Shang Ning’s Blog

Happy birthday to myself

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This entry was posted on Sunday, January 20th, 2008.

This is the 26th birthday of mine, I am 26 years old. I think I am a boy, but when I go out, there are many kids call me uncle, so I have to accept that I am an old man now.

Traditionally, Chinese people do not pay much attention to birthdays until they reach 60 years of age. The 60th birthday is regarded as an important milestone in life and therefore is often a big celebration.

Happy birthday to myself

In Chinese culture, 60 years completes a life cycle and 61 is regarded as the beginning of a new life cycle. When one reaches 60, he or she is expected to have a big family filled with children and grandchildren. It is an age to be proud of.

Chinese like noodles on their birthday. In China, long noodles symbolize longevity. Eggs are also among the best choices of foods eaten on this special occasion.

When the noodles are cooked, they should not be cut since short noodles may bring bad luck. Everyone at the feast eats these two types of foods to extend their warm wishes to the star of the show.

Typical birthday presents involve two or four of each of the following: eggs, long noodles, artificial peaches, tonics, wine, and money wrapped in red paper.

Ok, happy birthday to myself, however, it is a wonderful day for me :)


8 Responses to “Happy birthday to myself”

Ivy
January 20th, 2008 at 2:09 pm

Happy Birthday to you! Ooh, I didn’t know that 60 years old is considered a milestone in Chinese.

My mum used to boil dyed-red eggs for me for my birthday. Hahaha! But now that I’m overseas alone, I don’t really follow the Chinese culture. Just a normal dinner with friends is more than enough for a birthday. :)

Jeff
January 20th, 2008 at 2:44 pm

Happy Birthday! Thank you for teaching me about the significance of birthdays in Chinese culture. I learned something new. I hope you keep writing to improve your English. Thank you for visiting my blog.

Nux
January 20th, 2008 at 3:11 pm

hey ShangNing, happy birthday to you! wow, ur birthday ‘feast’ and presents are so traditional! i guess this kind of culture is no longer in practise for many chinese in M’sia.

Dee
January 20th, 2008 at 5:47 pm

I saw that you had taken a peek at my blog and I took a peek back at yours, to discover that you’re celebrating a birthday.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Interesting stuff, the cultural legacy, long vs. short noodles. Makes for great reading, in my opinion.

nimrodjo
January 21st, 2008 at 12:40 am

Happy Birthday Shang Ning…I like the write-up because I can learn something there…

Wendell Dryden
January 21st, 2008 at 2:55 am

Happy Birthday! Yeah, yeah… I know. You think I’m a day late. But it’s still the 20th over here in Canada! (Truth is, you’ll always be a day ahead - lol!)

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February 22nd, 2008 at 11:35 pm

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debbie royal
July 29th, 2008 at 6:37 am

Thank you ShangNing, for enlightening me. My daughter’s Step-mother is Chinese, and we both turn 60 this year, and in the
same month (August). I think a lot of her, and now have an idea for a gift for her. And,Happy Birthday to you (a day late).

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