As a mom who has planned two Chinese 100 day celebration parties for my babies, I can tell you that these events are incredibly meaningful! The 100 day celebration milestone in Chinese culture symbolizes not only the baby's survival but also the family's gratitude for their health and happiness. Planning these celebrations was a heartfelt way for me to honor my husband's family tradition and welcome my little ones into our family! Below are 6 steps to plan your own celebration.
Table of Contents - 100 Day Celebration Chinese Baby Guide
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Step #1: Understanding the 100 Day Celebration Chinese Traditions
When I first learned about the 100 day baby celebrations from my husband, I was fascinated by its deep historical roots. This tradition dates back centuries and is steeped in symbolism. The celebration acknowledges the challenges of infancy and celebrates the baby’s growth and health.
Traditional Name of the Chinese 100 Day Baby Celebration
- The 100 Day Baby Celebration is called 百日宴 (Bǎi Rì Yàn).
- 百 (Bǎi) means "hundred," 日 (Rì) means "day," and 宴 (Yàn) translates to "banquet" or "feast."
- The tradition historically stems from the belief that if a baby survived the first 100 days, it was an important milestone, as infant mortality rates were once high. Families would gather to celebrate the baby’s good health and wish for longevity.
Symbolism of the Red Eggs at the 100 Day Celebration
- A key tradition during the 百日宴 (Bǎi Rì Yàn) involves giving out or serving red eggs (红蛋 hóng dàn).
- The eggs, dyed red, symbolize luck, happiness, and fertility. Red is an auspicious color in Chinese culture, representing joy and prosperity. The round shape of the egg further symbolizes unity and new beginnings.
The party is a beautiful reminder of the ancestors' practices and their hopes for future generations. Other cultures have Baby Milestone celebrations including the Korean: 백일 (Baek-il) at 100 days, Vietnamese: Đầy Cữ / Thôi Nôi at the first month and the Japanese: お宮参り (Omiyamairi) from 30 to 100 days old.
Step #2: Picking a Date for Your Chinese 100 Day Baby Celebration
Choosing the right date for the 100-day celebration was crucial for me, especially considering how challenging the postpartum period can be. During those early days, you're adjusting to a new life, and it can be overwhelming to plan such a significant event! That's why I leaned heavily on my community for support.
Actually, my husband and his parents figured out the best date with our venue (Chinese Restaurant in Brooklyn). Relying on their help not only made the planning process smoother but also reminded me that this celebration is as much about the community's support as it is about the baby's milestone.
Step #3: Baby Celebration Venue & Travel
For both of my children, we picked a Chinese restaurant that my in-laws chose with a private area. It was perfect to accommodate a larger group and allowed us to enjoy delicious, authentic cuisine without the stress of cooking! You can also host at home which is a great option for you and your baby to feel more comfortable.
Other options include hosting the celebration at a park can provide a lovely, natural setting, especially if the weather is nice. It's a wonderful way to celebrate with plenty of space for children to play and adults to mingle. Alternatively, a community center can offer a spacious and convenient location, often equipped with amenities to make the event easier to manage. Traveling can be an option to be closer to family but just remember that baby travel at that age can be an added stress. I also have a blog post on my favorite Baby Travel Items and Hacks.
Regardless of the venue, the key is to choose a place that feels comfortable and special for you and your guests. Each option has its own unique benefits, and by relying on your community for support and ideas, you can create a memorable and meaningful celebration.
Washington DC, Virginia and Maryland Venues for a Chinese 100 Day Baby Celebration
I have a full list of my top 10 venues in the DMV here but here are my favorites for each location:
Virginia - Mama Chang (Fairfax)
- Traditional home-style dishes with private dining options.
- Website: https://www.mamachangva.com/
Maryland - Grace's Mandarin (National Harbor, MD)
- Upscale fusion dining with stunning decor and large spaces for celebrations.
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/graces-mandarin-fort-washington
Washington, D.C.: Chang Chang
- Modern Sichuan and regional Chinese cuisine in Dupont Circle with event spaces for groups.
- Website: https://changchangdc.com/
And if you are in the DC area, check out this list of my Top 20 Things to Do with Babies in DC and my top 20 best Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Washington DC.
Step #4 Inviting Guests to Your 100 Day Baby Celebration
Creating the guest list is the next step. Decide if you want a small group or a larger celebration. Remember that your baby will be 3 months old. I wanted to invite close family and friends who had supported us during the early days of my babies' lives. Sending out invitations well in advance was important to ensure everyone could attend and share in our joy. I highly recommend sending out a digital evite to make RSVPs easy for everyone!
Step #5: Decide on Decorations & Outfits
This was one of my favorite parts! But of course, decorations can be as simple or as elaborate as you want. At a Chinese restaurant, you probably won’t need to add much as they will have their own ambiance. The traditional color scheme of red and gold is predominant, symbolizing good luck, happiness, and prosperity. Red lanterns, paper cuttings, and banners with Chinese characters for "longevity" and "happiness" are commonly used to adorn the venue.
I have a full blog post on Red Egg and Ginger Party Decorations here!
Outfits for 100 Day Celebration:
The main thing I did for both of my kid’s celebrations at restaurants was to buy them traditional Chinese clothing. I purchased my daughter's baby "qipao" and son's Chinese outfit from Amazon. They have tons of options for the warmer months and colder months. (And bonus, my babies wore their outfits for Chinese New Year that year!)
Decoration Ideas for Your Party:
Additionally, incorporating images or symbols of dragons and phoenixes can add to the auspicious ambiance. For your celebrations, you can also include red and gold lanterns, floral arrangements with peonies and orchids. Personalized touches, such as a photo display of the baby’s first 100 days and a guestbook for attendees to write their blessings, can further enhance the festive atmosphere and create lasting memories.
100 Day Specific Decorations:
Step #6: Traditional Activities at Your 100 Day Celebration Chinese Baby Party
The number one thing is to ask your parents or in-laws what they would recommend for traditional activities! They might have some family-specific ideas or be open to trying new things. For example, I haven’t read anywhere else this but our family gave our children tiny baby-size gold rings on their special day. We are saving them for their children one day, perhaps! Below are a couple of Chinese-specific traditional activities at a 100 Day Celebration to discuss with them.
- Special Foods: Food is a central part of the celebration. I made sure to include traditional dishes like red eggs, which symbolize happiness and renewal, and longevity noodles, representing a long life.
- Rituals and Blessings: Incorporating rituals and blessings was a heartfelt way to connect with our cultural roots. We conducted prayers and offered blessings for the baby's health and future. I asked family members to share traditional words and phrases of blessing, which added a personal touch to the ceremony.
- Bai Jia Bei (Hundred Families Quilt) Bai Jia Bei, or the Hundred Families Quilt, is a cherished tradition in Chinese culture that beautifully symbolizes community support and good fortune for the baby. To create a Bai Jia Bei, begin by reaching out to family, friends, and loved ones, asking each to contribute a piece of fabric. Ideally, each piece should measure about 7x7 inches. These fabric squares can be new or hold special significance, such as repurposed pieces from cherished garments. Once you have collected the squares, assemble them into a quilt, either by sewing them yourself or enlisting the help of a skilled quilter. Each square represents a blessing and a wish for the baby's health, happiness, and longevity, creating a tangible manifestation of the love and support surrounding your child. Assembling the Bai Jia Bei can be a touching and collaborative process, making it not only a meaningful keepsake for the baby but also a heartfelt project that connects the entire community in celebration of new life.
- Hair Cutting Ceremony The hair cutting ceremony is an integral part of the 100-day baby celebration in Chinese culture, symbolizing the shedding of negative energy and a fresh start for the infant. To conduct this ceremony, select a trusted elder, often a grandparent, to perform the first haircut, as their wisdom and experience are believed to impart good fortune. The ceremony is usually held in a serene setting, with the baby seated comfortably. The elder carefully snips a small lock of the baby’s hair, which is then preserved as a memento of this special day. Some families choose to wrap the cut hair in red paper or place it in a keepsake box. This ritual not only signifies the baby's growth and new beginning but also reinforces the connection between generations, with the elder bestowing blessings and protection upon the child. Preparing for this ceremony involves gathering the necessary items, such as scissors, red paper, and a keepsake box, and creating a calm, supportive environment for the baby. The hair-cutting ceremony, with its rich cultural significance, becomes a cherished memory and an important rite of passage for the baby and the family.
- Modern Idea: While honoring tradition is important, adding modern touches to your 100-day baby celebration can make it even more special and enjoyable. Consider incorporating contemporary elements like a photo booth with fun props, allowing guests to capture joyful moments and create lasting memories. A guestbook where friends and family can write their wishes and blessings for your baby adds a personal touch and serves as a wonderful keepsake. You might also think about having a digital slideshow of your baby's first 100 days, showcasing precious moments and milestones.
Jiāyóu! You Got This!
Looking back, planning the 100-day celebrations for my babies was a labor of love that blended tradition with personal touches. These events were a beautiful way to honor our heritage, celebrate my babies' health, and gather our community. I encourage every new parent to embrace this tradition, adding their own flair to make it truly special.
Additional Resources:
I will be creating more blog posts which will be linked here.
- Cake and Recipes
- Decorations
- Party Favors
- Photoshoot Ideas
- Traditional Outfits for the Baby
- Gifts from Guests
- Traditions
