22-3   Going to a Chinese Birthday Party

Scene: Robert (R) is asking Mr Deng(D) about how to attend a birthdy party by a chinese friend.

R: Mr Deng, I've received an invitation from my chinese friend for his birthday party. I'm not

      familiar with Chinese customs. What shall I do?

D:  May I have a look at your invitation card?

R:  Yes, here it is.

D:  It's going to be held at the Hilton Hotel. It must be a grand one.

R:   What time shall I go?

D:   At a Chinese party the guests usually arrive 5-10 minutes earlier. It's not good to be late, is it?

R:  No, it's not. Shall I put on my evening suit?

D:  It's not necessary. A coat will be good enough.

R:  What can I expect to eat?

D:  Quite a big meal. What makes the celebration significant is noodles as the last dish. It's almost

      a must for every birthday dinner.

R:  I don't think you sing the song "Happy Birthday" at the party, do you?

D:  We do it now. The highlight at the birthday party is "Bottoms up."

R:  Do you eat birthday cake?

D:  Some people have them instead of noodles, but most people have both now.

R:  By the way, shall I bring some gifts?

D:  It all depends. I think a small gift will do.

R:  Thank you.

 

22-3  The Longevity Noodles

Scene: Mr Bellow (B) and Mrs Bellow(M) are seated at a table. The waiter (W) comes over to take

      the order.

W:  Good evening, sir and madam.

B&M: Good evening.

B:  Today is my wife's birthday. I'd like to order a special dinner for her. She is quite excited to

      have her birthday here in Shanghai.

W:  I'm very happy to hear that. Happy birthday, madam.

B&M: Thank you.

B:   What do people in Shanghai usually have for birthday?

W:  We eat noodles for the birthday.

B:   Good, we'll have noodles then.

W:  Yes, sir. May I suggest the noodle soup with shrimps?

B:   That's fine. We'll have two bowls of noodle soup with shrimps.

W:  Two bowls of noodle soup with shrimps.

B:   Is there any special meaning for one to have noodles on his birthday?

W:  Yes, Chinese people think long noodles symbolize longevity. And it creates family harmony

      when the whole family get together to enjoy longevity noodles on one family member's

      birthday.

B:  It sounds great! Honey,did you hear that?

M: Yes, I'll always remember it. It's a wonderful custom.