Everyone celebrates their birth, we call it a birthday. So, do you know how Chinese celebrate birthdays?
Traditional Chinese birthdays are dates based on the lunar calendar, not the solar calendar. When our first birthday comes after birth, it is important in China. When a child is one year old, his parents will spread a red cloth on the floor in front of him, and put pens, books, abacus, seals, coins, toy swords, etc. on the red cloth. Then they let the child choose for himself what object to touch. Each item has a special meaning, and what a child touches indicates his future.
For example, if he touches a book, it indicates that he will become a scholar in the future. If it is a pen, then he will become a writer in the future. If it is a coin, then he will become rich in the future.
This tradition has been passed down to this day. Although the child’s future depends on his own efforts and development, people still follow this custom. One reason is to respect tradition. You know, the Chinese are a very traditional people. The second reason is that when parents see what a child chooses, they will look forward to his future.
So how do adults celebrate birthdays? Have you heard of longevity noodles? Traditional longevity noodles start with making dough, and then pull the dough into a very long noodle, which just fills a bowl. And when eating, the noodles cannot be bitten off, because it is unlucky. People will add some ingredients to the longevity noodles for matching. Eggs are the most common addition, as they symbolize reunion. Longevity noodles mean longevity: a wish for long life. Typically theyare made for the elders by the younger generation, as a beautiful and traditional way to wish the elders a long life. Nowadays, longevity noodles can be eaten by anyone on his or her birthday, regardless of age.
Nowadays people will add all kinds of their favorite ingredients: shiitake mushrooms, shrimp, green vegetables, etc. Now, there are no strict regulations on the noodles of longevity noodles. If you don’t start by making dough, you can use ordinary noodles, but there must be multiple noodles in the bowl.
Ordinary longevity noodles:
I remember when I was 15 years old, I didn’t hold a party to celebrate my birthday. I just invited a few of my classmates to have Mala Tang. When the restaurant owner learned that I was celebrating my birthday, he gave me a bowl of longevity noodles. His restaurant does not normally serve this dish, it was a special longevity noodle recipe he made for me. He cooked it with instant noodles, and spread a cut poached egg on the instant noodles. Although it was a simple preparation, it was a good blessing from the restaurant owner to me, which touched me and my classmates. He was a very friendly person. Although there was no cake or party for my birthday at that time, I received unexpected surprises and warmth.
Longevity noodles are not only a wish, but also a heritage of traditional culture. It will make the recipient feel blessed, happy, and warm. When you are old, your children will carefully cook for you, on your birthday, a bowl of longevity noodles, I think you will be moved.
“Finally, bless you who are reading this article. Regardless of whether you have a cake or a party on your birthday, whether you are an old man or a young man, you should be blessed. We will continue to move forward at a new age and we will move towards the bright. Embracing warmth, we will eventually become our best selves.”
“Happy Birthday”!
