Chinese red eggs

Chinese red eggs

Chinese red eggs (Chinese: 紅蛋, 紅雞蛋; pinyin: hóng dàn；Cantonese (Jyutping): hung⁴ daan^6-2), 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 calligraphy paper over the eggs to create a pink coloring.

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, or the hosts might hand out the red-dyed eggs, symbolising joy and renewed life.

Chinese red eggs
Chinese name
Chinese	红蛋
Traditional Chinese	红蛋/红喜蛋
Literal meaning	Red colored egg
Transcriptions Standard Mandarin Hanyu Pinyin hóng dàn IPA [xʊ̌ŋ.tân] Wu Romanization 6ghon-de Yue: Cantonese Jyutping hung4 daan6-2
Alternative Chinese name
Chinese	红喜蛋/红鸡蛋
Literal meaning	red painted egg
Transcriptions Yue: Cantonese Yale Romanization hung4 daan2 Jyutping hung4 daan2
Korean name
Hanja	红蛋
Khmer name
Khmer	ពងក្រហម

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.

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, 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 eggs and Chinese red eggs are both color dyed, the origin of color dyed egg is obsure.

Traditional Culture

An ancient 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.

Eggs possess a distinct symbolic importance in numerous cultures. In Chinese culture, eggs are considered to be a symbol of fertility.

Red eggs are commonly presented during significant life events. Following the birth of a baby, parents often organise a "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, known as the "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 "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.

red egg and ginger

Red Egg and Ginger Party

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

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 [1]
• Cantonese people
• Teochew people
• ...

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).

Method of Making Red Egg

eggs

Ingredients: eggs, vinegar, salt, red food coloring

salt

red food coloring

To make Chinese red eggs

• start by washing the eggs for cleanliness
• then boil them in a pot with water, 3 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
• Ester egg
• Soy egg
• Salted duck egg
• Iron egg