play the game. It is winning, by hook or by crook, by fair means or foul, that counts.
If it were in Kelantan, Umno would not have dared do what it did in Perak today. If Umno tried to do the same thing in Kelantan as what it did in Perak today, blood would have flowed on the streets of Kota Bharu. By now, Kota Bharu would be under curfew. Widows would be claiming bodies at the mortuary and new orphans would be created. The plainclothes police officers insongkok would not have been able to drag the Speaker out of the State Assembly like a drunken cowboy in a Hollywood Western movie.
Did you see how the police officers dragged Siva out of the State Assembly? I did. And they were able to drag him out in such an undignified manner because he is an Indian-Hindu from Perak. If he had been a Malay-Muslim from Kelantan, they would never have done that in a million years. They do and parangs would fly. Heads of the Umno dogs would be scattered all over the roads of Kota Bharu.
Do I sound racial? Do I sound violent? Well, I hope so. Because that is exactly what it is all about. I do not mince my words. I do not hold my punches. This column is called No Holds Barred. And my article is therefore no holds barred.
I am disappointed about today. I am disappointed not because of what Umno did. I expected that from Umno. I knew that Umno would do that. What I am disappointed about is that Pakatan Rakyat did not hold their ground. Siva was dragged out of the State Assembly like a sack of potatoes. Yet no one did anything. No one jumped in and gave those goons a hard bash on the head.
I am also disappointed because the crowd was not a crowd. The people on the ground were mostly from out of Perak. Many were Bloggers and civil society movement activists. But they were not locals. They were not Perakians. Where were the local Perakians? They were not around. If they want to argue they could not get through because of the police roadblocks, then how could all those out-of-towners get through, in spite of the roadblocks?
There should have been blood spilled, today, in the Perak State Assembly. Violence must be met with violence. There is no other way. If they want to talk, then we talk. But if they want to use violence, then we match them with violence. And they violently dragged Siva out of the Perak State Assembly.
Siva should have been allowed to exit on his feet. Instead, he was dragged and thrown out like a drunken wino. Is that how a Speaker should be treated? Well, if he were Malay that would never have happened. If it were in Kelantan that would never have happened. But because he is an Indian from Perak then it can happen. And it did happen.
And you know what the icing on the cake is? Raja Nazrin graced the whole fiasco. He gave legitimacy to the entire circus in Ipoh today. His presence gave legality to what should have been illegal. Raja Nazrin’s decision to play along with Umno has hurt the Monarchy badly. It will take a long time for the Monarchy to recover from what happened in Perak today. In fact, it may never recover.
Raja Nazrin has just launched the debate on whether it is time that Malaysia abolishes the Monarchy and turns this country into a Republic. Yes, the Republic of Malaysia. I like the sound of that. I think I shall go along with that.
That is what Perak was all about, today. And don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Repeat after me: It’s all about race, stupid!
Sivakumar dragged out, BN speaker takes over
May 7, 09 8:24am
PHOTO GALLERY
5.10pm: BN speaker Ganesan tells reporters that he does not see any problems with regards to executing his duties in future.
"There is a maxim in democracy - majority rules. BN has 31 (seats), Pakatan has 28. The majority elected the speaker."
LIVE REPORTS
PHOTO GALLERY
5.10pm: BN speaker Ganesan tells reporters that he does not see any problems with regards to executing his duties in future.
"There is a maxim in democracy - majority rules. BN has 31 (seats), Pakatan has 28. The majority elected the speaker."
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Chaos in assembly, BN speaker 'appointed'
May 7, 09 8:24am
LIVE REPORTS
12.55pm: BN speaker Ganesan announces that the House will be adjourned for another hour. This is the second adjournment he has announced since been appointed by the BN as the speaker.
As he is unfamiliar with the House standing orders and has to be helped by BN exco Hamidah (Sungai Rapat), he is laughed at by Pakatan reps.
Despite the adjournment, the elected reps remain in the House.
12.50pm: Umno Youth's Saiful Adli files a police report against Sivakumar for ordering Zambry and others out of the House. He says this is in contempt of court.
12.45pm: The situation turns ugly in the House. Pakatan rep Thomas Su (Pasir Pinji) ridicules Hee by offering her RM50 and shouting 'Go and die' in Cantonese.
Following this, another Pakatan rep Yew Tian Hoe (Aulong) throws two RM1 notes at the deputy speaker, prompting a vexed Hee to pick up the notes and tear them to pieces.
Other reps - from both sides of the divide - are recording the happenings in the House with their handphones.
Earlier, Yew claimed that Hee had splashed him with pepper spray.
Click here for more
LIVE REPORTS
12.55pm: BN speaker Ganesan announces that the House will be adjourned for another hour. This is the second adjournment he has announced since been appointed by the BN as the speaker.
As he is unfamiliar with the House standing orders and has to be helped by BN exco Hamidah (Sungai Rapat), he is laughed at by Pakatan reps.
Despite the adjournment, the elected reps remain in the House.
12.50pm: Umno Youth's Saiful Adli files a police report against Sivakumar for ordering Zambry and others out of the House. He says this is in contempt of court.
12.45pm: The situation turns ugly in the House. Pakatan rep Thomas Su (Pasir Pinji) ridicules Hee by offering her RM50 and shouting 'Go and die' in Cantonese.
Following this, another Pakatan rep Yew Tian Hoe (Aulong) throws two RM1 notes at the deputy speaker, prompting a vexed Hee to pick up the notes and tear them to pieces.
Other reps - from both sides of the divide - are recording the happenings in the House with their handphones.
Earlier, Yew claimed that Hee had splashed him with pepper spray.
Click here for more
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
GATE Students Dissecting Cow's Eye
The GATE (Gifted and Talented Eduction) students at Westhoff Elementary School in Walnut had the opportunity to participate in a special science project after school today. They dissected a cow's eye. Originally they were scheduled to do a pig eye but because of the swine flu scare, they decided to go for the poor cow...
Amanda was very excited at the opportunity but she was a little scared and nervous. She insisted that I go with her and had been nagging for the whole week (Parents are encouraged to participate with their child). She was so persistent that I had no choice but to comply. I left work early just to see a bunch of kids dissecting cow eyes... :)
I am sure they had a lot of fun and they learned a lot. I enjoyed spending the time with my daughter and of course taking the pictures....
The instructor helping them get started..
They finally get the hang of it...
Amanda was very excited at the opportunity but she was a little scared and nervous. She insisted that I go with her and had been nagging for the whole week (Parents are encouraged to participate with their child). She was so persistent that I had no choice but to comply. I left work early just to see a bunch of kids dissecting cow eyes... :)
I am sure they had a lot of fun and they learned a lot. I enjoyed spending the time with my daughter and of course taking the pictures....
The instructor helping them get started..
They finally get the hang of it...
Monday, May 4, 2009
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.
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.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Friday, May 1, 2009
A Night Out....
We went out and celebrated Anderson's "one month old" tonight in Red Lobster. After being confined to home for a month (sort of), Miranda and all of us went to pig-out. We also took the opportunity to take Miranda's parents out for some nice dinner. We appreciated their help so much for the past month. We don't know what we would do without them. Anderson actually slept through the dinner... (what a good boy :) !) So far, he looks as good as Amanda when Amanda was a baby.... Could we be this lucky? :)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)