Today is the first day of the lunar year. As always it begins with the new moon. Legend tells us that long ago, Buddha invited all the animals to meet him on the Chinese New Year. Twelve came. Buddha named a year after each of the them. This year, 2007, is the year of the pig. The new year is traditionally celebrated with family gatherings, shared meals, dragon dances, and fire crackers.On Saturday, Jane along with her lady friends and family celebrated the anticipated arrival of Eliza. They played games, exchanged gifts, and enjoyed traditional Chinese dumplings (pot stickers). The decorations were great. Some I know, will be enjoyed for a long time: Chinese lanterns, red envelopes of good fortune, traditional candies, and red roses.
One of the games was a timed event where participants used nothing but chops sticks to retrieve diaper pins from bowls of uncooked rice. Not so simple, I'm told, but relatively easy to clean up. Another activity involved an English/Mandarin dictionary, several calligraphy pens, and a stack of high quality card stock. To start, people picked a word they thought best described Jane as a friend and mother. They then found the corresponding Chinese character (or hanzi) and transcribed it on a card. The cards are now collected in a scrap book. A sampling of the words include treasure, honorable, beautiful, devoted, teacher, silly, and big human (the last lovingly submitted by 5 year old Sidney).
Thanks to everyone who planned, set up, and celebrated. We can hardly wait to bring Eliza back to such a supportive group of family and friends.
3 comments:
Kyle and Jane,
Fritz and Yvonne just sent us your blog and happy happy news! Hooray! I've actually got goosebumps. She is VERY beautiful. We will check back often. Many, many blessings on Eliza and your family.
Love Monty and Lori, Sarah and Samuel
Sounds like a really cool party--and I mean that in the most masculine way possible. Y'all are such neat people. I think it is so impressive that you all are going to honor so many Chinese traditions. Eliza is so fortunate to have you all as parents! Congrats!
Wish we were closer to participate in the festivities. Much love.
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