2 Birthdays for Every Chinese

 (3 min read)

Today is the 7th day of the Lunar New Year and it is the birthday for everyone. So it will be a strange moment when you wish another Chinese, "Happy Birthday" and get wished back in return. There is a mutual response which is unique and excellent qi too.

Just this morning, a friend sent me a "Ren Ri Birthday" greeting but I was so busy that I only wished her back in the afternoon.

So why is it the birthday of every Chinese on this 7th day of the Lunar New Year? Ren Ri means Human Day. So since the Chinese celebrate 15 days of the Lunar New Year, it is the birthday of every Chinese. 

According to mythology, the 7th day was the birth of mankind and thus the 7th day of the new year is dedicated to man. Besides greeting one another "Ren Ri Kuai Le" (人日快乐), there will be some celebration with food and drinks particularly by eating 7 types of coloured vegetables. Quite a healthy meal or another vegetarian meal added into the 15 days of celebration.

I think the vegetable vendors, supermarkets, grocery stores and salad bars got busy today. Chinese restaurants would usually be crowded with people celebrating each one's Chinese birthday but could be toned down because of the current restrictions. 

I was too busy to notice anything as I was drowned with work and just had some light congee. 

Were you at your own birthday celebration today with your loved ones?

祝福你人日快乐!

OXOX!

(photo credit: Nadine Primeau)