Offering Birthday Congratulations

Longevity was believed the ample blessing.In ancient times,from emperoes and kings to common people all hoped longevity,and emperors and kings even made pills of immortality for themselves.Offering congratulations was the common practice in Chinese lives.

Throughout Chinese history,offering birthday congratulations was closely associated with the traditions of respecting the aged.This made it an important custom.Even the emperors made themselves examples of honoring the old for others to follow.They invited virtuous elders to their palaces and held banquets to entertain them.According to folk tradition,one's longevity was not only the happiness of the family but also the evidence of his or her accumulation of virtue and good conduct.Cultivating one's moral character was believed an important means for longevity.So,lyre-playing chess,calligraphy and painting,as well as growing flowers,fish culture and food treatment were very popular among the folks.