Planning a 100 Day Baby Celebration!

As a mother who has planned two 100-day celebrations for my babies, I can tell you that these events are incredibly special. The 100-day 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 tradition and welcome my little ones into our family! Below are 6 steps to plan your own 100 Day Baby Celebration with links to lots more info! 

When I first learned about the 100-day 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. It’s a beautiful reminder of the ancestors' practices and their hopes for future generations. You can read more about Chinese traditions here (as well as Korean, Japanese and Vietnamese). 

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 wisdom and assistance 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.

For both of my children, we chose 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.

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.

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. 

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. 

The only thing I did for both of my kid’s celebrations at restaurants was to buy them traditional Chinese clothing. This qipao for my daughter and this jacket and pants for my son :) 

Additionally, incorporating images or symbols of dragons and phoenixes can add to the auspicious ambiance. For my children's celebrations, we also included red and gold balloons, floral arrangements with peonies and orchids, and a beautifully decorated cake featuring traditional motifs. 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. 

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. These modern additions can blend seamlessly with traditional customs, creating a unique and memorable celebration that reflects both your heritage and your personal style. Don't be afraid to add your own flair, making the event truly special for you, your baby, and your guests.

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:

To help you plan your own celebration, I recommend checking out some great resources. 

1. Recipes 
2. Decorations 
3. Traditional Outfits for the Baby 
4. Gifts from Guests 
5. Traditions