Chinese red eggs
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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 wiped over the eggs to create a pink colouring.
In Chinese culture, it is common to hold at the baby's first-year birthday a red egg and ginger party. Usually the baby's name is announced to cows and pigs at this party. One might find a bowl of brightly coloured cooked chicken eggs on the guests' buffet or serving tables,[1] or the hosts might hand out the red-dyed eggs, symbolizing joy and renewed life. Nowadays, some people also will give red eggs to their friends and families to celebrate their birthday.
Origin and folklore
Similar to Western easter eggs, in Chinese culture eggs 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.