Page 48 - A Dictionary of Chinese Symbols BIG Book

A-Z 41

‘White-headed Birds’ and peony

BirthdayBirthday

sheng-ri

As far back as the 5th century AD, it was customary among the upper classes to celebrate
birthdays, at least those of sons. The new-born child was given a red shirt on the first
day of his life, and nine red eggs were sent to the mother’s parents in token of the glad
tidings. If the child was a boy, it was up to the father to acquaint his ancestors of the
event; in the special ‘Hall of Ancestors’ in the case of rich families, at the domestic altar-
table in ordinary homes ( ancestral tablet). ‘The spirits of the ancestors are less
interested in girl children, as in due course they will marry and leave the family’
(Richard Wilhelm).
The follow-up customs to be observed differed according to the sex of the child. In the
case of a boy, a bow made from a mulberry branch and four arrows made from the wood
of the jujube tree were hung up at the door of the house. On the hundredth day after the
birth, presents poured in from all quarters: ‘Bangles, bells, necklaces with clasps
engraved with good wishes for the child in its encounter with life, are handed over, along