Chinese First Haircut
Have you ever heard of a "Full Moon Party"? It might sound like a wild celebration, but in China, it has a very different and heartwarming meaning. Rather than being linked to Vulkan-Vegas or howling at the moon, this special occasion marks a baby's one-month milestone - a celebration known as the Full Moon Party.
As part of the tradition, the baby's hair is cut - Vulkan-Vegas by family members - then shaved, and the hair is tied with red ribbon or string to be kept as a treasured memento. Though the haircut itself is not deeply symbolic, it's believed to promote the baby's health and well-being, as well as encourage healthy hair growth.
In earlier times, it was common to leave a small tuft of hair on the baby's head, though this practice has become rare. Red plays a prominent role in Chinese culture, symbolizing good luck and happiness. Naturally, the color features Vulkan-Vegas in Full Moon celebrations. Red-dyed eggs are shared to represent new life and fortune, and the baby is often dressed in a bright red outfit.
Unfortunately, Vulkan-Vegas tradition is slowly fading, particularly among younger, Western-influenced parents. In many families, it is the grandparents - often grandmothers - who keep the custom alive, sometimes choosing to save only a small lock of hair as a keepsake.