Birth
what is the theme of human birth? First it is to know where life comes from; and then to wish that the newborn grows up healthy and strong.Human life comes from mother's body of the universe, which the Chinese believe is as primeval as pigeon eggs, and from mother's body of totem animals.Therefore, it is customary to give chicken eggs, which are known as the "red egg" in Hunan in the Yangtze River valley. People also paste paper-cut "The tree of life" ii1 bright red color on the red eggs as good-wish for the newborn. In the Yellow River basin where flour is a staple food, peoplemake steamed bread, symbolizing the domed universe.Inside the bread are red beans implying that a new life has been conceived; "Wonton" steamed bread are made with two curly twists, implying the unification of yin-yang that creates life on earth. In Shanxi and Shaanxi,birth bread is called "Wonton," or "Grain twist."
