Today is a very special day for me - woke up to get ready for work as usual, but got down to kitchen for breakfast, and found Mr C have very nicely made me 2 hard boiled eggs, and i feel just like i was 6yrs old. Why? It is my birthday!
As a kid, 2 hard boiled eggs will never be missing when i wake up on my birthday, together with lai see, and some words of wisdom from my mum, that i am a year older now, therefore need to be more responsible, and need to work even harder this year. This is one little Chinese tradition that always happened, but as I got older, becoming more independent, move away home, how much I miss my own mother make me those 2 humble boiled eggs and wish me happy birthday.
When in comparison, as a kid i got the boiled eggs, but all i want is birthday cake, and pressies like my western friends.
Eating boiled eggs on your birthday in Chinese culture is considered to be lucky. This is because eggs are a sign of life, their round shape symbolises harmony and even though you chew a boiled egg, tradition has it that it will ''roll over'' in your stomach, thus giving you another year of life.
When a new baby is born into a Chinese family, traditionally parents or the grandparents will happily get a jar of red food colour to dye the boiled eggs, and give them away to close family and friend to announce the new addition to the family.
I was told when i was born, my grandma was soo pleased to give out the red eggs, and i have fond childhood memories where if i see my grandma fetch her special bowl and red food dye - i had another baby cousin to look forward to meet :)
Anyway, i had a great birthday, with especially celebrated early with my parents few days before, and they treated me a birthday cake, and made sure i had some 'long life' noodles.
Hope everyone had a good day! :)
