INTRODUCTION
As a native born, third generation Chinese American who has grown-up and lived in the United States of America all of his life, it seems I have a better understanding of the customs and traditions associated with Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the 4th of July, than I do of Chinese Lunar New Year, the Dragon Boat Festival, and Mid-Autumn Festival.
I remember that most Chinese customs or traditions were enjoyable experiences. How many times do I remember seeing an uncle or aunt as a child and saying "Gung Hay Fat Choy" and then received a red package with money in it. On rare occasions, when I was asked to follow a particular unlikable Chinese custom or tradition, I would ask my parents "Why?" Of course, they would respond back immediately, "Well, because your Chinese, that's why!" or "That's what Chinese are suppose to do." As an obedient Chinese son, I would do what was required, still asking myself "Why am I eating this or doing that, I don't even like it." Later, as I got older, I would not ask, for as in all traditions, you just do it. Maybe I realized deep inside my parents really did not know themselves. This became clearer when I traveled back to China and discovered many other Chinese traditions my parents had never even told me about.
China is a country old and rich in history and culture. Why do Chinese practice, perform, and teach their children a particular tradition or custom? I wanted a better reason than what my parents taught (or not taught) me. Obviously, like American traditions, there should be a cause, reason. or meaning behind every Chinese custom or tradition.
In order to accomplish this aim, I began my own personal quest. My purpose was to "re-educate" myself. Searching through books, surfing the internet, and asking people has helped me find some of the answers. One example of this is a book I found written by an American who lived in the China in the early part of the last century. His name was H.Y. Lowe and his book is entitled The Adventures of Wu - The Life Cycle of a Peking Man (1). His book reveals many Chinese traditions and customs which date before World War II China in the old capital of what is now known as Beijing.
Although I was able to satisfy some of my mission, I found there are still gaps in my understanding. While some Chinese customs and traditions are recognized by all, not all are performed in the same manner in every part of China. The reason for this is because China is a large country, and depending upon where you live, something may be added or deleted to a custom or tradition. In addition, China is also composed of many different ethnic groups, so one region may have its own particular custom and tradition. Some customs and traditions have also changed with time, as recent China has become more international. For example, more children in China celebrate Christmas. When it comes to customs and traditions, the expression "one size fits all" does not apply here.
So, where am I? Well, I found out a lot, but it seems my journey still continues. I am beginning this section, so I can share with you some of want I have learned. I am certainly no authority on the matter, and I definitely am not here to to change your mind on how to do a particular Chinese custom or tradition. Maybe you were taught differently by your parents or have a difference of opinion than I. I am doing this only for informational purposes and for your entertainment. But just maybe, if and when your children or grandchildren ask you why we do something, you won't have to depend on the same answer I received when I asked my parents. Lastly, to help me with my journey, I hope you will share a Chinese custom or tradition you know with me. I will be glad to give you the credit and share it with the other members.
Editor, 2013
I remember that most Chinese customs or traditions were enjoyable experiences. How many times do I remember seeing an uncle or aunt as a child and saying "Gung Hay Fat Choy" and then received a red package with money in it. On rare occasions, when I was asked to follow a particular unlikable Chinese custom or tradition, I would ask my parents "Why?" Of course, they would respond back immediately, "Well, because your Chinese, that's why!" or "That's what Chinese are suppose to do." As an obedient Chinese son, I would do what was required, still asking myself "Why am I eating this or doing that, I don't even like it." Later, as I got older, I would not ask, for as in all traditions, you just do it. Maybe I realized deep inside my parents really did not know themselves. This became clearer when I traveled back to China and discovered many other Chinese traditions my parents had never even told me about.
China is a country old and rich in history and culture. Why do Chinese practice, perform, and teach their children a particular tradition or custom? I wanted a better reason than what my parents taught (or not taught) me. Obviously, like American traditions, there should be a cause, reason. or meaning behind every Chinese custom or tradition.
In order to accomplish this aim, I began my own personal quest. My purpose was to "re-educate" myself. Searching through books, surfing the internet, and asking people has helped me find some of the answers. One example of this is a book I found written by an American who lived in the China in the early part of the last century. His name was H.Y. Lowe and his book is entitled The Adventures of Wu - The Life Cycle of a Peking Man (1). His book reveals many Chinese traditions and customs which date before World War II China in the old capital of what is now known as Beijing.
Although I was able to satisfy some of my mission, I found there are still gaps in my understanding. While some Chinese customs and traditions are recognized by all, not all are performed in the same manner in every part of China. The reason for this is because China is a large country, and depending upon where you live, something may be added or deleted to a custom or tradition. In addition, China is also composed of many different ethnic groups, so one region may have its own particular custom and tradition. Some customs and traditions have also changed with time, as recent China has become more international. For example, more children in China celebrate Christmas. When it comes to customs and traditions, the expression "one size fits all" does not apply here.
So, where am I? Well, I found out a lot, but it seems my journey still continues. I am beginning this section, so I can share with you some of want I have learned. I am certainly no authority on the matter, and I definitely am not here to to change your mind on how to do a particular Chinese custom or tradition. Maybe you were taught differently by your parents or have a difference of opinion than I. I am doing this only for informational purposes and for your entertainment. But just maybe, if and when your children or grandchildren ask you why we do something, you won't have to depend on the same answer I received when I asked my parents. Lastly, to help me with my journey, I hope you will share a Chinese custom or tradition you know with me. I will be glad to give you the credit and share it with the other members.
Editor, 2013