Lunar New Year Feasting

Sihk Gau Daaih Gwai: to have a rich meal like a kingIn Ancient China, the number of dishes served to a person during a meal signified their social ranking. The emperor received nine, while feudal kings got seven dishes. A nobleman ate five dishes, officials three, and ordinary people only two. In those days, people also used vessels called gwai to hold their food; most of these containers were made of wood, although some were created from bronze or bamboo.  Happy lunar new year! Yesterday was … [Read more...]

Sailouh- The Power of Words

Sailouh: children, kids. Sailouh meant "little boy" in ancient China.  King Mouh, the first ruler of the Chou dynasty, introduced his younger brother as sailouh.  (The term subtly shifts to "sailou" when describing one's own younger brother.) Triad gangs use these family terms, with the leader addressed as "Daaihlou" (elder brother) and the man under him known as "Sailou."  Thus, one simple phrase can yield various meanings. It is the power of words that first lured me into reading as a child.  … [Read more...]