together with Helen in 1953 82. Winnie Louie chose America since she was married to James Louie, a Chinese-American 498.
Based on the novel, there are some ways of how the Chinese preserve their beliefs as immigrants in America. It is revealed clearly in the ways of Winnie
Louis’s life. I used to play with her altar, a miniature red temple containing framed
picture of Chinese gods. In front of that was an imitation-brass urn filled with burnt incense sticks, and on the side were offering oranges 13-14
Phill said when he heard we had to go to San Fransisco, a hundred miles round-trip from our house in San Jose, made worsed by weekend football
traffic 7.
Basically, there are three main kinds of Chinese Beliefs. They are Cosmology, Divination,
and Ancestor Worship. Cosmology is known as The Yin and Yang dichotomy. Divination is related with the prediction system of occult
powers. Then, Ancestor Worship is a ritual in which the descendants sustained the spirit of the ancestors. However, the Yin and Yang dichotomy is the basic of
Chinese Beliefs concepts. In fact, Cosmology is written in the novel extensively, more than Ancestor Worship and Divination. “My mother patted my hand. Oh I
know what you are thinking, she said quietly. Of course every baby born with yin and yang. The yin comes from the women. The yang comes from the man. When
you were born I tried to see whose yang you had” 511. Winnie Louie tries to preserve the beliefs in three ways. First, she starts
with passing down the understandings on Chinese Beliefs to the descendants. Then, she transfers the implementation of Chinese Beliefs to the descendants. The
last, she strengthens the family relationships. 34
4.1.1 Passing Down the Understandings on Chinese Beliefs to the Descendants
Before doing something, it is very important to know the concept and to understand what one should do to carry out the concept. That principle is firmly
held by Winnie Louie. She believes that her descendants will apply Chinese Beliefs if they have known its concept.
“She walks me around to view her handiwork in other parts of the shop lining the walls are large funeral wreaths,
propped on easel. My mother claims these banners are the reasons why Ding Ho Flower Shop has had success flowing through its door all these years” 18-19.
She explains the beliefs in their annual family gathering and teaches her descendants about the use of symbols and banners in Chinese Beliefs. She
convinces her descendants that they will receive a lot of benefits by applying Chinese Beliefs. There are some understandings on the benefits and the purposes
of Chinese Beliefs conveyed by Winnie Louie.
4.1.1.1 Chinese Beliefs are the Symbol of Identity
Chinese is one of the minority groups in San Francisco, America. Even though Winnie Louie is an American citizen, she is originally Chinese. Chinese is
her identity and she is proud of it. Chinese Beliefs which are part of Chinese Culture build the identity of the Chinese.
My mother has always been very proud of those red banners. She does not write the typical congratulatory sayings,” Good Luck” or “Prosperity and
Long Life.” All the sayings, written in gold Chinese characters, are of own inspiration, her thoughts about life and death, luck and hope 18.
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She believes that Chinese Beliefs has become the symbol of identity. People cannot show and stand on their identity if they could not understand their
own beliefs. Winnie Louie transfers her understandings to the descendants so that they will not loose their identity as Chinese people, even tough they live in
America. Winnie Louise also believes that Chinese Beliefs as a symbol of identity
make the person who believes it receive luck from the Gods. Person who preserves Chinese Beliefs received the changes of herhis life from bad to luck
“And now I will tell you when all my luck changed” 297. Definitely, she wants her descendants firmly hold the concept that they receive luck and achieve the
success by respecting Chinese Beliefs as an identity wherever they live.
4.1.1.2 Chinese Beliefs are the Ways of Respecting the Ancestors
Ancestor worship is one of the traditions for Chinese-American. Even though the ancestor has passed away, they pray for them in the annual ceremony,
known as ancestor worship. If they worship their ancestor, they would be blessed
with prosperity. The harmony of life is implemented in the harmony of ancestors
and descendants. The harmony is maintained through the tradition of ancestor worship which is the symbol of respecting the ancestors. The descendants hope
that the ancestors bless them and convey their wishes to the Gods. Hopefully, the Gods will bless their life with a lot of luck.
From then on, the people in China knew Kitchen God was watching them. From his corner in every house and every shop, he saw all kinds of good
and bad habits spill out, generosity or greediness, a harmonious of nature or complaining one. And once a year, seven days before the New Year,
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Kitchen God flew back up the fireplace to report whose fate deserved to be changed, better for worse, or worse for better 61
Chinese beliefs are implemented in the annual ceremony. There are many annual ceremonies for the ancestors which are portrayed in the Winnie Louie’s
life. It is portrayed when she goes to the family’s event that is related to the ceremonies of ancestor worship.
At twenty minutes after two, the four of us walk into the reception area of funeral parlor. My cousin, Frank hands us black armbands to wear 40.
The wooded clapper and the bell sound again, faster and faster. Suddenly the white banner tears away from the wall, and the family association
whishes for lucky and long life spiral down and land draped across Grand Auntie’s chest like a beauty pageant banner 46.
Ceremonies which are conducted in Chinese Beliefs are the ways of respecting the ancestors. Ancestors’ blessing is the main purpose of worshiping
their ancestors. The blessing will be gained, if they maintain the relationship with their ancestor. Maintaining the relationship with the ancestors can only be
implemented through the annual ceremonies which show their respect to the ancestors.
He bows three times to Grand Auntie Du, then moves her casket, which glides
forward easily on wheels. After
another bow, the man
ceremoniously plucks the banner off Grand Auntie’s chest and carries it in both arms as if it were holy vestments. Now Frank is passing out lit stick
of incense to everyone. I look around, trying to figure out what to do 46- 47.
The relationship with ancestors has also to be maintained because they believe that the ancestors have a life in heaven. They can be reached by praying.
The Chinese-Americans have a basic belief related to dead people. The Chinese- Americans believe that the death continue their life in heaven. In the following
life, they need some equipments. Therefore, it is essential to have annual 37
ceremonies for praying. The descendants burn some spirit money for their
ancestors. Even, they add some life equipments for the ancestors in the burial ceremony. It is portrayed in the Auntie Du’s funeral ceremony as follow; “He
hands each of us a piece of foil-wrapped candy and a small red envelope of lucky money. “What are we supposed to do with these?”, Phil whispers. “Offer them to
Grand Auntie Du?” He pulls out a quarter from lucky money envelope” 40. All the things are implemented based on Chinese Beliefs. The Chinese
Beliefs have become the ways of respecting the ancestors. When it is implemented in the annual ceremony, it shows their respect and maintains the relationship with
the ancestors. Finally, they receive a lot of blessing and luck from the ancestors because they preserve their relationship with them and the heritages, Chinese
Beliefs.
4.1.1.3 Chinese Beliefs Bring about the Harmony of Yin and Yang
The basic principle of Chinese Beliefs is The Yin and Yang dichotomy. There are a lot of Chinese Concepts in Chinese Beliefs, but all the concepts are
based on The Yin and Yang dichotomy. Yin is commonly known as negative power. On the other hand, Yang is the positive power. However, the meaning of
Yin and Yang dichotomy is not only related to negative and positive powers. It is
applied based on the aspect of life, for example; in the gender aspect. Yin is known as women and Yang is known as men. It is shown in Winnie Louie’s
conversation as follow; “The yin comes from the woman. The yang comes from the man” 511.
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There is a cause and an effect for all aspects of life. From the definition of Yin
and Yang, it goes to the main definition of this concept. Basically, all aspects of life consist of two contrary powers, Yin and Yang. The goal of the concept is
balancing Yin and Yang which leads to the harmony of life aspects. Therefore, the harmony of Yin and Yang is the main manner to harmonize life aspects. All the
concepts including Chinese Beliefs are conducted to achieve the harmony. Basically, the harmony of Yin and Yang is achieved by three main harmonies.
They are the harmony of human with nature, human with other human, and human with the Gods 59.
Chinese Beliefs which are implemented in the annual events are the ways of maintaining the harmony through good relationships. In the annual event,
Chinese-Americans socialize with the others, respect the nature, and pray to the Gods. When the three main harmonies are maintained, the harmony of Yin and
Yang is preserved well. Through the harmony of Yin and Yang, life goes well and
brings luck and prosperity. Running down the sides of wooden panels decorated with gold Chinese
characters. What does that say?, I ask my mother. She traces her finger down one, then the other. “Iye shiang ru yi”. The first word is “luck” this
other is another kind of luck, and these two mean’ all that you wish.” All kinds of luck, all that you wish 58
From the explanation above, it is explained obviously that Chinese Beliefs involve a great philosophy in the harmony of Yin and Yang. Therefore, Winnie
Louie keeps the harmony of Yin and Yang to harmonize her life and to preserve Chinese Beliefs.
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4.1.2 Transferring Chinese Beliefs to the Descendants
Winnie Louie as a Chinese immigrant highly understands that Chinese Beliefs should be preserved by transferring the beliefs to the descendants. She
transfers it by implementing the concepts in the traditions. Therefore, the descendants do not only understand the theories, but also they also practice it.
Before discussing the transfer of Chinese Beliefs, it is better to know about Winnie Louie’s descendants. Winnie Louie has two children named Pearl Louie
and Samuel. It is cited in the novel as follow; “And these days “the Louies” really refers to my mother and me, since my father die and my brother, Samuel, lives in
New Jersey” 3. The novel only explains about the relationship between Winnie Louie and
her lovely daughter, Pearl Louie. There is no information which is related to Samuel further. Pearl Louie was married to an American, Phil Brandt. Phil Brandt
works as a doctor in San Jose. “Sometimes I regret that I ever married into a Chinese family,” Phil said
when he heard we had to go to San Francisco, a hundred miles round-trip from our house in San Jose, made worse by weekend football traffic.
And a weekend with the extended family is definitely not his preferred way to spend his days off from the hospital 7.
Pearl Louie has two beautiful daughters namely Tessa and Cleo. Tessa is eight years old, whereas her sister is three years old. They always follow their
parents in some activities which are related to their family. It is portrayed in Pearl’s activity as follow; “So now Phil is getting the girls settled in the room that
once belonged to my younger brother. Phil has decided that Tessa, who is eight, will sleep on the twin bed, and three-year-old Cleo will get the hideaway cot” 8.
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Winnie Louie as a grandmother has a close relationship with her grandchildren. She always asks Pearl to take her daughters with her in family
journey. Winnie Louie tries to transfer Chinese Beliefs to the descendants through her daughter, Pearl Louie. It cannot be denied that the process of transferring
Chinese Beliefs can be done, since there is a good relationship between the Winnie Louie and her descendants, especially Pearl Louie. Winnie Louie
introduces Chinese Beliefs from the simple concept. It is seen when Winnie asks the Pearl’s family to join in the Grand Auntie Du’s Funeral.
My mother left the house two hours ago with Auntie Helen so they could decorate the funeral parlor. And now Phil and I are going to be late for
Grand Auntie’s service. Through the haze of the incense-blurred light, I can barely see my mother. She’s gesturing for us to come sit with her in
the second row. Phil corrals the girls. As the camera continues to roll, we walk quickly down the aisle, past what must be only a dozen or so
mourners, Mary, Doug, and their children 39-41.
Winnie Louie does not only pass down the understandings on Chinese Beliefs, but also transfers it to the descendants in some ways. At least, there are
two ways of transferring Chinese Beliefs which are applied by Winnie Louie. First is by worshiping the Kitchen God’s Wife. Second is by naming their places which
is based on Chinese Belief.
4.1.2.1 Worshiping the Kitchen God’s Wife
Kitchen God is a god who has a duty to watch over human’s behavior in the world for a whole year. He decides whether the people deserve luck or not
61. The story of the Kitchen God began with a man named Zhang. He was a rich farmer and had a good wife named Guo. Unfortunately, he was attracted with
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a pretty woman named Lady Li and brought her home to his house. He made Guo as a servant in that house, so she decided to leave him.
In China long time ago, I hear my mother say, there was a rich farmer named Zhang, such a lucky man. Fish jumped in his river, pigs grazed his
land, ducks flew around his yard as thick as clouds. And that was because he was blessed with a hardworking wife named Guo. She caught his fish
and herded his pigs. She fattened his ducks, doubled all his riches, year after year. But Zhang was not satisfied. He wanted to play with a pretty,
carefree woman named Lady Li. One day he brought this pretty woman home to his house, made his good wife cook for her. When Lady Li later
chased his wife out of the house, Zhang did not run and call to her 59.
After Guo left that house, Lady Li and Zhang spent the money doing something unwisely. Finally, Zhang became a beggar and Lady Li run off with
another man. When he was fainted, a good lady helped him and brought him home to her house. Zhang woke up and found him sitting near the fireplace. He
wanted to know the good lady who helped him. Surprisingly, he recognized that the lady is Guo, her wife.
Now he and lady Li were free to swim in each other’s arms. They threw money away like dirty water. They slaughtered ducks just to eat a plate of
their tongues. And in two years’ time, all of Zhang’s land was empty, and so was his heart. His money was gone, and so was pretty Lady Li run off
with another man. Zhang became beggar. One day, he fell over and faced the sky, ready to die….But when he sat up, he saw he was in a kitchen,
near a warm fireplace. The girl tending the fire explained that the lady of the house had taken pity of him, she always did this, with all kinds of
people, poor or old, sick or in trouble.” Where is she, so I can thank to her? The girl pointed to the window and the man saw a woman walking up
the path. Aiya That none other than his good wife, Guo 60.
Looking at her wife, he felt so ashamed of what he had done. Then, he jumped to the kitchen fireplace to hide himself. Guo was too late to help him,
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Zhang was burned in that fireplace. For having the courage to admit that he was wrong, he was declared as the Kitchen God by the Jade Emperor 60-61.
Winnie Louie considers that the Kitchen God is very close to His wife. By worshipping the god’s wife, she hopes that she will be blessed much. Winnie
Louie worships the Kitchen God’ Wife over generations 531. She introduces Her as the God for her family. She receives the tradition from Auntie Du who
gives the worship’s equipments to her. It is seen in Auntie Du’s equipments as follow; “When I did go up to her apartment, I used to play with her altar, a
miniature red temple containing a framed picture of a Chinese god. In the front of that was an imitation-brass urn filled with burnt incense sticks, and on the side
were offerings of oranges” 13. Winnie Louie buys a new statue of the God for her daughter 531. She
also asks her daughter to worship the God every time. She convinces her daughter that the God will always listen to her wishes. The God sends the wishes to her
husband, the Kitchen God, for giving luck and prosperity. “But sometimes, when you are afraid, you can talk to her. She will listen. She will use her stick to chase
away everything bad. See her name; Lady of Sorrowfree, happiness winning over bitterness, no regrets in this world. Now help me to light sticks of incense” 532.
The tradition of worshiping the Kitchen God’s Wife is a way of receiving luck and preserving one of the Chinese Beliefs.
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4.1.2.2 Naming their Places Based on Chinese Belief s’ Concepts
The name of places is an essential thing to be obeyed by Chinese- American. The purpose is luck and prosperity for their life through the name of
the places. However, not all places are given the names. Generally, some business places are named by Chinese names. The names have some meanings which are
focused on receiving luck and prosperity. It’s Mr. Hong, the owner, waving me to come in. When I first met him, I
thought his name was Sam Fook, like the shop I found out later that Sam Fook
means “triple blessings” in old Cantonese. “I told him he shopuld change the name,” my mother had said. “Luckier that way. But he says he
has too much business already 13.
From the citation above, it is cited clearly that Chinese-American believes that a good name is a name that has a good meaning and brings luck for them. Mr.
Hong has a shop named Sam Fook. It means triple blessings. It can be concluded that he wants a lot of blessing through his shop. Having a good name for his shop,
he has a lot of customers and succeeds in his business. Winnie Louie also has a flower shop called Ding Ho. It is hoped that the
shop can replace disaster to luck. It is cited as follow; “My mother and Auntie Helen co-own Ding Ho Flower Shop on Ross Alley in Chinatown. In some way,
the flower shop becomes the dream that would replace the disasters” 7. There is a mutual function between the owner and the name of shop. A
good name supports and brings success in the business. It gives intuition to develop the business. On the other hand, the owner also believes in the meaning
of the name. Prosperity is the goal of naming shop with good meanings. It has a close relationship with one of the aspect of Chinese Beliefs called divination.
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The divination which is the prediction of power through many life aspects is adapted in the naming the places. Winnie Louie chooses a name which implies
a good meaning and predicts the occult power for her life. Of course, she wants a good power in the term of luck.
Therefore, naming the places with Chinese names can preserve the concept of divination. When divination concept in
Chinese names is preserved well, it means one of the Chinese Beliefs is preserved too.
4.1.3 Strengthening her Family Relationship
As a minority group in America, Winnie Louie realizes that there must be close relationships among Chinese-Americans. She can survive since she lives in
the community called Chinatown. She opens the businesses there and helps each other in the community.
Togetherness among Chinese-Americans is very important aspect for surviving there. Some of them have a family business jointly.
“My mother and Auntie Helen co-own Ding HO Flower Shop on the Ross Alley in Chinatown” 7.
She respects Chinese-American in America as a big family. Even though some families do not have blood relationship, she respects others as family
members. When some Chinese-Americans meet each other, they will try to relate the family relationship. Some families will be more proud of marrying the
children with other Chinese. “The whole family” means The Kwongs and The Louies. The Kwongs are
Auntie Helen, Uncle Henry, Mary, Frank, and Bao-Bao. And these days “ the Louies” really refers only to my mother and me, since my father is
dead and my brother, Samuel, lives in New Jersey. We’ve have been 45
known as “the whole family” for as long as I can remember, even though the Kwongs aren’t related to us by blood 3.
They do not only work in business together, but also in preserving the Chinese Beliefs. In the following years, some Chinese-American descendants live
outside Chinatown. They are widespread in some regions in America. It is shown in Winnie Louie’s conversation as follow; “Mary is coming, husband and children
too,” my mother said. Flying from Los Angeles next week” 4. Even though they live in different places, they still have good communication.
Winnie Louie’s children do not live with her in Chinatown. After getting married, her daughter lives with her husband in San Jose and her son lives in New
Jersey. Even though they do not live together, her children usually visit her to San Francisco.
We had to go to San Francisco, a hundred miles round-trip from our house in San Jose, made worse by weekend football traffic Amy Tan 7.And
these days “the Louies” really refers only to my mother and me, since my father is dead and my brother, Samuel, lives in New Jersey Amy Tan 3.
She also strengthens her relationship with her children and other families by applying some ways. There are three ways of maintaining the relationship
among Chinese-American. The first way is by having some annual meetings with other families. The second way is by having a shop that provides Chinese Beliefs’
equipments. The third way is by celebrating their Chinese New Year.
4.1.3.1 Having some Annual Meetings with other Families
Strengthening the family relationship is an important thing for Chinese- American. Winnie Louie has some meetings in order to maintain and to strengthen
the relationship between Winnie Louie and the whole family. The family meetings 46
were held in the weekend or in the leisure time. An annual meeting is the way how they maintain the relationship effectively. They spend the time doing some
activities in the meetings. They share each other and have a dinner together. It is portrayed in the Auntie Helen’s meeting as follow; “Auntie Helen already counted
you in. banquet dinner at Water Dragon restaurant-five tables. If you don’t come she is one – half table short” 4.
The meeting is used to introduce the descendants to other families. Even, some of them marry with other Chinese-American since they meet in the meeting.
They invite other families to come to the engagement party up to the wedding party.
“Fourth engagement” my mother said. Last one he didn’t marry, broken off after we already sent a gift. Of course, Helen is not calling it
engagement party 4. On the way into Bao-Bao and Mimi’s reception, Cleo tried to hold onto
one end of the wedding parent 515. During the reception dinner, we have to shout to one another in the
cavernous din of the restaurant 517.
Winnie Louie shares and passes down the tradition and some information which are related to Chinese Beliefs. She expects that the children continue the
tradition to their descendants. When Winnie Louie meets with her daughter, she explains the harmony of Yin and Yang.
And now was more confused than ever. I thought of ways to rephrase my question to make myself absolutely clear about blood relations, biological
heritage, genetics, blood type, paternity test, the past that can never changed. My mother patted my hand.”Oh I know what you are thinking,”
she said quietly. Of course every baby is born with Yin and Yang. The Yin comes from the woman. The Yang comes from the man 511.
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Having some annual meetings with other families is an appropriate way to socialize among Chinese-Americans. It is time to pass down the Chinese Beliefs
to the descendants both of its concepts and implementations annually.
4.1.3.2 Having a Shop that Provides Chinese Beliefs’ Equipments
There are some annual traditions in Chinese Beliefs which require some equipment. There are some equipment such as the Gods statues, spirit money,
incenses, candles, luck banners, and flowers uses in the tradition. It is shown in Winnie Louie’s conversation as follow; “I could see this lady statue in her new
house, the red temple altar with two candlesticks lighting up her face both sides. She would live there, but no one would call her Mrs. Kitchen God” 531.
Winnie Louie still has an altar for worshiping. Generally, she puts the Gods statue in the altar, candles and incenses in front of it. She provides some
offerings on the table. “I used to play with her altar, a miniature red temple containing a framed picture of a Chinese god. In the front of that was an imitation-
brass urn filled with burnt incense sticks, and on the side were offerings of oranges” 13-14.
Sometimes she uses the equipments, when there is a celebration or memorial activity. Therefore, she needs to provide the equipments for the
tradition. Some shops are built in Chinatown, the center of Chinese American for culture and buildings.
As I turn down Ross Alley, everything around me immediately becomes muted in tone. It is no longer the glaring afternoon sun and noisy
Chinatown sidewalks filled with people doing their Saturday grocery. And now I’m at Sam Fook Trading Company, a few doors down from the
flower shop It contains shelves full of good-luck charms and porcelain and 48
wooden statues of lucky gods hundred of them. I’ve called this place the Shop of the Gods ever since I can remember. It also sells the kind of stuff;
spirit money, paper jewelry, incense, and the like 12-13.
Since she has good relationship, she builds the family association together with other Chinese-American for providing the equipments. She helps the others
by providing flowers and banners. Even, some shops provide the equipments free for Chinese-Americans. They believe in being blessed by the Gods. It is cited as
follow;” Across the street are the same trade and family associations, including a place that will send ancestor memorials back to China for a fee. And father down
the street is the shop front of a fortune teller” 12. Winnie Louie tries to introduce the equipments to her daughter by buying
some equipment for her. She also gives a goddess statue for her daughter. She believes that her daughter is blessed with the statue.
Right way, Mrs.Hong opened up her cash register, thinking we were coming in to trade twenty-dollar bills. No,no I said. This time I’ve come
here to shop, something for my daughter. Mr. Hong smiled big. So did Helen. I was standing in front of the porcelain statues: Goddess of Mercy,
God of Money, God of War, all kinds of luck 529.
She hopes that her daughter uses it for worshipping. The seller who knows the purpose of it gives discount for her. It is cited in Mr. Hong’s conversation as
follow;” Do you want something for decoration or something for worship? Mr. Hong asked. For worship, I can give you thirty-percent discount. For decoration, I
have to charge the same price” 529. After Winnie Louie has given the Kitchen God’s Wife statue to her
daughter, she explains who the Kitchen God’s Wife is and asks her daughter to do the tradition in praying together with her.
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Oh, that statue. You never saw that before. Yes, that’s true, very fancy, fine porcelain. And the style is good too. She how nicely she sits in her
chair, so comfortable-looking in her manner. Look at her hair, how black it is, no worries. Although maybe she used to worry. I heard she once had
many hardships in her life. But her smile is genuine, wise, and innocent at the same time. That means she is about to speak, or maybe she is telling
you to speak. She is already to listen. She will wash away everything sad with her tears. She will use her stick to cast away everything bad. Now
help me light three sticks of incense, the smoke will take our wishes to heaven 531-532.
Winnie Louie believes that the available of the equipments supports the preservation of tradition in Chinese Beliefs. Therefore, it is important for Chinese-
American to provide it together. They celebrate and worship with the available equipments. She also teaches the descendants to do the traditions by using the
equipments.
4.1.3.3 Celebrating their Chinese New Year Celebration.
Chinese New Year Celebration is a great celebration which is held by Chinese-American every year. There is a significant philosophy in Chinese New
Year Celebration for them. They pray for forgiveness from the Gods during the passes year. Then, they make resolutions and wishes for the next year. They
always wait for celebrating Chinese New Year, since it is the time for them to change their life and to receive luck for the next year.
And then one year, all that changed. This was when I was eighteen years old, during the Small New Year, right before the Big New Year
celebration began, when everyone turned one year older. The New Year was a time when you could change your luck 135.
When the Chinese New Year Celebration comes, Winnie Louie also celebrates the day and prays for the ancestors. She thinks what she has done for a
whole year and makes the reflection of it. There are more people who come to the 50
temples. They also meet the fortune-teller to prophesy their fortune and figure what they have to avoid the misfortune. It is portrayed in Winnie Louie’s story
about the Chinese New Year Celebration. Our New Year celebrations was not like what you have in the United
States today-parades and fire-crackers, lucky money for children, only fun, fun, fun. It was a day of thinking. According to my custom when the New
Year began 135.
Besides, New Year is a time for Chinese-Americans to account their good behavior. Winnie Louie believes that the Kitchen God observes and counts her
bad and good behavior during a year. The Gods reports it to the Jade Emperor and He gives blessings for a good man. Therefore they try to add their merit by
burning some spirit money for ancestor and praying for their prosperity in the next year.
In heaven, the Jade Emperor heard the whole story from his new arrival. “For having the courage to admit you were wrong,” the Emperor
declared,” I make you Kitchen God, watching over everyone’s behavior. Every year, you let me know who deserves good luck, which deserves bad.
From then on, people in China knew Kitchen God was watching them. From his corner in every house and every shop, he saw all kinds of good
and bad habits spill out: generosity or greediness, a harmonious nature or a complaining one. And once a year, seven days before the New Year,
Kitchen God flew back up the fireplace to report whose fate deserved to be changed, better for worse or worse for better 60-61.
Winnie Louie always celebrates the Chinese New Year together with the whole family. It is the time to socialize and to pass down the tradition to the
descendants. Chinese New Year is an annual event which is only held once a year. Therefore, they meet the other family members and celebrate it together. It is seen
in the Winnie Louie’s family celebration. 51
And then I decided also to include a few dishes with names that sounded lucky. These were dishes I remembered Old Aunt had cooked during the
New Year-sun-dried oysters for wealth, a fast-cooked shrimp for laughter and happiness, Fatsai, the black hair fungus that soaks up good fortune
247-248.
Winnie Louie believes that the Chinese New Year Celebration, which is held annually, is a way to strengthen the relationship among Chinese-Americans,
a time to pray, and an effort to preserve Chinese Beliefs.
4.2. Winnie Louie’s Motivation as a Chinese-American in Preserving Chinese Beliefs
The first part of this chapter has discussed the way of how Winnie Louie as a Chinese-American preserves Chinese Beliefs. She has done a lot of efforts to
preserve it overseas. Her efforts to preserve Chinese Beliefs are the implementation of her motivation. It is a unique behavior as a Chinese-American.
Although Winnie Louie lives far from China, she is eager to preserve her beliefs. There must be some great motivations which become the base of her behavior.
The writer discusses it in the second research question which aims to find out what motivates Winnie Louie as a Chinese-American to preserve Chinese Beliefs.
The second research question is answered by applying the psychological theories of human motivation. Based on Maslow’s theory, there are some kinds of
motivation which are ordered in the hierarchy of human needs Franken 15. All motivation is based on the basic matter of human life that is the human needs.
When human needs something, they are motivated to obtain and to achieve it in the form of human behavior.
52 PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
The analysis of Winnie Louie’s motivation in preserving Chinese Beliefs is based on the Need Theory which is proposed by Maslow Franken 16. There
are seven stages of human needs that are motivated Winnie Louie to preserve Chinese Beliefs.
4.2.1 The Self-Actualization Need of Winnie Louie
Self-Actualization is the highest need which stimulates one’s motivation. Based on the Maslow’s theory, a person wants to do something and is motivated
when she or he wants to actualize her or his own personality Franken 15-17. Winnie Louie as a Chinese-American who lives in another country also wants to
actualize some aspects which are relied in her personality. At least, there are two aspects of Self-Actualization needs that motivate her to preserve Chinese Beliefs.
4.2.1.1 Showing the Chinese Identity
Winnie Louie is a Chinese-American. She spends the rest of her life living in new country, America. Before living in America, she had lived in China since
she was born and grew up there. It is cited clearly as follow; “I was sent to live on Tsunming Island with my father’s younger brother and his two wives, the island
was two hours from Shanghai by motorboat, up the Huangpu River until you reach its mouth” 117.
Winnie Louie really knew about Chinese-Beliefs from her ancestors. Her mother was an educated woman. She is one of the first women who studied at
Shanghai Missionary School in 1897 121. It influenced her manners in 53
