Our Village's Birthday Celebration

Liu Wen/ Gansu Lanzhou No.17 Middle School

Each and every different place has their own traditions and customs. Through experiencing these customs you can truly experience the unique parts of each culture.

Recently I firsthand felt how rich my town’s culture is during a local ceremony to celebrate our elders.

The ceremony was held in a big hall which was decked out in red wall hangings with the Chinese character for 'life' written on them. The main table was full with delicious foods such as of dried fruit, peanuts, and Longan. Each of these food represents different meanings - all which have represent life. Today the celebration was for many an lady who was over 80 years old!

The host of the ceremony quickly introduced the occasion, and introduced the lady whose birthday it was. After that all the younger generation took turns to bow in front of the lady as a sign of respect. Then in turn she began handing red envelopes with money in them to the younger generation. Everyone was frantically trying to get one. Everyone in the room was smiling and laughing. Such fun!

After receiving Red envelopes, the younger generation started to serve ‘long life' noodles to the older generation as a sign of respect and wish them all a long and healthy life.

All throughout the banquet, everyone would take turns wishing the elderly words and blessings of good health and happiness. Not only a joyous occasion, but a good example of how respectful the Chinese people are to their elders.