The year of the pig is here. That’s if you follow the Chinese Zodiac or if you’re in China right now.
This is Aaron’s third Chinese New Year celebration and it’s obvious. He mingles in the conversations and laughs just like an old Chinese man. I, on the other hand, have no idea what anyone is saying. I’m reminded of an old school poster than hung in my eighth grade English class. Garfield is laying on a pile of books and the caption reads “learning through osmosis.” And then there’s our little girl who is in heaven because every visitor and their cousin gives her candy.
But it’s only the first day of the New Year. The season goes on until the Lantern Festival closes the celebration in 15 days. The Chinese sweep out cobwebs of the past year, pay homage to ancestors, settle debts, and visit family. It’s also a time to blow up a bunch of explosives and eat till you can’t move.
So far, the food has been the most impressive display. At every meal it seems that there is no room on the table to set your bowl. But the Chinese usually hold their bowl to eat anyway, so it doesn’t matter.
Mrs. Li, who luckily speaks English, has been so gracious to explain why they eat what they do during the New Year. Rice is simply a staple, and the Chinese have endless ways of preparing it. What’s common throughout all the meals is rice cake. A rice cake is made by grounding raw rice to a powder and then mixing it with water. That is steamed for 6 hours until it reaches a consistency of thick jello. Then it’s cut up into squares and fried. It’s best enjoyed with sauce. All kinds of meats are prepared but fish is a must-have. The Chinese word for fish closely resembles a word that means plentiful. Long leafy green vegetables (never cut) are always served, wishing for a long life. Dumplings are popular because they resemble ancient Chinese gold. Unleavened bread is served and Mrs. Li commented on how it’s very similar to passover bread in the old testament. That, along with the red banners on everyone’s door to ward off evil, reminds her of jewish traditions.
Mrs. Li let me help her a little in the kitchen and I feel apart of the family already. She has the kindest heart I’ve met in Asia and I hope to keep in touch with her. By getting to know her better I can see why so many people have invited us to meals and why visitors pop in and out of the house with gifts and well wishes. Mr. Li is also quite a personality, although because we can’t verbally communicate I haven’t gotten to know him as well. But it isn’t hard to tell that he is gentle, kind, and always good for a laugh.
The Li’s have four children but none of them were able to come home this year for the New Year. And since New Year is mostly about being with family, the Li’s are happy to have us and we are grateful to soak up the food, fireworks, and family.
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