MUN YUET 满月
According to Chinese custom, when a baby turns one month old, a ceremony is held to celebrate her first month of life (the Chinese term translates as "full moon"). This coincides with the end of the new mum's confinement period, and both mother and baby are formally introduced to the extended family and friends for the first time. Before the unveiling party, the baby traditionally undergoes a host of rituals. Once that is over, a party is held to celebrate the health of the baby. Relatives and friends gather to give their blessings and gifts to the new baby, and traditional treats such as ang ku kueh and red eggs are featured. Full moon parties today run the gamut from full-fledged catered events, with a buffet spread for guests, to smaller family-only get-togethers. Parents normally host the celebration at home if they have the space, or book and rent a venue (hotel or large restaurant) to accommodate everyone.
Traditional foods: Ang ku kueh and red eggs
Traditional cakes and eggs, dyed red to symbolise luck and blessings, are given or sent to relatives and friends. Eggs are chosen as they represent fertility and their round shapes symbolise harmony. It is believed that if you have a boy, you give out an odd number of eggs, and if you have a girl, you give out an even number of eggs. According to word of mouth on Hokkien tradition, if you have a son, plain round ang ku kuehs (red glutinous peanut cakes) are given out, and if you have a girl, you mould the ang ku into the traditional tortoise moulds, which are more intricate and delicate. In bigger cities such as Kuala Lumpur, you can now find the Food services Delight Gift Box that provide full moon packages. They have a menu according to your budget, but will always include traditional ang ku and red eggs. Some food options include cakes, chocolate, Nasi Kunyit, Curry Chicken, Ginger Vinegar Trotter and much more..... These outfits can even provide deliveries the food boxes reach to your door step.
Baby's first hair cut
Tradition also dictates that you shave your baby's head, although most parents don't observe this practice anymore. Instead, they trim a little bit of hair off, to symbolise the shedding of the birth hair (sometimes referred to as "hair from the womb"). After the first hair cut, both the mother and the baby must bathe in water mixed with pomelo leaves, to wash off any evil vibes. You are meant to wrap your baby's hair in a piece of red cloth and sew it to his pillow to help calm him down. Some traditional-minded parents who shave the baby's entire head will use the hair from this first hair cut to make a special calligraphy brush, engraved with wishes of wisdom, health and happiness.
Gifts, jewellery and ang pau
During the full moon celebration, relatives and friends will give money in ang paus (red packets) and jewellery to the baby. Today, parents and the newborn receive modern gifts too, such as clothing, toys, books and gift vouchers. It's like a Western baby shower, only celebrated a month later!
Naming your baby
Naming your baby
Another practice is dressing your baby up in gold-coloured attire and "presenting" him to his deceased paternal grandparents at the prayer or family altar. If you haven't named your baby yet, tradition dictates that the paternal grandfather picks a suitable name. Choosing your baby's name is an important Chinese custom as it is believed it will determine your baby's character. Some parents even consult a fortune teller to help them pick a prosperous
