QUESTION:
There is a Chinese custom (Zhua-zhou)
where you lay out several different
items in front of your child to
find out what they will be when
they grow up. The items and the
intended jobs include: a pen (writer),
cash (banker), book (scientist),
brush (artist), toy (bum), picture
of a pretty girl (playboy). At what
age is this ritual done?
a) 100 days old
b) 6 months
c) One year
d) 3 years old
e) On their 30th birthday
ANSWER:
a) Yo, kid expert, they
can't even sit up yet. Can you?
Try again.
b) You are crawling toward the right
answer, but are not there yet.
c) Correct. The name of the event
means "Zhua-zhou" or "The
catch of the year". Nowadays
this ritual is mainly for fun, especially
if the baby chooses to be a playboy
or a bum. Long ago however, this
ritual would effect the training
that the parents prepared for their
children. Modern studies have also
shown that giving babies choices
with colors, clothes and toys, helps
their brain develop at a faster
rate. Is this Chinese medicine for
the brain? What ever works...
d) At 3 they would all take the
cash. Try again.
e) At 30 all the boys would take
the pictures of girls!
