The Chinese Culture: A Chinese-American Family Reunion

My wife is originally from the southern part of China, so her family is a mixture of descendants of China and the Americans who have unite into the family. A few years ago her family had a reunion to gather together and visit with one another, and I was invited to attend. While I had experienced some of the Chinese culture prior to the event, the reunion was the world-class time that I really got to observe the traditional culture in real life.The event was a very elegant occasion, more like a banquet than the typical American family reunion. There was haemorrhoid of food, most of which was Chinese, and even Chinese decorations. There were red lanterns strung around the room, all lit as the evening approached. They were very beautiful, but as it turns out they be not used for beauty. The lanterns epitomize obedient luck and hope.They are used every year in China at the Lantern Festival, when they line the streets to symbolize this same meaning. The color red also has signifi cance in the Chinese culture. It is believed to be the color of luck. near of the older family members spoke the Chinese language, which was interesting to witness, but most everyone spoke English.I am an American with family roots in Germany, so the two cultures are vastly different. The biggest difference I noticed was how overmuch more reserved the Chinese people seemed to typical American families. Even the children, who were laughing and playing, seemed to be more respectful than American children. This aspect of the culture impacted me the most.I realized how different people are from different parts of the world, and especially those who live in America, but have been raised with traditional Chinese values. It amazes me how different cultures can vary so greatly. I enjoyed this learning experience with my wifes family and I look forward to many more Chinese events in the future.ReferencesChinatown Connection, Lantern Festival. Chinatown Connection. n.d.. Chinatown Connectio n.5 May 2008 .Lee, Danile. Chinese mass Lifestyle. Chinatown Connection. n.d.. Chinatown Connection. 5May 2008 .