My Red Egg & Ginger Party

Red egg and ginger parties have their origins in ancient Chinese culture. As in other countries, infant mortality rates in China were quite high prior to the medical advances of the twentieth century. A baby who reached one month of age was likely to survive, and so the event was celebrated.



Traditionally, this was also a time to reintroduce the mother to the world. The Chinese believe mothers are in a highly weakened state in the period immediately following birth. Just as English custom calls for new mothers to enjoy a brief period of confinement, Chinese mothers have traditionally been expected to rest indoors for one full month after giving birth. This helped ensure they didn't become overtired, or contract any germs or illnesses from the outside world that could prove dangerous in their weakened state. Besides resting, they drank a nutritious broth made with pig's feet, eggs, vinegar and ginger. Many new mothers still follow this ritual today.

Here you can see my "Poh poh" and my "Grandma" with me on the day of my Red Egg and Ginger Party.

I am being followed by two very scary things!

It was just another normal day and I was going about my usual business when suddenly
I noticed two very strange looking things wiggling around right next to me. I tried to get away but they followed everywhere my mom and dad took me.

It was very creepy. The were wrinkly and wiggly and did not seem to have a purpose other than following me around all day.

It was such a troubling experience that I finally broke down and cried.

New Talents

I found out that I was natural at a few things. I was great at taking baths and I could scream very, very loud.

Life on the outside

Even though life on the outside took some getting used to, my mom and dad were both good to me. My two favorite things to do were eating and sleeping.

We all seemed to be awake a lot at night, but both my parents always seemed happy to take a nap when I wanted to.

My Mom and Dad

This is a picture of me with my Mom and Dad. As you can see, they are very proud.

I was born...

I was born on March 8th, 2006. I was heathy and happy at 7lb - 8oz. My mom is Ying Chiu and my dad is Scott Porter. I have no sisters and my only brother is a 2 year old dingo named Mojo.