In Chinese custom, parents announce the new baby by sending red eggs to family and close friends. An odd number of eggs signifies a boy; even number for girls.
Naming babies is fraught with difficulty because it’s not enough to pick a nice-sounding name. If a child’s Zodiacal chart shows he or she is lacking an important element, say wood, that needs to be worked into the name somehow so that the elements—fire, water, metal, wood, earth—are balanced in the baby. (That said, neither fire nor water are generally worked into a name for fear of upsetting the balance of elements in these dangerous directions.) Superstition warns against naming a baby before it’s born, since a nice name might entice a spirit to steal it away. So, Chinese babies frequently go by aliases—false names or milk names—to scare away evil spirits until they are older. Another way parents thwart nasty spirits is by fastening little golden bells to the child’s wrists and ankles.
As if the naming processs weren’t difficult enough, even accepting gifts can be tricky. Should a new mom accept the beautiful silver clock from her boss at work? NO! Clocks are bad birthday gifts in Chinese tradition, because the word for clock sounds like the word for death.
One month after bringing the baby home from the hospital there’s another burst of activity as the doting parents prepare for baby’s one-month birthday celebration, usually involving a banquet dinner, red envelopes for the baby, and perhaps gold jewelry—24 karat—in the shape of the animal representing that year. Some people prefer to celebrate the 100-day birthday, instead. Some families celebrate both.
When that first-year birthday rolls around, it’s time for baby to make a career decision. According to Chinese custom, the parents should place a range of objects representing different professions in front of the one-year old: a piece of sewing, a pen, silver, and other things like toy tools. Whichever the baby reaches for first indicates his future profession. The celebration continues with a feast and more gifts, such as a gold ring and special long bread. Life is good that first year.
Traditionally that first-year birthday is important in many, many cultures, as it represents a real milestone for the child: child mortality has decreased over the years, but back when these traditions evolved, making it through one year alive was a real reason to celebrate. In Korea, too, the one-year mark is honored with a feast. Close family and friends gather for this first birthday, Tol, and bring gifts of money.
