Good Luck Life

The Essential Guide to Chinese American Celebrations and Culture A modern, easy and approachable resource for deciphering, understanding and planning for Chinese celebrations in America Why do the Chinese believe “8” is a lucky number? Is the 60th birthday really a cause for celebration? And who exactly are the cowherd and the weaving maiden and what do they have to do with the Milky Way? Chinese culture is filled with intriguing legends and customs rich with history and meaning. Unfortunately, many Chinese-Americans—particularly the younger generations—no longer have a firm grasp on their own history and culture, nor do they have a means to systematically learn how to celebrate their heritage. Once befuddled herself, Rosemary Gong has compiled an easy-to-read, practical “how-to” and “why” guide to Chinese holidays and customs. Good Luck Life is a clear, accessible book for readers young and old, filled with information that is logically categorized, and highlighted with knowledgeable sidebars, illustrative drawings, charts, tables and even recipes! From the Dragon Boat Race to the Hungry Ghosts Feast, from wedding dowries to newborn gifts, this is the all-in-one guide for anyone—Chinese or otherwise—interested in learning more about this fascinating and complex culture. Rosemary Gong is a third-generation Chinese American. Born and raised in California, she and her family were the only Asians in their Central Valley town, school, and church. A graduate of San Jose State University's School of Journalism and Mass Communications, she moved to San Francisco to join Saatchi and Saatchi Corporate Communications Group. Chinatown was her choice of residence -- just around the corner from her grandparents. There, she developed an affinity for the places and the customs inherent in her culture. Rosemary shamefully admits her Chinese vocabulary totals around twenty-nine words. Thus, she considers one of her greatest achievements to be ordering a plate of noodles in her native Cantonese.