Good Luck Life: The Essential Guide to Chinese American Celebrations and Culture

by Rosemary Gong

Book Overview

Good Luck Life is the first book to explain the meanings of Chinese rituals and to offer advice on when and how to plan for Chinese holidays and special occasions such as Chinese weddings, the Red Egg... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0060735368
• ISBN13: 9780060735364
• Release Date: January 2005
• Publisher: William Morrow & Company
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 0.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.3" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

excellent book for chinese culture and celbrations

this is an excellent book in explaining whys, whats and hows in chinese cultural events. being 1/2 euro caucasian and 1/2 chinese and growing up with grandmother and father from china, i was always curious to why we did certain things and the reason why things are a certain way. this book explains all in detail and it also has EXCELLENT RECIPES for certain all time favorite dishes...this book made everything i grew up with become clear. this is a keeper on the self for future reference and to share with other family members and friends.

American Chinese

I enjoyed this book so much. It gave me an insight on my own culture. Growing up my parents did not teach us the language and some of the customs. Chinese New Years to me was family get together and red packages. I never understood why we did or did not do certain things. This book gave me a generalization of my own culture. I would recommend this book to everyone.

A trip down memory lane...

She's put everything in this book that I remember about growing up American Chinese. Many of the traditions that we practiced were described in detail. She wrote down the meanings behind each one and filled in all the blanks that my family couldn't. From festivals, red egg and ginger parties, birthdays, weddings, funerals and all the little tidbits in between, it's in this book. Why we had to give offerings to the keeper at the entrance to the cemetary and why we had to wear all those different colors at funerals; everything is explained. Plus, she's included authentic recipes for festivals and special foods that are made for specific seasons through out the year. I will be re-reading this book for my future children so they will know the customs and remember that they have a heritage that transcends time.

You don't have to be Chinese-American to love this book!

It's packed with information, from practical tips on what to do when you're invited to a Chinese-American wedding to how to get better service in a Chinese restaurant. Great stories and legends, too -- the book will make you far more aware of the depth of this fascinating culture. Highly recommended.

Fascinating and fun to read!

A treasure chest...and a treasure, Good Luck Life is a compelling collection that's as fun to read as it is fascinating. You'll discover: *Rosemary Gong's graceful poetry and memories of Chinese-American celebrations * Legends and lore---secrets and significance---facts and history-to define each holiday * Recipes and check lists for creating your own authentic Chinese-American occasion My son and his Chinese-American wife just had a baby. Thanks to Good Luck Life, this Italian-American grandmother is already planning a Red Egg and Ginger Party to welcome her first grandchild! Starting from almost no knowledge about Chinese-American traditions, I was delighted to discover this rich resource; you will be, too! Paola Gianturco