Here are several interesting tidbits of knowledge we picked up
along our adoption journey. A few of these items attempt to explain some of the
more common Chinese traditions and folklore, while others address the
broader issues surrounding China adoption.
Here are several interesting tidbits of knowledge we picked up
along our adoption journey. A few of these items attempt to explain some of the
more common Chinese traditions and folklore, while others address the
broader issues surrounding China adoption.
Why are ladybugs associated with China adoption?
Many adoption websites, books, announcements, and other items feature ladybugs. Interestingly enough, this has no roots in Chinese culture (although they are red). The basic story is this: Several years ago in China, as the international adoption programs were beginning to take off, there was a fall season where the ladybug population grew unusually large. This was thought to be a lucky charm for those that were adopting. So now whenever ladybugs are seen, it is said that more beautiful children are being referred to wonderful waiting parents.
Many adoption websites, books, announcements, and other items feature ladybugs. Interestingly enough, this has no roots in Chinese culture (although they are red). The basic story is this: Several years ago in China, as the international adoption programs were beginning to take off, there was a fall season where the ladybug population grew unusually large. This was thought to be a lucky charm for those that were adopting. So now whenever ladybugs are seen, it is said that more beautiful children are being referred to wonderful waiting parents.
What is the meaning of the Red Thread in China adoption?
The China adoption community has adopted this Chinese proverb as a sort of motto. The proverb is this:
The China adoption community has adopted this Chinese proverb as a sort of motto. The proverb is this:
"An invisible red thread connects those who are destined to meet,
regardless of time, place, or circumstances.
The thread may stretch or tangle but will never break."
Those in the China adoption community can infer from this proverb that there is a definite and unyielding
link between adoptive parents and child. Regardless of the distance, the paperwork, the wait,
the cost, or the CCAA, destiny will eventually unite parents and child. A comforting thought
during the never-ending wait for a referral to be sure.
regardless of time, place, or circumstances.
The thread may stretch or tangle but will never break."
Why is the color red so prevalent in Chinese culture?
Red, a bright, auspicious color denotes good fortune and happiness. It emerges as a sacred and vitalizing color used on festive occasions. The Chinese also regard red as the "lucky color." Chinese babies are given their names at a red-egg ceremony. At the Chinese New Year, children are given little red packets or envelopes packed with money or treats as tokens of good wishes. The color red is also featured prominently in the clothing and other ritual objects pertaining to the traditional Chinese wedding. In fact, Chinese brides wear red dresses and wedding invitations are printed on red paper.
The color red has other meanings in Chinese culture as well. It not only serves to express joy but also to ward off evil influences. In Chinese writing, there are more than 30 single characters describing different kinds of red: Red of wine, red of silk, red of wood, red of meat.... And even more phrases are used to describe different levels of red.
Red, a bright, auspicious color denotes good fortune and happiness. It emerges as a sacred and vitalizing color used on festive occasions. The Chinese also regard red as the "lucky color." Chinese babies are given their names at a red-egg ceremony. At the Chinese New Year, children are given little red packets or envelopes packed with money or treats as tokens of good wishes. The color red is also featured prominently in the clothing and other ritual objects pertaining to the traditional Chinese wedding. In fact, Chinese brides wear red dresses and wedding invitations are printed on red paper.
The color red has other meanings in Chinese culture as well. It not only serves to express joy but also to ward off evil influences. In Chinese writing, there are more than 30 single characters describing different kinds of red: Red of wine, red of silk, red of wood, red of meat.... And even more phrases are used to describe different levels of red.
Why are dragons so prevalent in Chinese art and culture?
The Chinese dragon is a symbol of wisdom, power, and luck in Chinese culture. Unlike Western dragons, oriental
dragons are usually seen as benevolent and kind. Dragons have long been a symbol in Chinese folklore and art.
Temples and shrines have been built to honor them. Through the symbol of the dragon, many Chinese see divine
attributes which they aspire to themselves. In fact, the Chinese are sometimes referred to as
"descendents of the dragon." The dragon is held in reverence and respect in Chinese culture; it is
unseemly to defile a depiction of a dragon.
According to folklore, Chinese dragons control the rain, rivers, lakes, and sea. They can ward off wandering evil spirits, protect the innocent, and bestow safety unto all. They fly in the sky among clouds. Most pictures of Chinese dragons show them playing with a flaming pearl. Legend has it that the pearl gives them their power and allows them to ascend into heaven.
The Chinese dragon is a symbol of wisdom, power, and luck in Chinese culture. Unlike Western dragons, oriental
dragons are usually seen as benevolent and kind. Dragons have long been a symbol in Chinese folklore and art.
Temples and shrines have been built to honor them. Through the symbol of the dragon, many Chinese see divine
attributes which they aspire to themselves. In fact, the Chinese are sometimes referred to as
"descendents of the dragon." The dragon is held in reverence and respect in Chinese culture; it is
unseemly to defile a depiction of a dragon.
According to folklore, Chinese dragons control the rain, rivers, lakes, and sea. They can ward off wandering evil spirits, protect the innocent, and bestow safety unto all. They fly in the sky among clouds. Most pictures of Chinese dragons show them playing with a flaming pearl. Legend has it that the pearl gives them their power and allows them to ascend into heaven.
Why are there so many orphans?
Several decades ago, China experienced a huge population growth without nearly as much growth in their food production. As a result, millions of people starved to death. The Chinese government developed population control regulations which limited the number of children each family may have. This has come to be known as the "one child" policy. There are stiff fines and penalties imposed on families who do not follow this policy. However, the Chinese people have a great love for children. In many cases they prefer to bring the child into the world even if they must later abandon her.
It is important to note that abandonment may not be the right word here. In the US mothers and families can make adoption plans for their children. In China this is not possible. Many people prefer to think of the predicament that face Chinese mothers and families not as abandoning a child, but as making the best plans they possibly can to ensure that their child is found and has a chance at a better life.
Several decades ago, China experienced a huge population growth without nearly as much growth in their food production. As a result, millions of people starved to death. The Chinese government developed population control regulations which limited the number of children each family may have. This has come to be known as the "one child" policy. There are stiff fines and penalties imposed on families who do not follow this policy. However, the Chinese people have a great love for children. In many cases they prefer to bring the child into the world even if they must later abandon her.
It is important to note that abandonment may not be the right word here. In the US mothers and families can make adoption plans for their children. In China this is not possible. Many people prefer to think of the predicament that face Chinese mothers and families not as abandoning a child, but as making the best plans they possibly can to ensure that their child is found and has a chance at a better life.
Why are there so many of the orphans girls?
Because of culture and tradition, male children are often perceived as having more value than female children. Traditionally it is the responsibility of the male child to care for his parents when they are no longer able to work, while the female child would marry into another family and care for them instead of her parents. If a couple's first child is a boy, the will usually keep him. If they couple's first or second child is a girl, is a child born out of marriage or is a child with some disability or abnormality, that child may be abandoned.
Because of culture and tradition, male children are often perceived as having more value than female children. Traditionally it is the responsibility of the male child to care for his parents when they are no longer able to work, while the female child would marry into another family and care for them instead of her parents. If a couple's first child is a boy, the will usually keep him. If they couple's first or second child is a girl, is a child born out of marriage or is a child with some disability or abnormality, that child may be abandoned.
Why do so many people adopt from China?
In truth, we could have adopted a child from any country and been very happy. The same could be said of most people who are adopting from China. However, there are several reasons why we, like many others, chose China over say India, Russia, or Guatemala:
In truth, we could have adopted a child from any country and been very happy. The same could be said of most people who are adopting from China. However, there are several reasons why we, like many others, chose China over say India, Russia, or Guatemala:
- Since it was a little Chinese girl in a restaurant who piqued our interest in adoption many years ago, we felt naturally inclined to follow the "red thread" to China.
- China's international adoption program was historically stable, predictable, and corruption-free relative to most other countries' programs. As everybody knows, however, the wait times for referrals are no longer predictable.
- The children adopted from China are generally healthy, especially compared to those adopted from other countries.
- We wanted to adopt a little girl, and 95% of the babies adopted from China are girls.
- It broke our hearts that girls were being abandoned in China simply because they're girls.
- The cost of adopting from China is reasonable by international standards.
- The girls are just so amazing in all respects, how could we resist?
- Most importantly, that's where Hannah is!
When will Hannah's adoption be final?
Adoptions are normally completed in the child's province. At that point the child's adoption is considered legally finalized by the Chinese government; the biological parents no longer have any legal recourse under Chinese law. As we understand it, this poses no problem for the biological parents since they seldom if ever seek to regain custody of the child.
Adoptions are normally completed in the child's province. At that point the child's adoption is considered legally finalized by the Chinese government; the biological parents no longer have any legal recourse under Chinese law. As we understand it, this poses no problem for the biological parents since they seldom if ever seek to regain custody of the child.
When does Hannah become a U.S. citizen?
The minute she touches U.S. soil. Thanks to some relatively new laws and regulations, children (those under the age of 18) who enter this country with their legal guardians immediately become United States Citizens.
The minute she touches U.S. soil. Thanks to some relatively new laws and regulations, children (those under the age of 18) who enter this country with their legal guardians immediately become United States Citizens.