【Chinese Micro Class---Language&Culture】How do Chinese people celebrate birthdays？ 中国人怎么过生日？

Summary

This video explores how Chinese people celebrate birthdays, highlighting important milestones such as the first, 18th, and 60th birthdays. It discusses traditional customs like the 'grabbing test' at a child’s first birthday and the significance of Confucian teachings in life’s stages. The coming-of-age ceremony is also examined, where young individuals receive symbolic gifts like crowns or hairpins. Elderly birthdays are marked by wishes for longevity and good fortune. The video also contrasts Chinese and Western birthday customs, including the giving of red envelopes, longevity noodles, and birthday wishes, reflecting Chinese values and cultural traditions.

Takeaways

• 😀 Chinese people celebrate several important birthdays, including the first birthday, 18th birthday, and birthdays for older adults.
• 😀 The first birthday (Josue) is a major family event, with a unique tradition known as the 'gripping test' where children choose objects that predict their future.
• 😀 The 18th birthday marks the transition from childhood to adulthood in Chinese culture, highlighting the significance of reaching adulthood.
• 😀 Confucius' teachings emphasize the milestones of life, such as the age of 15 (learning), 30 (establishing oneself), 40 (freedom from earthly concerns), 50 (understanding fate), 60 (accepting opinions), and 70 (following one's heart).
• 😀 The 'gripping test' at the first birthday involves placing various items around the child, with chosen objects symbolizing the child's future career or traits.
• 😀 In Chinese culture, a child's early experiences are believed to have a profound impact on their future development, exemplified by the saying 'a child is the father of men.'
• 😀 The coming-of-age ceremony in traditional China involved boys being crowned at 20 and girls receiving a hairpin at 15, signifying adulthood.
• 😀 Modern Chinese coming-of-age celebrations for those turning 18 often involve honoring parents, teachers, and the world with formal gestures or messages.
• 😀 The 60th birthday and beyond are celebrated as significant milestones of longevity in Chinese culture, with symbolic rituals like eating longevity noodles and giving red envelopes.
• 😀 Chinese birthday celebrations include both traditional and modern elements, such as singing birthday songs, eating cake, giving gifts, and offering red envelopes for good luck and blessings.
• 😀 Birthday wishes in Chinese culture include phrases like 'Happy Birthday,' 'May your dreams come true,' 'Forever 18,' and blessings for long life and fortune, especially for older adults.

Q & A

Why are the birthdays of the elderly and children particularly important in Chinese culture?

In Chinese culture, the birthdays of the elderly and children hold great significance as they symbolize respect for life stages. Children's birthdays, especially the first birthday, are milestones, while the elderly are honored for their wisdom and longevity, reflecting deep respect for both youth and old age.

What is the significance of the first birthday in China?

The first birthday, also known as 'josue,' is a major event in a child's life in China. It is not only a celebration of the child’s growth but also a moment for the family to make wishes for the child’s future. During this celebration, a special 'grasping test' is performed to predict the child’s future career and interests.

What is the 'grasping test,' and how does it work?

The 'grasping test' is a traditional ritual where various objects are placed around a child, and family members observe which item the child grabs. Each item symbolizes a different potential future, such as a pen for a scholar, money for a businessperson, or a musical instrument for a musician.

How does Confucian philosophy influence Chinese birthday celebrations?

Confucian philosophy influences Chinese birthday celebrations by assigning significant meaning to certain age milestones. Confucius' reflections on his life at various ages are viewed as a guideline for personal development and maturity, marking specific birthdays, such as the 40th and 50th, as important stages in one's life.

What is the cultural importance of the 18th birthday in China?

The 18th birthday is significant in China as it marks the transition from childhood to adulthood. It is highly valued, as it symbolizes the beginning of adulthood and responsibilities in society.

What traditional ceremony is associated with the coming-of-age birthdays in China?

In traditional Chinese culture, boys were crowned at the age of 20, while girls received a hairpin at the age of 15. These rituals symbolized the transition into adulthood. Today, coming-of-age ceremonies are often celebrated by reaching the age of 18, with some still observing traditional practices.

What is the role of the 'show' in Chinese birthday celebrations for the elderly?

The word 'show,' meaning longevity, is used in Chinese birthday celebrations for elderly individuals to wish them a long and healthy life. It is often paired with phrases like 'gods of longevity,' signifying blessings for extended life and health.

How have Chinese birthday celebrations evolved over time?

Chinese birthday celebrations have evolved to incorporate both traditional and Western practices. While traditional elements like giving red envelopes, longevity noodles, and red eggs still play a role, modern celebrations now often include common Western practices like cake-cutting, singing, and gift-giving.

What are some traditional birthday foods in China, and what do they symbolize?

Traditional birthday foods in China include longevity noodles, which symbolize a wish for long life, and red eggs, which symbolize rebirth and good fortune. These foods hold deep cultural significance, expressing the community's hopes and blessings for the individual.

What are some common birthday wishes in Chinese culture?

Common birthday wishes in Chinese culture include 'Juni sheng' (Happy Birthday), 'Juni yangye' (Wish your dreams come true), 'Juni sheng 18' (Wishing you remain youthful), and 'Furu donghai' (Wishing you longevity and good fortune). These wishes reflect hopes for happiness, health, and prosperity.