Full Month Oil Rice
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The Origin of the Full-Month Sticky Rice (Man Yue Celebration)

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In the past, when medical resources were limited, it was considered a great blessing for a newborn to reach their first full month. To celebrate the baby's survival and express gratitude, families would often share oil rice (glutinous rice with soy-braised toppings) with relatives and friends. This practice symbolized joy and gratitude. Even today, celebrating a baby’s full-month milestone—known as the Man Yue (彌月之喜)—remains an important cultural event in many Taiwanese families.

In Taiwanese tradition, red eggs are given out during a newborn’s full-month celebration. The full month marks a time of rituals, including offerings to deities and ancestors, hosting banquets, and a symbolic head-shaving ceremony for the baby. The ritual is usually performed on the 30th day after birth, although in some regions, it is done on the 24th day to honor the Confucian principle of filial piety, represented by the "Twenty-Four Filial Exemplars."

During the head-shaving ritual, a basin of water is prepared with 3 or 12 small pebbles, 12 copper coins, one scallion, and 12 dyed red eggs. After shaving, a red egg is gently rolled three times over the baby’s head—a symbolic gesture for future success, as red-topped hats once signified high-ranking officials during the Qing Dynasty. The egg yolk is mixed with scallion juice and applied to the baby's head, symbolizing cleansing and wisdom. The word for scallion (cong) sounds like "smart" (congming) in Mandarin, implying intelligence. The stones and coins symbolize physical strength and future wealth. The shaven hair and pebbles are then wrapped in red paper and tossed onto the roof, a gesture believed to bring blessings.

On this special day, families also prepare traditional sesame oil glutinous rice and red eggs to gift to friends and relatives. In return, guests bring noodles and stones using the same dish to wish the child health and longevity.