Chinese red eggs
Chinese red eggs (红鸡蛋) are bright pink coloured cooked chicken eggs. The eggs are first hard boiled and then a wet red calligraphy paper is smeared over the eggs to create a pink colouring.
In Chinese culture, it is common to find at the baby´s first birthday a bowl of brightly coloured cooked chicken eggs on the guests' buffet or serving tables.[1]
Origin and folklore
Similar to Western easter eggs, Chinese culture considers eggs to symbolize birth or a new start. For eggs to be served to guests during an important birthday (such as the first month or first year) is very significant. The colour red means prosperity and good fortune to the Chinese, while white or beige is considered the colour of death.
See also
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.