What Is The Role Of My Family Culture In An American Family

My extended paternal family gathers together at Chinese New Year Eve for a reunion dinner, usually in a restaurant close to the home of the most senior family member, my eldest aunt. My family greets each other with New Year’s greetings and blessings. Then red packets is given out by the married couples to the unmarried relatives, they are often given out by the aunts present; uncles would take over that role in the absence of their wife. Red packets could be given out by unmarried middle aged relatives. Exchange of gifts in forms of fruits, sweets, and homemade cakes usually takes place between the different nuclear families. The first dish is ordered by my eldest aunt, and then the rest of the family decide on the remaining dishes to order. Eight dishes would be ordered on each table, shared in family style. When the dishes arrive at the table, my eldest aunt would be invited to have the first serving before the rest of the family starts eating. Tea and alcohol is also served along with dinner, and the …show more content…
Another form of gift exchange takes place, between relatives of different households, in terms of fruits, sweets and homemade cakes. The act of gift exchange shows care and strengthens the bond between family members. Gift itself contains different meaning, all to wish each other a prosperous new year. The gifts received can be eaten by the receiver or shared during the New Year’s festivities, when friends and family visit. Sharing of the gifts is normal, it have the meaning of passing luck and good wishes. By sharing these gifts the family is ensuring everyone has enough and often a surplus of food to go through New Year. The Younger generation usually gift their aunts and uncles with health products, this is to make sure their elders stays