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Part 4: The � Birthday Fumbling�

After the �birthday grab�, the little star was held to the dinning hall for �Birthday Fumbling� procedure.

�Birthday Fumbling� was a common custom in most parts of China.

It has been said the fumbling result and process itself could not only predict the baby�s future, but also ensure the baby�s healthy growing psychologically.

Our predecessors always attributed the fickle child (ADHD patient) to lack of fumbling process in its first birthday party.

Therefore, no matter the rich or the poor, this procedure must be conducted carefully.

It was elaborately arranged before the celebration banquet.

In the center of the dinning hall, there was a square table where pair of lighted candles and 3 pieces of burned incenses were placed.

The sacrifices, such as roasted pig head, chicken and fish were also laid in front of the candles.

On the outer part of the table, there were lots of items, such as book, rule, balance, abacus, needle & thread, which served as symbols of occupational careers.

Besides, some items symbolizing human being�s habits and desires, such as cigarette, alcohol and rouge were also presented in somewhere.

The little star guided by parents worshiped ancestors first, then came to the table and carried out the fumbling process.

If he or she had picked up a book, it meant he or she would be a scholar in the future.

Of course, it would largely amuse the parents and arouse a hail of congratulations:� the book lot is superb; the future scholar must be top.�

If, unfortunately, the lot was cigarette or alcohol, parents would be very unhappy and disappointed.

Because it meant the child might become a slacker with smoke or alcohol addiction.

In this case, the onlookers would also shout:� Millions of money has been owning, enjoying wine like a king.�

People said it was a reverse shouting, which could change the lot to be lucky.

The most embarrassing lot was the rouge, which represented playboy or lecher.

These items were deliberately placed in the far end of the table or partially hidden by something else, even though, the little star would still fancy to them for their colorful packages or oddly shaped cases.

In this case, parents would spare no effort to avoid a tragedy happening, however, how could the little star understand their good will?

He or she would struggle against any obstacle, even cried to reject parents� kind intention.

Once the difficulties were overcome, the little star was very happy but parents were very awkward and depressed.

In this agonizing moment, the reverse shouting sounded again:� Red rose is modified by leaves green; the hero must be accompanied by a wise heroine.�

Thanks to onlookers� wisdom and alertness, the parents were amused again and affably inviting them to birthday dinner.

No sooner, the noise waves of the banquet competition* burst out, the birthday party was coming to a new climax.

* Banquet competition is a typical Chinese custom, which is a �bottom up� game in a banquet. Under a lucky rhythm, people present their fingers and guess the finger sum simultaneously. The loser should be �bottom up�.

(The End)

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