Newborn:

The first important event for the newly born baby is the one-month celebration. Relatives and friends receive gifts from the child's parents. The types of gifts vary from place to place, but traditional red eggs are a must. Red dyed eggs are chosen as gifts because they symbolize the changing process of life, and their round shape is the symbol of a harmonious and happy
life. The red color is a sign of happiness in the Chinese culture. Besides eggs, other foods such as cakes, chickens, ginger, and hams, are often given as gifts.

Gifts are also always given in even number. During the celebration, relatives and friends of the family will give the child red envelopes filled with money. Grandparents usually give their grandchild gold or silver ware to show their deep love for the child. In the evening, the child's parents present/offer a rich feast at home or a restaurant to the guests at the celebration.

Elderly:

The Chinese do not pay a lot of attention to birthdays until they become 60 years old. The 60th birthday is regarded as a very important point in life due to its association with the Chinese lunar calendar. After this special celebration, a birthday celebration is held every ten years. Generally, the older a person becomes, the greater the celebration. The Chinese count age
starting from birth. A baby born on December 24, 2005, for example, will be 2 years old on January 1, 2006, because it will have crossed 2 years from 2005 to 2006. It is the grown offspring who celebrate their elderly parents' birthdays to show deep respect for them and express their thanks.

According to traditional customs, the parents are offered foods that have the symbolism of health and prosperity. On the birthday morning the father or mother will eat a bowl of noodles (Mee Suah in Hokkien). In China, long noodles symbolize longevity. Eggs are also among the best choices of food taken to others on this special occasion and symbolize harmony.