Good Luck Life The Essential Guide To Chinese American Celebrations And Culture

Why do Chinese restaurants sparkle in firecracker red and imperial gold and serve fish whole with glazed eyes, fins, and tail? Why does a Chinese hostess secretly frown at a gift of beautiful white flowers? Should the money received in a laisee-a lucky red envelope-be spent or saved? Open this jewel of a book for a wealth of answers to these and many other questions. Good Luck Life is the first book to explain the meanings of Chinese rituals and to offer advice on when and how to plan for Chinese holidays and special occasions such as Chinese weddings, the Red Egg and Ginger party to welcome a new baby, significant birthdays, and the inevitable funeral. Packed with practical information, Good Luck Life contains an abundance of facts, legends, foods, old-village recipes, and quick planning guides for Chinese New Year, Clear Brightness, Dragon Boat, Mid-Autumn, and many other festivals. Written with warmth and wit, Good Luck Life is beautifully designed as an easily accessible cultural guide that includes an explanation of the Lunar Calendar, tips on Chinese table etiquette for dining with confidence, and dos and don'ts from wise Auntie Lao, who recounts ancient Chinese beliefs and superstitions. This is your map for celebrating a good luck life.Gong, Rosemary is the author of 'Good Luck Life The Essential Guide To Chinese American Celebrations And Culture', published 2005 under ISBN 9780060735364 and ISBN 0060735368.