chinese birthday elements

since i am doing a card about chinese birthdays, let's talk about how us chinese, celebrate birthdays. every chinese has their own birth date on the Lunar Calendar, but unlike western birthdays, not many chinese celebrate them anymore, some dont even know their own Lunar birth date. only the birth of a newborn and the 60th birthday are celebrated occassions.

According to the customs, dyed-red eggs are eaten during Lunar birthdays because they are the symbol of changing process of life and their round shape is the symbol of harmonious and happy life. They are made red because red color is a sign of happiness in Chinese culture.

then, there are Longevity noodles which are a symbol of longevity in Chinese culture. They are as much a part of a Chinese birthday celebration as a birthday cake with lit candles is in many countries. Since noodles do symbolize long life, it is considered very unlucky to cut up a strand.

there are also peach buns which are also a symbol for longevity. the buns are only shaped like peaches, the inside filling is sweet which may be lotus or red bean paste.

The Crane is legendary in China for being the prince of all feathered creature on earth. The Crane is the ancient symbol for longevity because of its exceptionally long life span. that is why the crane is a common sight on chinese birthday invitations

here are also some common chinese greetings/characters you will see during birthdays:

生日快乐 (sheng ri kuai le)- happy birthday

寿 (shou) - longevity, commonly wished during chinese birthdays