Traditions Of A Chinese Baby Full Moon Celebration

The arrival of a baby is a precious gift.

According to Chinese customs, when a baby turns one month old, a ceremony is held to celebrate the baby’s first full month of life (the Chinese term translates as "full moon" or "full month"). This coincides with the end of the new mum's confinement period, and both mother and baby are formally introduced to the extended family and friends. For many of them, this will be the first time they are meeting the new born baby. It is a joyous occasion.

A baby’s full month is seen traditionally as a significant milestone in Chinese custom. This is why the Singapore full month packages are very popular and parents usually celebrate this baby full month occasion by throwing a party where cakes and goodies are given to family members and friends.

Before unveiling the party, the baby traditionally undergoes a host of rituals. Once that is over, a baby full month party is held to celebrate the health of the baby. Relatives and friends gather to give their blessings and gifts to the new born baby, and traditional treats such as ang ku kueh and red eggs are served.

Baby full month packages party catered by full-fledge caterer can come in a form of a buffet spread for guests, to smaller family-only get-togethers. Parents normally host the celebration at home if they have the space, or book and rent a venue (hotel or large restaurant) to accommodate everyone.

Do I need to observe all the traditional customs?

This is up to you to decide. Some families hold fast to traditional customs; others find it more practical to do things differently. Tradition dictates that on the morning of this auspicious day, the family will burn incense paper and offer prayers to the gods and ancestors of their home, thus informing the deities of the new addition, and appealing to the spirits to protect the child.

Families will also be required to shave the baby’s head. It is more common these days for families to simply snip a lock of hair as a symbolic nod to this ritual. The shaving of the head is a sign of preparing the baby for life in the community with good health, happiness and success.

Once the head is shaved, the mother and baby are bathed in water mixed with pomelo leaves, to help wash away and ward off bad luck and evil.  Another age-old practice is dressing your baby up in gold-coloured attire and "presenting" him to his ancestors at the family altar. 

If you have not named your baby yet, tradition dictates that the paternal grandfather picks a suitable name. Choosing your baby's name is an important Chinese custom as it is believed it will determine your baby's character.

One custom you may be happy to hold fast to is accepting ang pau or hongbao (red packets) and jewellery for the baby, from relatives and friends. It is a symbol of good blessing.  Today, parents and the newborn receive modern gifts too, such as baby clothes, toys, books and gift vouchers.

Party time – What food to serve at my baby's full month celebration

Traditional cakes and eggs, dyed red to symbolize good luck and fortune, are given or sent to relatives and friends. Eggs are chosen as they represent fertility and their shape symbolizes harmony. It is believed that if you have a boy, you give out an odd number of eggs; if you have a girl, you give out an even number of eggs. 

Some families include roast meats, savory glutinous rice and traditional buns at their gatherings. Each dish is significant in its offering, as in days gone past these items were hard to come by and so their presence meant it was a special occasion. If you are holding your event at home, several caterers offer specific full moon packages, where you’ll be able to choose your favorite dishes.

Do not forget the pickled ginger.  The Cantonese word for “sour” has the same pronunciation as grandson, so it is said that the sour pickled ginger signifies many more grandsons to come!

Theme

A party is always more interesting and engaging when it is themed. Singapore baby full month packages include themes that offer lovely ways to involve the children of your guests to enjoy.

Gift packs as giveaways

Preparing small gift packs as giveaways is a great way of showing your appreciation for your guests’ attendance and blessings