Mr. Smith-
I found this very intriguing as well so I looked it up on the internet and
found several sites.  The following is a poem that describes this tradition
and it is followed by several websites that might be of some use.
-Christian Trabue
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The Celebration of Life
Red Eggs and Ginger

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Fertililty, birth, prosperity and life.
To build a family is a job for husband and wife.
Eat nuts and seeds, and fertility will reside.
For birth will soon follow, bringing parenthood to your side.

Mother must stay warm,
For she must not eat or drink cold or the child within will be harmed.
Flat comfortable shoes, she must wear,
For now, the child is growing and its birth is near.


Rejoice, celebrate, for a new life has entered the world.
In traditional Chinese times, many joys for a boy, and less for a girl.
In the days that follow, mother must recuperate,
In a soup of pig's feet and sweet dark vinegar she must partake.
For the calcium from the pig bones will make her strong.
Simmer the bones with ginger and hard boiled eggs, and she will not be
wronged.


For eggs give mother protein and ginger makes her blood flow,
Bringing health back to mom, letting her glow.
Chicken soup with wood ears, ginger, wine, and peanuts will help mother
heal,
But can also be served to guest who visit for a light meal.


In a month, a red egg party must be thrown,
To formally welcome the little one to life, its new home.
Eggs, symbolizing fertility are boiled hard,
Then dyed red, for good luck will surely be in the child's charge.


Honor and respect does age bring,
So a child born is already 1-year-old and growing.
Shower the child with money in red envelopes," lai-sees,"
And prosperous, wealthy, and successful the child's future will be.


Birth will carry on the family name.
For a family is strong in playing life's game.
With children by your side, you will be assured,
Of prosperity and never of being poor.
Your children will comfort and care for you in your old age.
Celebrate the birth of a child, for now joy and prosperity will fill all
your days.
http://chineseculture.about.com/culture/chineseculture/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?site=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.csuchico.edu%2F%7Echeinz%2Fsyllabi%2Fasst001%2Fspring99%2Fwong%2Fwong1.html






>From: Roger Smith <[log in to unmask]>
>Reply-To: Museum discussion list <[log in to unmask]>
>To: [log in to unmask]
>Subject: Red Eggs & Ginger -  a tradition that lives on?
>Date: Sun, 10 Dec 2000 10:37:09 +1300
>
>Our neighbours in a nearby mews development celebrated  the recent arrival
>of their latest child with a party.
>
>This prompted my Chinese wife to recount a tradition that many Chinese
>families have, of sending out red-dyed boiled eggs and preserved ginger in
>a
>bundle; this acts as an announcement & invitation to meet the new family
>member and make a gift for the child.
>
>I couldn't help thinking of the parallels between this and a traditional
>English Christening ceremony where invitations are issued (quite apart from
>the religious overtones) and gifts are given.
>
>As a I have a natural interest in these customs (which most regrettably are
>often  fast disappearing) I would be interested in hearing from Chinese
>friends and colleagues as to the meaning and observance of the Red Eggs &
>Ginger tradition?  Is it still widely observed?
>
>Also there may be other cultures that have a similar custom?
>
>if you have anything to share on this subject perhaps you would be kind
>enough to email me on the subject?   [log in to unmask]
>
>With thanks
>Roger
>
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