Sunday, September 23, 2012

James Full Month Baby Shower

In the Asian culture,
a baby shower is done after a month from the birth of a child.

Newborns are traditionally not given names
or formally accepted into the family until this time
because, as in other countries,
infant mortality rates in China is considered quite high.
A baby who reached one month of age was likely to survive,
and so the event was celebrated....

 We started off the morning
 by giving thanks to God.
Then proceed on with traditional ritual of head shaving.
Auspicious words were uttered throughout this process.
Some people believed that this is done 
to mark the point of independent existence 
while others do it believing that the baby
will grow lustrous thick hair.
whatever the reason is,
we just want the best for James.

*Reserve a bunch of hair and fingernails,
release them in a down stream river*

Next up, 
taking a bath with 7 colored flower 
is believed to remove "impurities".
If the baby has older siblings,
red eggs are put into the bath water 
and then later fed to the older siblings.
By doing so, 
the older folks believe that 
all siblings enjoy will good relationship between one another. 

Dress James up in new clothes 
and he is all ready to rock and roll!

 Traditional Must have Food for Baby Shower
Red Eggs with Pickled Ginger
Eggs are significant because they symbolize fertility and the renewal of life. 
Also, their shape is traditionally associated with harmony and unity

It took us 3 kids to realize the correct techniques of dying red eggs.
And it's pretty easy peasy actually!!

150ml vinegar
1 tbsp Cochineal Red (red food coloring)
1/2 tsp sugar
Combine all and set aside for color bath.

Put in 30 eggs into a pot of water. 
Making sure that water lever is 2 inches away from eggs. 
Add salt into water.
when water get into a slow boil,
turn to low heat and continue boiling for 10 minutes.
Drain out eggs.
Put hot eggs in color bath.

Another Traditional Must have Food for Baby Shower
Ang Ku Kueh
  Steamed glutinous rice flour cake
stuffed with either peanut or mung bean fillings.
Symbolizes of longevity and good fortune

The BEST Ang Ku Kueh in Singapore!
Ji Xiang Confectionery
Block 1 Everton Park,
#01-33 (near Cantonment Road)
Singapore 081001
Tel: +65 6223-1631

Operating Hours:
Mondays to Saturdays: 8 am to 5 pm
Sundays & Public Holidays: Closed

Let the Party Begins

 For the first time in our lives,
we ordered catering.
Thank god it didn't disappoint.
Many guest were seen giving 2 thumbs up and going back for more refills
Food By:
Chilli Padi Peranakan Restaurant and Catering 
We ordered the
Baby Full Month Nonya Delicacy Package.
Highly Recommended!

Our heartfelt thanks to those that has graced James Baby Shower.
And a huge thank you for all the wonderful gifts.

1 comment:

Ronda said...

Congratulations to Baby James and your lovely family! He looks adorable with his shaved head.
The eggs turned out perfect!