Chew Family Community Celebrate Child Traditionally

May Yee, 102 years old with Joseph You Chew for his Red Egg & Ginger celebration

The Chew family is pleased to announce the birth of Joseph You Chew, a descendant of one of the city’s earliest Chinese-American families who settled in Red Bluff’s Historic Chinatown in 1865.

Joseph is named after both Dr. Joseph A Own who delivered his great grandfather, Joe You Chew, when he was born in 1921 at 202–204 Walnut Street, above the Chew Yuen Company and family residence in Red Bluff’s Historic Chinatown. His name also honors his great-great grandfather, Chew You, who immigrated to the United States in 1881, establishing a combined family presence that has spanned more than 160 years in Tehama County.

The Chew family history reflects the broader story of Red Bluff’s Historic Chinatown—marked by perseverance, businessmen, and enduring community unity despite nationwide discrimination and exclusionary laws.

In accordance with Chinese tradition, the family will commemorate Joseph’s birth on the hundredth day of his life, December 27, 2025, with a 百日宴 (Bǎi Rì Yàn), or Hundred Day Banquet. Historically, this milestone is deeply meaningful because the first months of infancy were once the most fragile. Reaching one hundred days symbolized survival, protection, and the promise of a long life.

In traditional Chinese culture, a baby is not formally celebrated at birth. Instead, families waited until the child reached their 30th day of life and then a celebration on their 100th day of life—to give thanks to ancestors, deities, and the community. The hundredth day represents stability, longevity, and blessings for the child’s future.

How the Celebration Is Observed

Family Banquet: Relatives and close friends are invited to formally “meet” the baby, acknowledging the child’s place within the family lineage.

Red Attire: The baby is dressed in traditional red and gold clothing meaning happiness, protection, and prosperity.

Blessings and Well Wishes: For young Joe, his great-great aunt May Yee has turned 102 years old and she has blessed him with her longevity on his 30th day of life, meant to confer health and longevity.

Traditional Gifts

Red Envelopes (红包 Lai See): The parents, friends and family will bring Lai See which are red envelopes with money to symbolize good fortune.

Calligraphy Brush: The parents will shave his head at this event, representing future growth and longevity. The shaved hair will be turned into a calligraphy brush.

Food and Symbolic Dishes
The banquet itself reflects abundance and joy:

Red-Dyed Eggs: Represent fertility, renewal, and happiness.

8 Lucky Dishes: Eight is considered a lucky number and each dish has a special symbol include a whole fish which represents family unity, a roasted pig for good luck, and lobster for its red lucky color.

Sweet Foods: Express the sweetness of the joyful and harmonious occasion.

The Chew family is thrilled to share these traditions with the community of Tehama County, as Bǎi Rì Yàn continues to serve as a bridge between generations who have lived in Red Bluff—honoring ancestors while welcoming new life. At its heart, Bǎi Rì Yàn is a celebration of life, gratitude, and legacy to this wonderful community who the Chew family is grateful for their acceptance at the peak of nationwide discrimination against the Chinese American community.

The birth of Joseph You Chew represents the continuation of a living legacy and the next generation of a family long rooted in Red Bluff’s history.

Chew family, community celebrate child traditionally – Red Bluff Daily News