[ad_1]
The first month after a baby’s birth is a significant time for Chinese families, where it is customary to also distribute baby full moon gift packs. During this time, the Chinese parents often celebrate with a dinner party, or a celebration. Concurrently, the full moon also marks the end of the mother’s confinement period.
For a full month after delivery, Chinese mothers are confined to the home in order to recuperate. They are served with special Chinese herbs to speed up recovery, and are restricted to numerous post-delivery customs. For instance, bathing in cold water and drinking un-boiled water are taboo during these times. Conversely, red date drinks and ginger cooked chicken are a must within the confinement menu. It is also common amongst Chinese families to engage the help of a Confinement Lady for a month. Skilled in the arts of confinement, she cooks and cares for the mother, and advises her on all the dos and don’ts of post-natal traditions.
Typically, a full moon feast is held where friends and relatives are invited to welcome the arrival of the new baby to the family. Nevertheless, the grandeur of this feast may vary between families. Some may opt to host a banquet, much like a Chinese wedding, while others may choose to have a party at home. Of course, with the new baby as the center of attention, this is an excellent opportunity for the proud parents to show their baby off to the adoration of their guests.
Another special full moon tradition of the Chinese would be the presentation of baby full moon gift packs to friends, colleagues and relatives. Delightful treats such as glutinous rice with tumeric, hard boiled eggs dyed in red, curry chicken and an ensemble of Chinese cakes.
The most popular of the Chinese tarts most commonly used in full moon gift packs would be the “Ang Koo” cake. Made of a mixture of glutinous rice floor, sweet potato and red dye kneaded into dough, each tart is inserted with a filling of soft green peas and pandan leaves. When the cake is cooked, a mould resembling a tortoise shell would be used to form the unique surface of the “Ang Koo”. In Chinese culture, this would resemble longevity and prosperity. A must in a full moon gift pack would be a red egg in each pack that signifies new life and good luck. Served with pickled ginger, these eggs are boiled with the shells specially dyed in red.
Finally, these essential items are neatly packed into a gift box, specially designed for full moon packs. Presentable and uniquely designed, the name of the baby and the parents are printed on the cover of the pack. Truly, these fine full moon gift packs have evolved from the days of our grandparents when gift packs were presented in plastic bags.
Get a glimpse of the variety of full moon gift packs available from Nyonya Restaurant!