This celebration signals the end of the confinement period for the new mother. It is a Thanksgiving celebration on the baby’s attainment of a full month in good health. Modern Chinese families in Singapore usually distribute cakes, red eggs and ‘Ang Gu Kueh’ (red dumplings) to friends and relatives, who in turn reciprocate by giving an ‘Ang Pow’ (a gift of cash in a red paper packet) to the baby.

Straits Chinese usually give the following to friends and relatives. The red eggs (which must be given in pairs) symbolise completeness and fullness; ‘Nasi Kunyit’ or yellow rice and the chicken curry are symbols of prosperity and fortune; the ‘Ang Gu Kueh’, also given in pairs, symbolise sweetness and happiness. ‘Gu’ which means ‘Turtle’, is also a symbol of longevity.

Straits Chinese grandparents would give their new grandchild gifts of ‘Ang Pow’, jewellery, baby clothes and shoes. Vermicelli (for longevity), Rock Sugar (for happiness) and Rice Grains (for prosperity) are also presented to the grandchild.