It is customary in Vietnamese culture to celebrate a baby's first month birthday. Fortunately for Lulu, her grandparents were present to help commemorate the milestone. I asked my mom what exactly the celebration was for and she explained that we were to give offerings to a "fairy" to watch over Lulu. Apparently, this fairy would protect Lulu and teach her how to smile and do other baby-things. I'm not really sure why we lit a candle, but my mom insisted that we do that too.
After the first month anniversary celebration, friends and family were invited to meet Lulu and to offer her a happy, healthy, and prosperous life. She received a few red envelopes (li xi) with cash-gifts. And as with most Vietnamese celebrations, we ate a lot during and after the event.
Traditionally, the Vietnamese only observe a child's one-month and one year birthdays and that anything after is not really celebrated. Good thing for Lulu, we'll adopt Western birthday traditions for her! Until the next party (one year milestone), thank you, fairy godmother!
