Chinese food culture: important occasions
Birthday is an important holiday in one’s life. When the person is young, usually he will eat noodles before the main celebration, as the long noodles indicate the longevity in China, and birthday cake on the very day. Middle age hero of the occasion will have his birthday grander. In addition to the above, table will be full with peaches in many forms, which symbolizes the longevity and immortality.
On the wedding day, it is also usual to serve Chinese dates, peanuts and chestnuts. Dishes are accompanied by the wish that the couple will soon have a baby in accord with the Chinese proclamation.
Returning home after long absence or departure from home are very significant to most Chinese people. The return home is welcomed with noodles and off home while a farewell is offered with dumplings. This tradition is especially popular in Northeast China.
In Central China, when a baby is born, the father will send red boiled eggs to announce the happy news. Eggs with a black pointed end and dots in an even number such as six or eight, means a boy’s birth; and those without a black point and in an odd number like a five or seven will inform about baby-girl.