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American Celebrations
Good Luck Life : The Essential Guide to Chinese American Celebrations and Culture
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 and Ginger party to welcome a new baby, significant birthdays, and the inevitable funeral. Packed with practical information, Good Luck Life contains an abundance of facts, legends, foods, old-village recipes, and quick planning guides for Chinese New Year, Clear Brightness, Dragon Boat, Mid-Autumn, and many other festivals.
Written with warmth and wit, Good Luck Life is beautifully designed as an easily accessible cultural guide that includes an explanation of the Lunar Calendar, tips on Chinese table etiquette for dining with confidence, and dos and don'ts from wise Auntie Lao, who recounts ancient Chinese beliefs and superstitions. This is your map for celebrating a good luck life.
Written with warmth and wit, Good Luck Life is beautifully designed as an easily accessible cultural guide that includes an explanation of the Lunar Calendar, tips on Chinese table etiquette for dining with confidence, and dos and don'ts from wise Auntie Lao, who recounts ancient Chinese beliefs and superstitions. This is your map for celebrating a good luck life.
288 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2005
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204 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
May 4, 2009
Last week Doris and I were discussing Chinese New Year, she asked me
what I do to celebrate. I realized that I don't do much and was
trying to remember how we celebrated growing up. We both remembered a
round translucent pink dish with eight sections that our parents and
Grandma would bring out every New Year, and fill with sweets. Sadly,
we could only remember two of the things in it...lucky candy wrapped
in red and gold, and candied coconut slices. And even sadder, we have
no idea why it was pulled out every New Year and what the
significance was behind the foods placed in it.
This book, "Good Luck Life: The Essential Guide to Chinese American
Celebrations and Culture," is a guide that explains things like the
pink tray and so much more. It is separated into two sections, annual
Chinese holidays (explains the pink tray, why we eat moon cakes, the
folklore behind Dung...glutinous rice wrapped in Bamboo leaves, etc.)
and Special Occasions (what is the significance of wedding banquet
dishes, why we are supposed to eat black vinegar pigs' feet soup
after having a baby, why we bow three times when we visit a
gravesite, etc.)
The writing style is very conversational, it is full of recipes (yes,
even one for the pigs' feet soup), and nicely ties in historical
reasons how things in old China have made it into Chinese American
traditions. The book was fascinating for me as a Chinese American (I
had so many "A-ha!" moments while reading it, made me think of my
Grandma a lot), but would also be useful for those who are married to
a Chinese person, who have lots of Chinese friends or who are just
interested in Chinese culture and why we do the crazy things we do. I
knew I had to get it when I was flipping through it at the bookstore
and there was a part about "fung sup," an irreversible cold condition
that enters a persons bones. Anyone who knows my mother would smile
at that!
Check out the website: www.goodlucklife.com
what I do to celebrate. I realized that I don't do much and was
trying to remember how we celebrated growing up. We both remembered a
round translucent pink dish with eight sections that our parents and
Grandma would bring out every New Year, and fill with sweets. Sadly,
we could only remember two of the things in it...lucky candy wrapped
in red and gold, and candied coconut slices. And even sadder, we have
no idea why it was pulled out every New Year and what the
significance was behind the foods placed in it.
This book, "Good Luck Life: The Essential Guide to Chinese American
Celebrations and Culture," is a guide that explains things like the
pink tray and so much more. It is separated into two sections, annual
Chinese holidays (explains the pink tray, why we eat moon cakes, the
folklore behind Dung...glutinous rice wrapped in Bamboo leaves, etc.)
and Special Occasions (what is the significance of wedding banquet
dishes, why we are supposed to eat black vinegar pigs' feet soup
after having a baby, why we bow three times when we visit a
gravesite, etc.)
The writing style is very conversational, it is full of recipes (yes,
even one for the pigs' feet soup), and nicely ties in historical
reasons how things in old China have made it into Chinese American
traditions. The book was fascinating for me as a Chinese American (I
had so many "A-ha!" moments while reading it, made me think of my
Grandma a lot), but would also be useful for those who are married to
a Chinese person, who have lots of Chinese friends or who are just
interested in Chinese culture and why we do the crazy things we do. I
knew I had to get it when I was flipping through it at the bookstore
and there was a part about "fung sup," an irreversible cold condition
that enters a persons bones. Anyone who knows my mother would smile
at that!
Check out the website: www.goodlucklife.com
February 4, 2016
I found this book to be a bright and pleasant introduction or refresher to those seeking insight into Chinese-American cultural celebrations. I could see this book being a fabulous gift for someone who is marrying into a Chinese family, or someone who is Chinese but hasn't been raised along strict traditions or had the rituals explained. Gong plainly states what food is served or not served, what food and flowers and numbers symbolize, the history and mythologies behind rituals, and includes incredibly useful timelines on how to plan and purchase items for a celebration. There are also numerous recipes; some of the ingredients might be a challenge to obtain unless you live near a Chinatown or a well-stocked international grocery, but it still makes for fascinating reading.
July 2, 2014
One day I was talking with a friend and her mother about family traditions, which launched into a discussion of practices that seemed odd until an older family member explained the reasoning. Her mother recommended that we read, "Good Luck Life" to enhance our knowledge of these practices and beliefs.
I enjoyed the facility of navigating the chapters (New Year, Birthdays, Weddings, Funerals, etc), and how different traditions for the respective events were broken down into sections explaining the "how-to" and "why" each ritual is done.
I enjoyed the facility of navigating the chapters (New Year, Birthdays, Weddings, Funerals, etc), and how different traditions for the respective events were broken down into sections explaining the "how-to" and "why" each ritual is done.
February 6, 2015
It was really interesting. I come from a home where we just do things because "that's what old people say" or "It's just done like that", following traditions but without a lot of explanations. She covers major holiday/holy days, weddings, one month ceremonies, funerals, and ect. There are recipes too. It features explanations, etiquette, and history. There are little bubbles where Auntie Lao (Old Auntie) gives her point of view.
December 29, 2014
More than an encyclopedia of celebrations, this book is steeped in knowledge from the author's interviews with her elders, filled with practical advice and sprinkled with quotes and sidebars worthy of a book all their own.
January 14, 2009
China fascinates me to no end and this book is another step in learning more about the people and the culture. It is a little rough in spots, not as engaging as I desired, but still worth reading.
November 5, 2018
"Good Luck Life: The Essential Guide to Chinese American Celebrations and Culture" is an informative work of nonfiction written by Rosemary Gong. Gong is a third generation Chinese American who wanted to know why the Chinese celebrate their holidays the way the do. As Chinese (and adopted) myself I was very interested in this book. For me, this book wasn't boring and I loved it. The only problem I had was, I wish there had been more holidays. "Good Luck Life" is a mini encyclopedia about Chinese holidays and celebrations. The book is separated into the major holidays and they're in chronological order of when they happen on the lunar calendar. There is a section about funerals, big birthdays, and weddings too. Rosemary talks about the significance of numbers, fruits, and symbols have in Chinese culture. It is a very interesting book either if you are interested in Chinese cultures and holidays or not. There are some delicious looking recipes and some wise advice from the author's aunt. There is background information or folklore of how the celebrations came to be. If you like history or Chinese history I think you will like this book. Towards the end of each chapter Rosemary has a handy guide of what you need to do to prepare for the festivals. You will become enlightened from this novel and want to incorporate some philosophy from the Chinese as well as celebrating some Chinese holidays. "Good Luck Life" is a worth of knowledge.
March 16, 2021
To all who have children or are curious to better understand or even help remember the traditions and celebrations, this is THE book to read. Perhaps if we all read books that explain each other's culture, it may help us all better understand each other.
Having celebrated Chinese New Year recently, my son asked me how the traditions of CNY came to be. Why do we eat this on this day? Why do we have to have the house spotless by this day? Why can't we sweep during this time? Why, Why, why so many questions and as I answer one, five more are asked.
Rosemary Gong reviews the culture and traditions of everything from Chinese New Year, Weddings, Red Egg Day, Dragon Boat Festival, Mid-Autumn Festival, all the way down to the proper etiquette and what to order for funerals. Being first generation but as I pass, our child will be second generation, how do I convey and he will remember everything? That’s when I discovered Good Luck Life by Rosemary Gong.
It contains everything one needs to know about how, why, the etiquette and even what prayers to chant. Never have I read such a thorough book that explains everything so simply and effectively. This alone makes me give it a 5 star rating.
Having celebrated Chinese New Year recently, my son asked me how the traditions of CNY came to be. Why do we eat this on this day? Why do we have to have the house spotless by this day? Why can't we sweep during this time? Why, Why, why so many questions and as I answer one, five more are asked.
Rosemary Gong reviews the culture and traditions of everything from Chinese New Year, Weddings, Red Egg Day, Dragon Boat Festival, Mid-Autumn Festival, all the way down to the proper etiquette and what to order for funerals. Being first generation but as I pass, our child will be second generation, how do I convey and he will remember everything? That’s when I discovered Good Luck Life by Rosemary Gong.
It contains everything one needs to know about how, why, the etiquette and even what prayers to chant. Never have I read such a thorough book that explains everything so simply and effectively. This alone makes me give it a 5 star rating.
January 3, 2009
I think this book really provides a great combination of traditional Chinese values and meshes them with American traditions. I especially love the timeline for weddings, and the explainations of the procedures. Also I think the funeral arrangements were also very knowledgable and helpful!
April 11, 2007
A good reference book!
July 14, 2008
very interesting, really enjoyed it
November 27, 2009
Great book on the culture of Chinese-Americans. Everything you need to know about holidays and traditions. She even gives you recipes to go with the holidays.
January 26, 2012
I found this book very informative and educational. My parents are not very traditional so it was very interesting learning about my culture and discussing it with my mother.
August 30, 2014
first read in October 9, 2012 and reading it again now in 8/30/2014 for information for my wedding next year.
great source of information.
great source of information.
February 11, 2023
Good Luck Life is a nonfiction book about Chinese American traditions. I would have never thought to pick up something like this but I found it at a bookstore and wanted to see what I know and what I’m clueless about with my own traditions 😛
This book covers Chinese holidays, as well as special occasions like weddings, funerals, and red egg and ginger parties. It outlines the customs in a straight forward encyclopedia type of way and includes some of the folklore and symbolism behind why certain things are done.
Before reading this, I would say I had a pretty solid understanding of “what” things are done but not so much the “why” so that background was helpful. If you’re like me and have a vague understanding from experience and googling random things over the years, this could be a helpful guide. There were also some less celebrated traditions that were new to me and I’m morbid so I found anything death related to be fascinating.
Something I wish this book went into more was how different traditions have been adapted or dropped by Chinese Americans because traditions can vary so much between families. Also I wish there were some pictures to make it more dynamic, but overall this was worth a read!
This book covers Chinese holidays, as well as special occasions like weddings, funerals, and red egg and ginger parties. It outlines the customs in a straight forward encyclopedia type of way and includes some of the folklore and symbolism behind why certain things are done.
Before reading this, I would say I had a pretty solid understanding of “what” things are done but not so much the “why” so that background was helpful. If you’re like me and have a vague understanding from experience and googling random things over the years, this could be a helpful guide. There were also some less celebrated traditions that were new to me and I’m morbid so I found anything death related to be fascinating.
Something I wish this book went into more was how different traditions have been adapted or dropped by Chinese Americans because traditions can vary so much between families. Also I wish there were some pictures to make it more dynamic, but overall this was worth a read!
January 6, 2020
This book is better suited to be used as a reference text rather than read straight through. Since the text is exactly how I imagined it would be, I'm giving it four stars (it wasn't the most joyous read, but it was short!).
Gong covers a lot of topics that people less familiar with Chinese American culture may wonder about. She is casual and puts all the information in an easily digestible format; a story of the Chinese lore behind the tradition here, a recipe associated with the holiday there, etc. Overall, pretty insightful, but it would be best to pick and choose the sections that are relevant for the time period/situation. Also a little outdated as the book is a bit old; there's a list of "upcoming years" and their associated animal (i.e. year of the rat), and the last one on the list is for 2020. However, aside from this trivial information, all the other information seems fine!
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https://thegiantpencil.blogspot.com/2...
Gong covers a lot of topics that people less familiar with Chinese American culture may wonder about. She is casual and puts all the information in an easily digestible format; a story of the Chinese lore behind the tradition here, a recipe associated with the holiday there, etc. Overall, pretty insightful, but it would be best to pick and choose the sections that are relevant for the time period/situation. Also a little outdated as the book is a bit old; there's a list of "upcoming years" and their associated animal (i.e. year of the rat), and the last one on the list is for 2020. However, aside from this trivial information, all the other information seems fine!
---
https://thegiantpencil.blogspot.com/2...
January 6, 2025
Book review in the author’s own words:
This book is a culmination of my efforts to acquaint myself with my cultural heritage. It details historical facts, legends, common practices, and foods surrounding the Chinese holidays. I've attempted to make the connection between how and why the Chinese do what they do.
Good Luck Life also contains old village recipes for celebratory foods, reference guides to assist in building your own plans of action, decorum for different social situations, Chinese table etiquette for dining with confidence, and "do and don't lists” from wizen Auntie Lao, who recounts ancient Chinese beliefs and superstitions.
At the end of my quest, I found that the Chinese ways provided a life of abundance that overflowed with family and friends. May it serve you well.
This book is a culmination of my efforts to acquaint myself with my cultural heritage. It details historical facts, legends, common practices, and foods surrounding the Chinese holidays. I've attempted to make the connection between how and why the Chinese do what they do.
Good Luck Life also contains old village recipes for celebratory foods, reference guides to assist in building your own plans of action, decorum for different social situations, Chinese table etiquette for dining with confidence, and "do and don't lists” from wizen Auntie Lao, who recounts ancient Chinese beliefs and superstitions.
At the end of my quest, I found that the Chinese ways provided a life of abundance that overflowed with family and friends. May it serve you well.
January 9, 2020
Never understood some of the reasons why my family and I followed certain traditions until this book.
February 4, 2021
Super informative- I plan to buy it.
May 31, 2024
Every society is going to have some adherence to superstition, but Wow! I might have enjoyed a deeper look into the why instead of the how, but that is not the book she wrote.
November 10, 2015
Very informative- read my parents' copy, which they got after my grandmother passed and my grandfather had been invited to a wedding shortly after the funeral- we weren't sure if it'd be in poor taste for him to go if it'd spread ill will. Need to get a copy of my own at some point...
July 13, 2017
Review
“Charming...a good buy.” (Library Journal )
“Finally, a guidebook I can refer to for answers on how and why Chinese Americans celebrate and observe special occasions.” (Judy Yung, Professor of American Studies, University of California, Santa Cruz, and author of Unbound Feet: A Social History of Chinese Women in San Francisco )
“Good Luck Life is a great resource to Chinese traditions and celebrations, offering explanations of the customs and their symbolism.” (Ming Tsai, Food Network chef and author of Simply Ming )
“Good Luck Life is a cultural treasure chest - it’s a wonderful legacy to pass on to future generations.” (Martin Yan )
Product DescriptionGood 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 and Ginger party to welcome a new baby, significant birthdays, and the inevitable funeral. Packed with practical information, Good Luck Life contains an abundance of facts, legends, foods, old-village recipes, and quick planning guides for Chinese New Year, Clear Brightness, Dragon Boat, Mid-Autumn, and many other festivals.
Written with warmth and wit, Good Luck Life is beautifully designed as an easily accessible cultural guide that includes an explanation of the Lunar Calendar, tips on Chinese table etiquette for dining with confidence, and dos and don'ts from wise Auntie Lao, who recounts ancient Chinese beliefs and superstitions. This is your map for celebrating a good luck life.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews