Excerpt from China, Recipes, Flavors & Traditions

 By P.J. Tierney

Chinese New Year is a 15-day celebration tied to the lunar calendar. It typically begins with the first new moon at the end of January and spans the first 15 days of the first month of the lunar calendar until the full moon arrives. Houses are thoroughly cleaned in preparation for the Lunar New Year, which signifies the removal of the old and the welcoming of the new. Cleaning is also meant to open space for goodwill and good luck.

Each year, the lunar calendar is represented by one of the 12 zodiac animals. These animals are part of a cycle of 12 stations or “signs” along the sun’s path through the cosmos.

The 12 zodiac animals are the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig. Which animal is your favorite? In addition to the animals, the five elements of earth, water, fire, wood, and metal are also mapped onto the traditional lunar calendar. Each year is associated with an animal that corresponds to an element.

In Chinese traditions, food is pivotal in fostering connections and expressing respect. The New Year’s Eve dinner is the most important meal for Chinese families. Most families gather at a family member’s home instead of a restaurant to eat this meal.

Foods made from glutinous rice are commonly eaten, representing togetherness; dumplings, representing wealth; fish for abundance; and crisp golden spring rolls symbolize bars of gold to bring wealth and prosperity in the coming year.

The Color Red

The color red denotes good luck/fortune and happiness/abundance, and is often worn or used for decoration in celebrations.

Hongbao (Red Envelopes)

Families unite, exchanging red envelopes filled with money to signify blessings and generosity for a prosperous year ahead. Elders give hongbao to children during the New Year Festival. It is believed that the money and red envelopes will keep evil from the children, keep them healthy, and give them a long life.

Fireworks and Firecrackers

These are used to scare away evil spirits and monsters.

Read more about Chinese Traditions and prepare delicious Chinese recipes.  China, Recipes, Flavors & Traditions is on sale now wherever books are sold.

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Where Does the Wishbone Tradition Come From?

Have you ever considered the random superstitions that we revere? Traditions have a funny way of morphing as time passes and go on to carry different meanings for different people. Thanksgiving is a time that is rich with rituals and traditions that bring together family, friends, and community. For some, breaking the wishbone is a crucial aspect of the Thanksgiving Day festivities and is a premonition of a favorable future, one that grants all your wishes!

The tradition of wishbones stretches all the way back to Italy in the 8^th century, with the ancient Etruscan civilization, who were pioneers of art and culture. Within their belief systems, chickens were a dominating species that were valued for their supposed magical powers. All poultry have a wishbone, and chickens are no exception. The Etruscans would remove wishbones from their chickens and leave them out in the sun to dry, believing the sun would soak up and preserve its powers. Those who participated in this ritual would then carry the wishbone around as a good luck charm and use it as a guiding beam of knowledge and power. The importance of the wishbone was passed on to the Romans, and they took hold of this custom and began snapping the wishbone in half for luck. As the tradition traveled across Europe, the English embraced this ritual as well, and, eventually, it crossed the Atlantic with the pilgrims on the Mayflower. Now, we snap the wishbone in half, and whoever is holding the longer half soaks up the magical powers and is the lucky one. Try your luck this Thanksgiving and snap the wishbone in half!

Game

Want to create a fun new celebration for Thanksgiving Day?  Turn the wishbone tradition into a memorable game for the whole table to enjoy!

1. Write the names of everyone at the table on small slips of paper.
2. Place all the names into a hat or bowl.
3. Choose someone to draw two names. The names that are pulled will be the ones to snap the wishbone.
4. Before the pull, let everyone else make predictions on who will get the longer half!
5. Create a tally sheet of who received the luck each year! Who will be crowned the luckiest?

Not a fan of snapping the bone? Pass the wishbone around the table and have each person express moments of gratitude or times they felt lucky throughout the year. This way, everyone gets to be lucky, and the process creates community rather than competition!

Wishbone Crafts

Want to spread the luck and use a wishbone for a new holiday tradition? Try this simple craft to make use of wishbones to enhance your Thanksgiving table. Begin this craft a day or two before Thanksgiving to allow the clay to fully dry.

Materials

Clay

Paint

Glitter (optional)

Cardstock

Pen

Scissors

Ribbon

Directions

1. Using the cardstock, write a custom place card for every member of the Thanksgiving table. Decorate as desired.
2. Using the clay, mold it into the shape of a wishbone. Use photos for reference!
3. Let the clay molding dry for a day or so.
4. Paint the wishbones the desired color and add decorations such as glitter or various fall-themed items.
5. Glue the wishbone to the place cards to make a cute and decorative name card.

Congrats, you have learned all about wishbones and are ready to bring the magic to your Thanksgiving celebration!

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Origins

                  As the leaves begin to change colors, porches become adorned with pumpkins, signaling that autumn has arrived. While carving jack-o’-lanterns is now a fun fall activity, their origins trace back centuries and remain a particularly fascinating case study of the makings of a tradition.

The existence of the jack-o’-lantern dates to ancient Irish folktales and Celtic festivals. Stingy Jack was a deceptive man who loved to play tricks on everyone—even the devil himself. Jack cheated death by trapping the Devil with symbolic carvings and bartering with the Devil to promise not to claim his soul when he died. When Stingy Jack eventually passed away, Heaven nor Hell would accept him, condemning the trickster to an eternity of being stuck as a spirit on Earth. Legend concludes with Stingy Jack roaming the Earth while using an ember from Hell placed inside a hollowed-out turnip to light his way through eternal darkness. Due to such a tale, people would draw their own carvings on produce to steer “Jack of the Lantern” away from their homes. What began as an Irish folktale spread to America, and today, the pumpkin becomes the perfect canvas for carving. As we continue to celebrate this tradition, the question becomes: how does one make the perfect jack-o’-lantern?

When to Carve?

While a regular pumpkin can last for months, once carved, a pumpkin’s lifespan drastically decreases. A carved pumpkin can last anywhere from 3 days to 2 weeks. A pumpkin has thick skin that protects it from rot. When penetrated, this skin can no longer act as a protectant and quickly becomes exposed to decay. If a pumpkin decoration is desired for Halloween day, it is generally recommended to wait as long as possible before carving. So, start getting those carving materials ready!

 Tools:

1. Pumpkin
2. Spoon or Ice Cream Scoop (for scooping pumpkin seeds)
3. Small Knife or Carving Tools (found in pumpkin carving kits)
4. Marker
5. Bowl
6. Newspaper or Towel (for cleanliness)

 Tips & Tricks:

• When it comes to picking a pumpkin, choosing one that is hard can help preserve it for longer. Examine your pumpkin: does it have blemishes? Dark spots? Try to pick a pumpkin that does not have these characteristics, as they are early signs of rotting.

• Pumpkins acclimate best in mid-range temperatures (50° to 60° F). So, planning for temperature is key. If needed, some experts even recommend bringing your pumpkin inside for a bit if you’re worried about the temperature!

• Once the pumpkin guts are removed, focus on thinning the shell of the pumpkin. Reducing the pumpkin’s thick skin can make the carving process easier.

• Avoid using real flame or heat to create the jack-o’-lantern’s glow. Too much heat can cause internal rotting, which will spread, reducing the pumpkin’s lifespan.

This Halloween tradition continues to captivate and connect people around the world. Follow these tips to make your perfect pumpkin and keep an eye out for Stingy Jack!

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Labor Day marks the end of summer for many, serving as one last holiday to wrap up the hot summer months and transition into a new chapter as the cooler season begins. Celebrated on the first Monday in September, the holiday is often associated with community gatherings ranging from barbecues to parades. Yet, beyond these traditions, what is Labor Day, and why is it a national holiday? The origins of the holiday lie within the labor movement and the fight for equality. While often overlooked, the true meaning of the holiday is fundamental in understanding the history of workers in the United States and their struggle for job security.

The first Labor Day celebrations can be traced back to 1882, when the Central Labor Union organized a parade for laborers in New York City. Marching in solidarity with one another, the parade served as a means for workers to advocate for themselves and present as a united front. The credit for this celebration is often attributed to Peter J.McGuire, a union leader who felt it was necessary to honor workers amid the changing job climate of the late nineteenth century. With the rapid industrialization of the U.S. around this time, many laborers were working long hours with low pay in dangerous environments. This combination of treacherous conditions left workers feeling unheard and unrecognized, demanding a need for justice and safety.

While this first Labor Day was celebrated on a Tuesday in September, by the following year it was officially set for the first Monday in September, a theme that has continued today. In 1887, Oregon became the first state to officially recognize Labor Day, and other states began to follow suit, using the day to acknowledge laborers and support increased wages. Throughout the next decade, public awareness surrounding the struggles for workers in the United States increased, and the cause gained more traction, a strong marker that working conditions may soon change.

The push for Labor Day to become a national holiday came to fruition amid the turbulent Pullman Strike of 1894. Workers around the country boycotted their jobs at Pullman factories after wages were cut, entirely disrupting rail traffic and bringing awareness to the plight of working conditions. The federal government quickly intervened, and a violent clash ensued, ultimately leaving the average worker feeling defeated in their efforts. As a gesture to laborers across thenation after such a tumultuous situation, President Grover Cleveland signed legislation making Labor Day officially a national holiday.

Today, Labor Day continues to celebrate the social and economic achievements of laborers nationwide, providing everyone with a well-earned pause from the work week. The original spirit of unity and solidarity lives on through the continued efforts of labor unions for workers’ rights and the communities that rally together in celebration. Through understanding the deep origins of this nationwide holiday, we begin to piece together parts of our history and continue to advocate for family, neighbors, and the American workforce.

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Camp often seems unassuming—a time full of play in the summer sun, yet the anxiety from both parents and children is palpable on those first few days. Ensuring children have all the necessary tools to create a safe camp environment is essential for both the well-being of campers and the ease of your child’s caregiver. As a Montessori caregiver for children ages 1 ½ – 4, I am happy to provide this much-needed list. From storage to toys, these are a few underrated materials parents won’t want to miss as their children take this new step.

Bags

★ Daily Bag

Something as trivial as the bag brought into camp may not seem to require second thought; however, the right bag can make a big difference. Children aged 1 ½ to 3 often demand a variety of items for a smooth transition from home to camp, and an easily transportable bag that holds all these necessary daily items is of great value. A daily bag should contain:

Snack Containers

While a lunch bag is a given everyday item, snack containers can sometimes be forgotten. Often, there are multiple times throughout the day when campers are scheduled to eat, and ensuring enough food is sent is important. For many young kids, this will be their first time exerting a high level of energy throughout the day. Eating habits at home may differ at camp. Having a clear distinction between snack and lunch items helps campers nourish themselves while being able to leave enough food to continue to fuel their energy throughout their day.

Comfort Items

Items that provide comfort at home can be great transitional aids to ease separation anxiety. If the camp allocates a specific time for nap, which most children under 5 will do, this is a time when comfort items come in handy. Something that reminds them of bedtime at home such as a blanket or stuffie is key. It is also important that this item be something meaningful but replaceable. Lost items are always a possibility, especially as these items travel back and forth from home to camp each day.

★ Classroom Bag

A second bag that stays at camp can be incredibly helpful for storing backup items. Kids this age are pros at misplacing things, but a thoughtfully packed bag goes a long way in helping camp staff keep track of everything. A classroom bag should contain:

 Extra Clothes/Diapers

When it comes to a camp with toddlers, extra clothes for your child helps ensure that no situation will leave caregivers unprepared. Having at least two extra sets of clothing (shirt, pants, sweater, underwear, and water shoes) is a must for most camps. If your child is still in pull-ups or diapers, always pack more than what seems necessary. Additionally, some parents find it helpful to stay organized by keeping a running log of what was packed and updating and replacing items as needed.

Label…Label…Label

To label or not to label? Some parents label every single item brought into camp, from water bottles to underwear. Some opt not to. My advice: label as much as you reasonably can. Initials written on tags have been proven to be tried and true. Some parents even find it beneficial to invest in a label maker, sticking the label on everything they bring in. Ultimately, whatever is easiest is best as long as there’s a clear qualifier to avoid items being mixed up and the dreaded trip to the lost & found.

While not being an exhaustive list, these are a few tips to ease parents into what is often a trial run for campers’ forthcoming schooling experience. Camp is a space for children to foster their independence, make new friends, and cultivate identity. Starting with the right tools sets kids and parents up for success and opens the door to a meaningful camp experience.

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by Yoony Kim

At Kitchen Ink Publishing, we celebrate all the fun holidays, including National Hot Dog Day, Cereal Day, and Grilled Cheese Day. But days like Arbor Day remind us that our earth needs nurturing too. This special holiday encourages us to plant trees, care more for our environment, and appreciate and protect our world.

What is Arbor Day?

Arbor Day is celebrated on the last Friday of April in the United States. It is dedicated  to planting and caring for trees, and it is believed that this is the best time to plant trees. 

Arbor Day began in Nebraska in 1872 by J.Sterling Morton. Morton was a journalist and nature enthusiast who believed planting trees was the key to making this world greener and beautiful. He recognized the need for more green in the largely treeless state and proposed that there should be a day specifically dedicated to planting trees. On the first Arbor Day, Nebraskans planted more than one million trees! 

Morton’s Arbor Day concept quickly spread across the United States, and in 1970, President Nixon officially declared this day as a national holiday. 

Why is Arbor Day important?

Trees clean the air we breathe, provide homes for wildlife, offer delicious foods like apples and nuts, prevent erosion, and provide shelter for us. 

How can we celebrate Arbor Day?

Arbor Day is the perfect opportunity for families to get outside, plant something green, or enjoy nature. Each year, nearly one million trees are planted by schools and communities. Whether you live in a city, a suburb, or the countryside, there are many meaningful ways to contribute! 

• Visit or volunteer at a community garden 
• Plant a tree together 
• You can find local organizations hosting public planting events that welcome families to join!
• Checkout this non-profit organization https://www.arborday.org/ to plant a tree by signing a pledge! 
• Start a mini garden at home 
• Plant herbs such as rosemary, basil, or chives in small pots at home. You could add them to a fun, kid-friendly recipe -perhaps from one of Kitchen Ink Publishing’s cookbooks! 

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Growing up, every Saturday over the summer was reserved for cooking with my grandmother- Halmoni, as I would call her in Korean. Although I would have loved to spend every day with her, I moved to Singapore when I was four, so our time together was mostly limited to summer breaks. During those precious weeks, my grandmother would have handwritten recipes and ingredients ready in her kitchen, teaching me how to make dishes I had never encountered before, whether it was an authentic Korean meal or a sweet treat – like dumpling soup, kimchi fried rice, and Korean sweet pancakes. These moments were invaluable bonding time with my grandmother and a special time that allowed me to experience my Korean culture, which I otherwise did not have living in Singapore.

My grandmother, Jeong Gi Lee, now 84, was born and raised in South Korea and spent her 20s in Germany working as a nurse. Later, after returning to Korea and raising her children, she found comfort in exploring and cooking local recipes.

The summer before I graduated High School, my grandma called me asking if I knew what Dalgona was, mentioning that it was going to be our activity for the upcoming Saturday.

She told me that one of her simplest joys was making Dalgona, a Korean street candy made from just sugar and baking soda. Most popular in the 1960s and 1970s, Dalgona is now trending again, partly due to the fun activity that comes with it. People make shapes into the candy using a mold or cookie cutter, then challenge themselves to poke out the shape with a needle without breaking the candy.

On that Saturday, I entered her home, surprised to see the rather empty kitchen counter with just a few ingredients and a ladle. My parents immediately recognized what we were making, exclaiming, “I remember making those when I was young”. We spent the next hour learning how to make Dalgona, then sitting around the table, cutting out shapes and savoring the sweet and crispy Dalgona, as my grandma and parents reminisced about their childhood together.

Although my grandmother and I are still physically far apart, these memories of cooking meals and sharing sweet treats makes me feel so close to her.

Dalgona is a simple, sweet, and an enjoyable activity to share with loved ones- follow this recipe and make this sweet treat with your friends and family!

Dalgona

2 servings

5 to 10 minutes

Ingredients

 2 tablespoons sugar

¼ teaspoon baking soda

Directions

1. Add sugar to a metal ladle or use a small saucepan as an alternative for a more convenient and safe option! Keep in mind this might slightly change the time and servings.
2. Hold the ladle over low to medium heat, stirring it continuously until the sugar melts and turns light golden brown (be careful not to burn the sugar!).
3. Remove the ladle from the heat.
4. Add a small pinch of baking soda to the sugar and mix well until the sugar slightly thickens.
5. Pour the mixture into two circular shapes onto a piece of parchment paper or a non-stick baking sheet.
6. Press each candy with a flat-bottomed cup or plate for about 10 seconds to flatten it
7. While the candy is still warm, press a cookie cutter in the center to imprint a shape without cutting all the way through.
8. Now for the fun part: Carefully carve out the shape with a needle or toothpick without breaking the candy!
9. No worries if the candy breaks; it still tastes delicious.
10. Repeat steps to make additional Dalgona candy.

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Every summer, at the end of August, my family of 12 takes a road trip to Narragansett. My Mom and Dad and brother (Destine, Scott, and Ollie), my 6 cousins, and my grandparents.

We’ve stayed in the same house for the past 22 years. This trip occurs right before everyone heads back to school, and it’s filled with cherished traditions. Among our favorite activities are beach games, walks, trips to Brickley’s Ice Cream, and, of course, our annual clambake.

We make the most of the beautiful beach, taking full advantage of the house’s location right on the sand with the ocean as our front yard. Cooking and sharing delicious meals are central to our trip, and the clambake is a highlight. This meal is prepared on the beach using seaweed, rocks, and sand, and is cooked under a large tarp for 2-3 hours. The whole family participates, making it even more special.

Clambake video

We start by creating a shopping list for the fish market, which is detailed below*. Timing is crucial, as everything needs to be coordinated with the setting sun to avoid working in the dark. At noon, we dig a large hole in the sand, and we build a fire with about 25 large stones next to it. The stones are heated from the fire and then moved to the large hole with a shovel. We then cover them with seaweed collected in the days leading up to the event. The food, some of it wrapped in cheesecloth, is placed on top of the seaweed. A tarp is then placed over it, covered in sand, and the meal cooks for several hours.

After checking the food and ensuring it is ready, we remove the tarp and pull out everything, rinsing off any necessary items. We then gather around our picnic table on the porch and sometimes even set up a table down on the sand to enjoy our meal. The seafood is incredibly flavorful, and the entire process brings us together for a meal we’ve all contributed to.

*Inventory for fish market:

-10 lobsters

-10 bags of mussels

-8 bags of steamer clams

-12 medium red potatoes

-15 ears of corn

-3 chorizo

-5 crabs

-3 linguica sausages

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A northern Civil War veteran, John A. Logan, is credited with establishing the first ever day of remembrance for fallen soldiers on May 30th, 1868. This day was to decorate the cemeteries and graves of these fallen soldiers with flowers, the day was originally called Decoration Day.

       The name was changed to Memorial Day and was recognized as a federal holiday nearly eighty years later, in 1971. It is now one of the most widely regarded and unique holidays and holds a very important place in American days of remembrance.

         Memorial Day is a very serious holiday and gives Americans a chance to bow their heads to those who died on the battlefield fighting for our freedoms. Children begin to understand what was put into the creation of the nation that they live in. Adults remember their ancestors and, for some, brothers, sisters, cousins, and friends who may have been lost to war. It is a day of respect and solitude.

         Memorial Day marks, for many, the beginning of summer. The weather is turning, and the sweet and pleasant warm air and sunshine brings smiles upon the faces of many. The public pools begin to fill back up with crowds and parks are bustling with dog walkers. People are out again and are looking forward to the summer, for barbecues and family gatherings. Bring on the traditional American fare of hamburgers and hot dogs. Many great months lay ahead.

         It is what makes this holiday so unique, and in a way, tricky. We pause to remember the death of the brave and the honorable. But it comes at a time of hope, change and celebration.

While we remember our past, we hope for a better future. Thank you to the brave who have fallen for this country.

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What does Cinco de Mayo celebrate?   The fifth of May is not Mexican Independence Day it celebrates the Battle of Puebla, in which the Mexican army defeated a French attack 163 years ago. The battle was not just an important military victory, it became a symbol of hope and perseverance for Mexico and brought, more than anything, pride to the nation.

            In Mexico Cinco de Mayo is celebrated in the state of Puebla, where the battle happened but it does not reach very far beyond. It has, however, become a huge holiday in the United States, where Americans celebrate Mexican culture with fiesta’s, pinata’s, lots of delicious Mexican foods and beverages.

            In America, there are two essential Mexican dips that are associated with Cinco de Mayo. These two medleys of culture and deliciousness have spread beyond just the holiday and have become staples of any gathering or celebration in America. It’s not a party, without salsa or guacamole.

            Tomato, onion, garlic, cilantro, and seasonings ingredients that constitute the delicious dip called salsa. Make the base of that recipe avocado, and you have guacamole. Add crisp tortillas and these dips will keep snack-munchers happy for the duration of any gathering, whether it be the fifth of May or your aunt’s birthday!

            Americans have lots of appreciation for the delicacies of Mexican culture that have bled into its own. While dips like salsa and guac are two small things America may take for granted, they are not their own. Without the rich, vibrant culture of our southern neighbor, we would be nowhere near where we are today, from dips, to tacos, burritos, enchiladas to music, to dancing, to dress, and so much more. Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with Mexican food, music, bright colors, and of course a pinata.

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