|
Post by douglaslam on Jul 6, 2012 7:18:31 GMT -5
Linda, you have me fired up even more to see your ancestral village. November can't come soon enough. When the date gets closer, I'll ask more knowledgeable members for details in Chinese so that it is not going to be a hit and miss affair.
Did you know that since you made your appearance on this particular thread, it scored the highest hit rate and is still going strong? People are interested to track your success story.
When buying the red envelopes, don't go for the big ones. They are for special occasions like a wedding or a baby's first full month celebration.
It is not just the boys who get their heads shaved. I asked my mother-in-law, a Hoiping native, she says all infants get their heads and even eyebrows shaved for a better regrowth. It is a big deal, which normally takes place after the first full month celebration of the new-born and on a very auspicious day. The person who performs the task could be a family member, a relative, or even neighbour. The qualification is, he or she must have all immediate family members around him or her i.e. the spouse, children and grandchildren about and in good health. There is much ritual involved and everyone is invited to witness. People bring special food, and a reception is held. It is a grand and happy occasion, too elaborate for me to repeat. Obviously, your father was a stickler for traditions. It is a rite of passage, one of many. Your father was proud, and thought the world of you and your siblings, you, the children, were precious to him. Good on him.
Douglas
|
|
|
Post by Doug 周 on Jul 6, 2012 9:12:09 GMT -5
|
|
|
Post by FayChee on Jul 6, 2012 22:13:45 GMT -5
Hi Douglas and Doug, It would be nice to think that everybody loves a story with a happy ending, but I doubt that I am the subject of interest.
Thank you for the tips about the Red Envelopes, I'll be sure and get instructions from the store owners too.
I have given up the idea of bringing soil to spread on dad's grave...it was more for me than for him I guess.
Thank you for finding out about the head-shaving ceremony. I am learning more about dad than I have ever dreamed.
|
|
|
Post by FayChee on Jul 9, 2012 20:37:02 GMT -5
Today's my birthday !!!! Attachments:
|
|
|
Post by lachinatown on Jul 9, 2012 20:44:05 GMT -5
Happy Birthday to you Imurak!
|
|
|
Post by FayChee on Jul 9, 2012 23:37:31 GMT -5
Thank you LaChinatown, I just changed my screenname to my chinese name....FayChee.
Guess I should not use this site like Facebook.....
|
|
|
Post by douglaslam on Jul 10, 2012 1:06:08 GMT -5
Fay Chee / Linda, congratulations for reaching another milestone. This is your platform, use it anyway you see fit. I think the webmaster would only be pleased to see greater participation by the members.
Would laohuaqiao please decipher for us the name in Chinese characters?
Douglas
|
|
|
Post by laohuaqiao on Jul 10, 2012 14:32:51 GMT -5
Well, Linda's older sister's name was Wai Gwin 慧娟. 慧 is Fay in Taishanese dialect.
As to Chee, there are the several possibilities, but the image of her father holding her as an infant reminds me of the phrase describing a loving father's daughter 掌上明珠 (a shining pearl in one's palm). I'd go with FayChee 慧珠 (a brilliant pearl)
|
|
|
Post by FayChee on Jul 10, 2012 19:35:15 GMT -5
Thanks Douglas and Laohuaqiao. I love "Brilliant Pearl", and will make a plaque with the Chinese characters to hang on the wall. You guys are spoiling me.
And oh yes, every time that my nephew and his wife call me 'Auntie' in their emails....I just giggle to myself.........I love it! And I try to find little reasons to email them so I can get their 'Auntie' reply......
|
|
|
Post by lachinatown on Jul 10, 2012 22:31:31 GMT -5
You should do it in different fonts FayChee.
|
|
|
Post by douglaslam on Jul 11, 2012 6:33:40 GMT -5
Well done laohuaqiao, I think 慧珠 might just be the name chosen by Fay Chee's father for her daughter. A bright (or wise) pearl she certainly is. Chee could also mean 智, but it is hard to find a match with Fay.
Fay Chee, etiquette dictates that you should be addressed as Auntie. Your nephew is doing the honourable thing.
Douglas
|
|
|
Post by douglaslam on Jul 12, 2012 6:57:10 GMT -5
Fay Chee,
How clumsy of me, it's a case of lost in translation. Fay Chee is a Bright Pearl or Pearl of Wisdom. I thought of the alternatives to your name for a long while. There is a possibility Chee could also mean 芝, a precious plant for longevity, which is a common name for a girl. Until your nephew comes up with the name your father had chosen for you, I think laohuaqiao's deduction is the most logical.
Laohuaqiao, can you think of what Fay Chee might be if 芝 is a part of the name?
I like your photo, it is smashing. You radiate warmth and confidence. I appreciate seeing a face to the name, as you are now one of our regular contributors. Douglas
|
|
|
Post by FayChee on Jul 12, 2012 11:35:41 GMT -5
Hi Douglas, Thank you everyone for trying to help me with my chinese name. My mom told me as a child that dad named me Fay Chee, and I spelled it the way it sounded. It wasn't written anywhere and it is possible that mom's pronounciation was not the same as when dad said it.
I'm glad that you like my birthday photo. I also enjoy seeing a face with the words. I also put a voice to the words and sometimes get quite a surprise when I actually talk to someone or see that person and they sound nothing or look nothing like I had imagined.
I like being a regular here, and am still reading old posts and helpful information. This website is my second family. Thanks everyone for being so kind.
|
|
|
Post by douglaslam on Jul 13, 2012 6:36:37 GMT -5
Fay Chee, I like the idea of having your name in Chinese framed for all to see at home. You can piece 司徒慧珠 together by using the right tool online. I have seen my daughter putting together a cousin's Chinese name in black characters on a red background and sent it off to him. I do not know how to repeat it. Our tech-savvy members can help you. Douglas
|
|
|
Post by lachinatown on Jul 13, 2012 10:29:17 GMT -5
Also, FayChee, you should have a Chinese chop or seal made.
|
|