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Chinese red eggs (紅蛋, 紅雞蛋) are bright pink hard-boiled chicken eggs used in Chinese cuisine. After boiling, a wet red calligraphy paper is wiped over the eggs to create a pink coloring.

In Chinese culture, it is common to hold a red egg and ginger party at the baby's first-year birthday where the baby's name is usually announced to friends and family for the first time. One might find a bowl of brightly coloured boiled chicken eggs on the guests' buffet or serving tables,^[1] or the hosts hand out the red-dyed eggs, symbolizing joy and renewed life. Sometimes the red eggs are also given to adult friends and family members for their birthdays.

Origin and folklore

Similar to Western Easter eggs, in Chinese culture eggs symbolize birth or a new start; thus, it is of paramount importance for eggs to be served to guests during an important birthday (such as the first month or first year). The color red symbolizes prosperity and good fortune to the Chinese.

Influence outside China

Mauritius

In Mauritius, Sino-Mauritians continued the tradition of sharing red eggs to their family members to share the joy of a newborn; this tradition occurs in what is now called "baptême chinois" (literally translated as Chinese baptism).^[2]

References

^ Parkinson, Rhonda Lauret (1 September 2003). The everything Chinese cookbook: from wonton soup to sweet and sour chicken -- 300 succulent recipes from the Far East. Everything Books. p. 206. ISBN 978-1-58062-954-6. Retrieved 27 March 2011.^{[permanent dead link‍]}
^ Nallatamby, Pravina (2016). Les Sino-mauriciens, discrétion, action et solidarité…* (in French). France: CILF. p. 14.

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[Parkinson2003-1] Parkinson, Rhonda Lauret (1 September 2003). The everything Chinese cookbook: from wonton soup to sweet and sour chicken -- 300 succulent recipes from the Far East. Everything Books. p. 206. ISBN 978-1-58062-954-6. Retrieved 27 March 2011.^{[permanent dead link‍]}

[2] Nallatamby, Pravina (2016). Les Sino-mauriciens, discrétion, action et solidarité…* (in French). France: CILF. p. 14.

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+{{Short description|Chicken eggs in Chinese cuisine}}
 [[File:Red eggs.jpg|thumb|Chinese red eggs]]
-'''Chinese red eggs''' (Chinese: {{linktext|紅蛋}}, 紅雞蛋; [[pinyin]]: hóng dàn；[[Cantonese]] <small>(''[[Jyutping]]'')</small>: hung<sup>4</sup> daan<sup>6-2</sup>), also known as Xi'Dan(喜蛋), are bright-pink-coloured cooked chicken eggs used in [[Chinese cuisine]]. The eggs are first hard boiled, then dye the outside with red food coloring, or wipe with a wet red [[Chinese calligraphy|calligraphy]] paper over the eggs to create a pink coloring<ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-08-18 |title=Chinese red eggs - Alchetron, The Free Social Encyclopedia |url=https://alchetron.com/Chinese-red-eggs |access-date=2024-03-19 |website=Alchetron.com |language=en-US}}</ref>.
+'''Chinese red eggs''' ({{linktext|紅蛋}}, 紅雞蛋) are bright pink [[Boiled_egg#Hard-boiled_eggs|hard-boiled chicken eggs]] used in [[Chinese cuisine]]. After boiling, a wet red [[Chinese calligraphy|calligraphy]] paper is wiped over the eggs to create a pink coloring.
 [[File:Red eggs 2.jpg|thumb|Red-dyed eggs distributed during birthdays and baby celebrations by the Chinese community in Singapore]]
-Red eggs hold a profound cultural and symbolic significance in Chinese tradition in some regions. It is common to find red eggs at the celebrations of the baby's first month, first birthday, or people's weddings. One might find a bowl of brightly coloured cooked chicken eggs on the guests' buffet or serving tables,<ref name="Parkinson2003">{{cite book|last=Parkinson|first=Rhonda Lauret|title=The everything Chinese cookbook: from wonton soup to sweet and sour chicken -- 300 succulent recipes from the Far East|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DGZKVjrPa9sC&pg=PA206|accessdate=27 March 2011|date=1 September 2003|publisher=Everything Books|isbn=978-1-58062-954-6|page=206}}{{Dead link|date=December 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> or the hosts might hand out the red-dyed eggs, symbolising joy and renewed life.
+In Chinese culture, it is common to hold a red egg and ginger party at the baby's first-year birthday where the baby's name is usually announced to friends and family for the first time. One might find a bowl of brightly coloured boiled chicken eggs on the guests' buffet or serving tables,<ref name="Parkinson2003">{{cite book|last=Parkinson|first=Rhonda Lauret|title=The everything Chinese cookbook: from wonton soup to sweet and sour chicken -- 300 succulent recipes from the Far East|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DGZKVjrPa9sC&pg=PA206|accessdate=27 March 2011|date=1 September 2003|publisher=Everything Books|isbn=978-1-58062-954-6|page=206}}{{Dead link|date=December 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> or the hosts hand out the red-dyed eggs, symbolizing joy and renewed life. Sometimes the red eggs are also given to adult friends and family members for their birthdays.
+==Origin and folklore==
-{{Chinese
+Similar to Western [[Easter egg]]s, in Chinese culture eggs symbolize birth or a new start; thus, it is of paramount importance for eggs to be served to guests during an important birthday (such as the first month or first year). The color red symbolizes prosperity and good fortune to the Chinese.
-| pic =
-| piccap =
-| c = {{linktext|红蛋}}
-| c2 = {{linktext|红喜蛋/红鸡蛋}}
-| p = hóng dàn
-| mi = {{IPAc-cmn|h|ong|2|.|d|an|4}}
-| j = hung4 daan6-2
-| j2 = hung4 daan2
-| y =
-| y2 = hung4 daan2
-| l = Red colored egg
-| l2 = red painted egg
-| hanja = {{linktext|红蛋}}
-| hn = âng-nâng
-| rtgs = khai daeng
-| khm = ពងក្រហម
-| t = 红蛋/红喜蛋
-| wuu = 6ghon-de
-}}
-==Origin and Folklore==
-In ancient Chinese culture, eggs have long been symbolized as emblems of fertility and life. According to legend, [[Pangu]](Chinese: 盘古）, the mythical being credited with creating the world, was nurtured within an egg. This [[cosmogony]] suggests that the chaos of the universe was contained within an egg, much like the rounded shape of a cosmic egg, from which Pangu emerged, giving rise to this narrative. It is well-known that among the first animals to be domesticated and bred by humans were dogs, pigs, sheep, cattle, deer, and chickens, with chickens being particularly esteemed for their prolific reproductive abilities. Eggs, consequently, became associated with the concept of abundant offspring and blessings. Regarding the custom of the red egg, two prevalent explanations are widely circulated<ref>{{Cite web |title=寻找徐州民间文化——以沛县红喜蛋为例 - 百度文库 |url=https://wenku.baidu.com/view/9190ca34bbf3f90f76c66137ee06eff9aff84920.html?_wkts_=1710827081944&bdQuery=%E6%B1%A4%E5%86%AF%E5%93%B2,%E5%BC%A0%E7%88%BD.%E5%AF%BB%E6%89%BE%E5%BE%90%E5%B7%9E%E6%B0%91%E9%97%B4%E6%96%87%E5%8C%96%E2%80%94%E2%80%94%E4%BB%A5%E6%B2%9B%E5%8E%BF%E7%BA%A2%E5%96%9C%E8%9B%8B%E4%B8%BA%E4%BE%8B%5BJ%5D.%E7%8E%B0%E4%BB%A3%E4%BA%A4%E9%99%85 |access-date=2024-03-19 |website=wenku.baidu.com}}</ref>.
-The story from folklore that describes the origins of the [[Shang dynasty]], which developed from an ancient clan known as "Shang" living along the middle reaches of the [[Yishui River]] in the north. The progenitor of the Shang clan was "Qi," whose mother, [[Jiandi|Jian Di]], was the wife of the tribal leader Ku. Legend has it that one day, Jian Di went to bathe in the Yishui River and suddenly, a joyful [[welcome swallow]](Chinese: 喜燕) laid an egg under a large willow tree near her. Jian Di consumed the swallow's egg, and a year later, she gave birth to Qi. The entire clan rejoiced at his birth and held grand celebrations. Inspired by the event, leader Ku ordered many eggs to be boiled, painted red, and distributed for everyone to share. This ancient custom of distributing red eggs to celebrate childbirth has continued to spread to the present day.
-Western [[Easter egg]]s and Chinese red eggs are both color dyed, the origin of color dyed egg is obsure.<ref>{{Cite web |title=What Do Eggs Have to Do with Easter? {{!}} Britannica |url=https://www.britannica.com/story/what-do-eggs-have-to-do-with-easter |access-date=2024-03-17 |website=www.britannica.com |language=en}}</ref>
-== Traditional Culture ==
-An ancient [[Chinese mythology|Chinese myth]] is associated with the colour red in traditional [[Chinese culture]]. Associating itself with life-giving forces (such as the sun, blood, and fire), red is considered auspicious in China and is symbolised by festivities and prosperity.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Red |url=https://asia.si.edu/explore-art-culture/art-stories/colors/red/ |access-date=2024-03-17 |website=National Museum of Asian Art |language=en-US}}</ref>
-[[Eggs as food|Eggs]] possess a distinct symbolic importance in numerous cultures.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kristina |date=2023-12-02 |title=The Cultural Significance of Eggs in Symbolism and Celebrations |url=https://www.savorysuitcase.com/the-cultural-significance-of-eggs-in-symbolism-and-celebrations/ |access-date=2024-03-17 |website=Savory Suitcase |language=en-US}}</ref> In Chinese culture, eggs are considered to be a symbol of fertility<ref>{{Cite web |title=Food Symbolism---ASEAN---China Center |url=http://www.asean-china-center.org/english/2010-05/26/c_13316917.htm |access-date=2024-03-19 |website=www.asean-china-center.org}}</ref>.
-Red eggs are commonly presented during significant life events. Following the birth of a baby, parents often organise a "[https://sg.theasianparent.com/red_egg_and_ginger_party red egg and ginger party]" to celebrate, during a newborn's first month which they offer round hard-boiled eggs as a way to announce the birth,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Food Symbolism---ASEAN---China Center |url=http://www.asean-china-center.org/english/2010-05/26/c_13316917.htm#:~:text=Eggs%20hold%20a%20special%20symbolic,eggs%20to%20announce%20the%20birth. |access-date=2024-03-17 |website=www.asean-china-center.org}}</ref>  known as the "[https://sg.theasianparent.com/baby-full-moon-party-ideas Full Moon]" celebration.
-In [[Chinese folklore]], there has long been a tradition of sharing Chinese Red Eggs. Additionally, it is customary to give red eggs as return gifts to guests at traditional wedding or after the new birth. Typically, pairs of red eggs are presented to symbolise auspiciousness and good luck. Chinese idiom "[https://www.clevelandart.org/art/2017.64 好事成双]"(Hao Shi Cheng Shuang), which means good things come in pairs, or double happiness arrives at the door, emphasises that auspicious events or good fortune often occur simultaneously.
-[[File:Chinese red eggs with pickled ginger.jpg|thumb|red egg and ginger]]
-== Red Egg and Ginger Party<ref>Dresser, N. (2006). Come As You Aren't! Feeling at Home with Multicultural Celebrations. United States: M. Evans.</ref> ==
-In the rich tapestry of Chinese traditional culture, the Red Eggs and Ginger Party stands out as a cherished celebration marking the significant milestone of a newborn's first month. This event, deeply rooted in the history and traditions of China, extends its influence to Chinese American communities, symbolizing the blending of cultural heritage with modern practices.
-=== Histotical origins ===
-Dating back to the [[Zhou dynasty]] in the first millennium, the origins of this celebration are anchored in ancient Chinese customs. Traditionally known as the "completion-of-one-month" party, it was a time for the family to introduce the baby to relatives and bestow upon the child its name. Historically, due to high infant mortality rates, celebrations were sometimes postponed until the baby was three months old, ensuring the child's survival and health.
-=== Celebration ===
-Guests are encouraged to compliment the baby's appearance and alertness, celebrating the new life among them. In a blend of tradition and modernity, the child's Chinese name is often announced at this gathering, even though most American children receive their names shortly after birth.
-=== Modern Adaptations ===
-[[File:Laisee.jpg|thumb|181x181px|red envelope 红包]]
-The manner of announcing and hosting the Red Eggs and Ginger Party has evolved, especially among Chinese Americans. Some families opt to publicize the event in the society pages of Chinese American newspapers, with celebrations commonly held in Chinese restaurants. Conversely, more traditional families may choose private gatherings at home without public announcements, preserving the intimacy of the occasion.
-Guests attending a Red Eggs and Ginger Party are advised to dress appropriately for the setting, whether it be a restaurant or a home, avoiding overly casual attire. Traditional gifts include [[Red envelope]](Chinese: 红包), avoiding white, which is associated with mourning. Congratulatory words to the parents, expressing joy for their happiness, add a personal touch to the celebration.
-== Subgroup with Red Eggs Tradition ==
-* [[Hakka people|Hakka]] [https://english.hakka.gov.tw/Content/Content?NodeID=685&PageID=39978&LanguageType=ENG]
-* [[Cantonese people]]
-* [[Teochew people]]
-* ...
 == Influence outside China ==
 === Mauritius ===
 In [[Mauritius]], [[Mauritians of Chinese origin|Sino-Mauritians]] continued the tradition of sharing red eggs to their family members to share the joy of a newborn; this tradition occurs in what is now called "baptême chinois" (literally translated as Chinese [[baptism]]).<ref>{{Cite book|last=Nallatamby|first=Pravina|url=https://en.calameo.com/books/000903947cadbbab44b5a|title=Les Sino-mauriciens, discrétion, action et solidarité…*|publisher=CILF|year=2016|location=France|pages=14|language=french}}</ref>
-== Method of Making Red Egg<ref>{{Cite web |title={{!}} Made With Lau |url=https://www.madewithlau.com/recipes/red-egg-and-ginger |access-date=2024-03-18 |website=www.madewithlau.com}}</ref> ==
-[[File:Eggs Chicken.jpg|thumb|136x136px|eggs]]
-'''Ingredients''': [[Eggs as food|eggs]], [[vinegar]], [[salt]], red [[food coloring]]
-[[File:Table salt with salt shaker V1.jpg|thumb|136x136px|salt]]
-[[File:Vegan Food Coloring (4277594042).jpg|thumb|135x135px|red food coloring]]
-=== To make Chinese red eggs ===
-* start by washing the eggs for cleanliness
-* then boil them in a pot with water, 3 [https://www.weekendbakery.com/cooking-conversions/ teaspoons] of [[salt]], and 3 tablespoons of [[vinegar]]( in order to prevent cracking and ease peeling)
-* the eggs are boiled for 5 minutes
-* left to sit off the heat for 3 minutes,
-* and then cooled in cold water.
-* next, prepare a dye with water and red food coloring
-* after drying the eggs to remove any moisture, dip each into the dye for 30 seconds to achieve a vibrant red color, ensuring they are ready for display or gifting during celebrations.
 == See also ==
 * [[Smoked egg]]
 * [[Tea egg]]
-* [[Century egg]]
-* [[Easter egg|Ester egg]]
-* [[Soy egg]]
-* [[Salted duck egg]]
-* [[Iron egg]]
 == References ==
 {{reflist}}
-[[Category:Chinese cuisine]]
+[[Category:Chinese egg dishes]]
 [[Category:Vietnamese cuisine]]
 [[Category:Mauritian cuisine]]
-[[Category:Eggs (food)]]
 {{China-cuisine-stub}}