Shanghai Jinshan: A 100-Day Chinese Birthday Celebration

China Traditions: 100 day Birthday Parties

Destination:ChinaCity:ShanghaiPopulation:24.9 million
China Traditions: 100 day Birthday Parties
Tim Chambers2024-10-1813 min

Join me at a traditional Chinese Birthday party, held at 100 days old (bai ri yan) for a relative in Jinshan, Shanghai. This is typically a big event that includes the larger family. At this event there were over 150 people on a Sunday lunchtime, with a lot of food and drink ! I hope you learn at least a little bit of the traditions at such an event, I am sure I am also only scratching the surface of everything going on.

--- Tim Chambers
October 18, 2024, Autumn in China

Video Chapters

  1. 0:00Introduction in Shanghai
  2. 0:14100 days old party
  3. 1:02Food and drinks
  4. 1:41Starters and hot pot
  5. 2:10Lots of people and smoking
  6. 3:03Table to table drinking
  7. 3:35Cigarettes and baby
  8. 4:33Wedding events
  9. 5:30Refilling drinks
  10. 6:15Double happiness symbol
  11. 7:06End of meal and fruit
  12. 7:21Kitchen details
  13. 8:03Food recycling
  14. 9:34Family small holding
  15. 10:07Animals in the farm
  16. 12:15Mahjong game

Tim Chambers attends a lively 100-day birthday feast in Shanghai, experiencing rich Chinese traditions and family bonding. A truly heartwarming celebration!

Travel Guides & Tips in this video

  1. Tip 1In China, it's common to see smoking in restaurants, a cultural aspect to consider. (2:10)
  2. Tip 2It's a tradition for someone else to refill your glass, and you should do the same for others; it's a social aspect of the event. (5:30)
  3. Tip 3The "Double Happiness" symbol is a traditional symbol linked to weddings and marriage in China. (6:15)
  4. Tip 4The serving of fruit, almost always including watermelon, traditionally signifies the end of a meal in China. (7:06)
  5. Tip 5Recycling leftover food, often given to the elderly, is a common and environmentally friendly practice. (8:03)
  6. Tip 6Many families in rural China maintain small holdings, combining farming with urban life. (9:34)

Join Tim Chambers as he experiences an authentic 100-day birthday celebration in Jinshan, Shanghai! This immersive video captures the vibrant energy of a massive family feast, overflowing with traditional Chinese food, drinks, and customs. Witness the lively toasting, the bustling kitchen, and the unique traditions that make this event unforgettable. A fascinating glimpse into the heart of Chinese family life!

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China Traditions: 100 day Birthday Parties

This video, by Tim Chambers, offers a unique glimpse into a traditional Chinese 100-day birthday celebration held in Jinshan, Shanghai. The event, described as a "bai ri yan," is a significant family gathering, showcasing the depth of Chinese family traditions. The video highlights the sheer scale of the event, with over 150 attendees enjoying a vast array of food and drinks.

Tim's narration provides insightful commentary, explaining the customs surrounding the celebration. He details the elaborate meal, starting with cold dishes like seaweed, nuts, chicken, beef noodles, and fish, followed by a progression of hot dishes, including lobster and crab. The abundance of food is a striking feature, with tables laden with dishes and drinks, often spilling over onto the floor.

The celebratory atmosphere is palpable, with constant toasting and a lively exchange of drinks. Tim describes the tradition of refilling guests' glasses and the importance of responding with a "gambay." He also notes the prevalence of smoking in the restaurant and the common practice of saving leftover food for later use.

Beyond the food and drink, the video captures the warmth and intimacy of the family gathering. Tim interacts with family members, showing the close-knit nature of the celebration. He explains the meaning of the "Double Happiness" symbol, often used in weddings and displayed in homes to celebrate recent marriages.

The video concludes with a brief look at the family's small holding, showcasing their simple lifestyle and their connection to the land. Tim shows the animals they keep—pigeons, doves, a goat, chickens, and ducks—further illustrating the blend of rural and urban life in China. This section serves as an appendix to the main event, offering additional context and insight into the family's daily life. The video successfully conveys the vibrancy, warmth, and cultural richness of a traditional Chinese 100-day birthday party, providing viewers with a unique and engaging cultural experience.

Tim's personal observations and insights add a layer of authenticity, making the video relatable and engaging. His struggles with pronunciation and his efforts to understand the nuances of the celebration enhance the viewer's appreciation for the complexity and beauty of Chinese culture. The video successfully blends factual information with personal experience, making it an informative and entertaining journey into the heart of Chinese family life.

Shanghai Jinshan: A 100-Day Chinese Birthday Celebration

Tim Chambers' heartwarming journey to a 100-day birthday feast in Shanghai's Jinshan reveals the beauty of Chinese family traditions.

Shanghai Family Feast: 100-Day Birthday Tradition

Experience the vibrant culture of a traditional Chinese 100-day birthday celebration in Jinshan, Shanghai! Witness a heartwarming family gathering with over 150 attendees, enjoying a feast of delicious Chinese food and drink. Immerse yourself in the rich traditions and customs of this unique event, offering a glimpse into the heart of Chinese family life.