Special Edition: Road to 坐月子 Zue Yuezi
Preserving Tradition in Transition: The Chew Family's Cultural Journey
The story of the Chew family is a vivid tapestry woven with the threads of tradition and adaptation, exemplifying the dynamic nature of cultural identity among Chinese American communities. Rooted in ancient practices, this special edition shares the Chew family’s child birth traditions across generations.
The Ancestral Naming Tradition
Among the oldest and most revered traditions in the Chew family is the practice of recording each son's generational name in the 族谱 Zupu—an ancestral tablet that has chronicled over a thousand years of lineage to the Song Dynasty. Traditionally, this sacred ritual involved the elders of the 台山縣 浮石村 village assigning a generational name from a poem, with the surname Zhao first, and then a unique name indicating personal traits or hoped-for qualities which goes last.
This tradition is profoundly respected within the family, but never included daughters—a reflection of historical societal norms. However, as the Chew family set roots in America, they began to incorporate their daughters into this practice, blending their rich heritage with their evolving American identity. Now, daughters too receive a generational name, a change initiated by the Chinese American born family to promote gender equality and preserve their heritage more inclusively.
Zuo Yue Zi: The Confinement Tradition
Another cornerstone of Chew family tradition is 坐月子 (Zuo Yue Zi), or the "Sitting the Moon" confinement period. This 30-day practice for new mothers involves a strict regimen designed to restore health and vitality after childbirth using Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). During this time, the mother engages in minimal activity, focusing on recovery and bonding with her newborn.
The dietary practices during Zuo Yue Zi are particularly elaborate, consisting of specific foods that promote healing according to TCM principles. Ingredients like whiskey chicken and ginger or green papaya and fish, believed to help restore the body's balance of Yin and Yang, crucial for a mother’s recovery.
Red Egg and Ginger Party: A Celebration of Life
The culmination of the confinement period is the 紅蛋, 紅雞蛋 "Red Egg & Ginger" party, traditionally held on the 30th day following childbirth. This celebration is not merely a close family event but a deeply symbolic gathering that underscores the survival and health of the newborn. The color red reflecting joy and good fortune, while eggs symbolize fertility and renewal, and ginger represents strength and balance.
During the party, several significant rituals take place:
The baby's first major rites: These include the baby’s first bath, which is believed to cleanse and protect, and the first haircut, signifying the shedding of traits from past lives according to ancient China.
Introduction and naming: The newborn is officially introduced to the community, receiving their Chinese name, selected by an elder for its auspicious meanings. First is the surname Zhao, followed by a generational name and then the auspicious name selected by an elder. For the Chews, this moment is particularly poignant, as it also marks the inclusion of daughters in the naming tradition, with the fifth-generation girls receiving the name 麗 (Li).
Adapting Traditions: The Baptism and Banquet
By the 100th day following birth—a significant milestone replacing the typical Western baby shower—a celebratory banquet is held to honor both mother and baby. Integrating their Christian beliefs with their Chinese heritage, the Chews have added a baptism ceremony for the newborn, symbolizing a rite of passage with God on the 100th day. Embracing their dual heritage, the Chews incorporate Christianity into their customs, beginning these celebrations with a baptism for the baby, signifying a spiritual beginning. This is followed by a Cantonese banquet near the home of the eldest family member, honoring both the child and the longevity and wisdom of the elder, often the focal point of the celebration.
For my family, this esteemed elder is Ji Po (Great Auntie), May Yee, who, at 100 years old, is our beloved matriarch and the guest of honor and will bless the baby with her longevity wishing the baby to live beyond 100 years. The 100th day banquet is a feast of symbolism and tradition, with dishes carefully chosen for their meanings and the communal sharing of food reinforcing family bonds and communal support.
The banquet is thoughtfully arranged near her home as a tribute to her longevity, embodying filial piety and respect for our elder.
The attire for such an event is equally traditional and vibrant. Family members don elegant Cheongsams and formal wear, predominantly in red—the color deemed most auspicious and symbolic of good fortune. Black and white, in contrast, are prohibited.
As guests arrive, they are greeted with plates of red eggs and pickled ginger at each table—symbols of luck, unity, and bodily harmony post-childbirth. Depending on the gender of the child, an even or odd number of red eggs are presented, complemented by celebratory tea. The banquet itself features a feast of Cantonese delicacies, including a cold meat appetizer, treasure soup, and an array of dishes featuring golden seafood, vegetables, tofu, lettuce wraps, noodles, fried rice, and a final sweet dessert. Each dish served is not only part of a multi-course meal but also imbued with special meaning, reflecting the joy and significance of the occasion. Key dishes include:
Cold meat appetizers: Representing past prosperity and a wish for a bountiful life.
Treasure soup: Symbolizing a rich and fortunate existence.
Golden seafood: For abundance and good luck.
Gift-giving is an integral part of the celebration, with guests traditionally presenting red envelopes filled with 'lucky money' to the baby, who is introduced around the room by the eldest family member—Ji Po in this case—along with her grandparents: Gung Gung, Po Po, Nai Nai, and Je Je. Well-wishers often tuck or pin these red envelopes onto the baby’s clothing, while the grandparents may adorn the baby with gold and jade jewelry, bestowing blessings of longevity and protection.
As the celebration unfolds, guests enjoy the Red Egg and Ginger at their tables, partaking in the joyous atmosphere. The baby, dressed in bright red, symbolizes a life hoped to be filled with fortune and prosperity. Gold accessories such as necklaces or bracelets with charms or lockets are added to ward off evil spirits and enhance good luck.
The event culminates with the mother expressing her gratitude through a toast, thanking the guests for their participation in celebrating the end of the confinement period and sharing in their collective happiness. This gathering not only honors the newest addition to the family but also reaffirms the Chews’ dedication to their cultural heritage and the seamless integration of their beliefs and traditions.
Conclusion: A Tapestry of Tradition and Change
In their vibrant celebrations and careful adaptation of traditional practices, the Chew family exemplifies how diaspora communities can both preserve and reinterpret cultural heritage in new environments. By maintaining core elements of their cultural identity while embracing new values and practices, they create a living tradition that respects their past while dynamically engaging with their present.