Fish Cheeks Vs American Christmas Traditions

Culture is a very important factor in people's lives. The way that people act, and the way they live their life is determined by their culture. In this Essay I will be comparing Chinese New Year versus American Christmas traditions. I will also be comparing these traditions to the book Fish Cheeks by Amy Tan. There are large differences between Chinese and American traditions while celebrating. Chinese New Year is a celebration that centers around the start of a new year (Chinese). The date of Chinese New Year is determined by lunar cycles(Chinese). From start to finish, Chinese New Year lasts twenty-three days (Chinese). On the last night of Chinese New Year, there is a big meal and a celebration. This meal is considered the most important meal of the entire year (History). Eight treasures rice, and Tangyuan, which is a rice ball, are two traditionally served dishes (History). Nien the dragon is a myth in the chinese culture, every year on the first day of the year, the beast would descend on the city (History). Fireworks are launched during Chinese New Year to drive away evil (Chinese). An abundance of red is also used as decorations (Chinese). The traditions of Christmas have some of the same roots, but branched of in
As seen in Fish Cheeks by Amy Tan, the author is afraid that Robert will be disappointed in her family’s traditions: “What would Robert think of our shabby Chinese Christmas” (Tan 185). Amy was so worried about what Robert would think, that she thought poorly of her culture. At the time, Amy wished she was just an average American. Amy’s mother was very upset with the way Amy was acting: “You must be proud you are different. Your only shame is to have shame” (Tan 186). Her mother tells her that it is okay to be different. Amy realizes later on that her mother is right. Culture caused Amy a temporary issue, but once she looked back on the big picture, she realized how important culture