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
educating Winnie Louie about many things involved the Chinese Beliefs 116. Winnie Louie respects Chinese Beliefs not only as traditions, but also the
guidelines of life. As a result, she also applied it when she immigrated to America, If my life had been that way, one thing leading to another, then I could
look back and I would know the lessons of my life; the fate that was given me, the choices I took, the mistakes that are mine. And perhaps I would till
have time to change my luck. 69 Her American naturalization papers in a plastic pouch, her Chinese
Passport from forty years ago, one small motel soa One washcloth, one pair each of knee-high stockings and nylon panties, still new brand. And
then she pulled out more things: her poochai stomach pills, her potion of coughs, her tiger-bone pads for aches, her good-luck Goddes of Mercy
if her other remedies do not work 88.
Chinese Beliefs contain traditions, rules, and philosophies that have become the identity of Chinese-American. It makes them differ from the others.
Winnie Louie finds her identity by applying its traditions. She wants all the Chinese-Americans know that there is a symbol of their identity that is exposed
through the traditions. Winnie Louis always tries to introduce the traditions to the descendants in keeping their identity as Chinese-Americans 41-45. She is afraid
that her descendants will not know their ancestor traditions and some principles of Chinese Beliefs. It is shown in the conversation as follow: “And I knew she was
talking about the Chinese new year coming up soon, about that old saying: Sweep away last year’s dust and all bad things” 90. Chinese Beliefs have become the
manifestation of the identity. Losing the traditions lead to the lost of the identity. Since her proud of the identity as a Chinese-American, Winnie Louie
actualizes herself by applying the traditions. She highly believes that an identity 54
which is maintained and symbolized by applying traditions, it keeps the existence of Chinese-Americans.
4.2.1.2 Expressing Her Spirituality
As stated in the Needs Theory, self-actualization need is expressed by some real actions as the implementation of motivation Franken 15. Winnie
Louie is a Chinese-American who undergoes her life based on Chinese Beliefs. Her efforts to preserve Chinese Beliefs are categorized in Self-Actualization need
because it involves the motivation to strive her personal fulfillment in her spirituality. She really believes in Chinese Beliefs, it motivates her to express it by
preserving Chinese Beliefs in the form of traditions. My mother has always been proud of those red banners. She doesn’t write
the typical congratulatory sayings, like “Good Luck” or “Prosperity and Long Life”. All the sayings, written in gold Chinese characters, are of her
own inspiration, her thoughts about life and death luck and hope: First- Class Life for Your First Baby,” Double-Happiness Wedding Triples
Family Fortunes”. “Money Smells Good in Your New Restaurant Business, “Health Returns Fast, Always Hoping” 18-19.
Basically, her motivation to preserve Chinese Beliefs is caused by her believing in the principle of Chinese Beliefs, especially the dichotomy of Yin and
Yang. She highly concerns with the harmony of Yin and Yang by trying to
undergo her life with balancing the dichotomy. She realizes that the harmony can be preserved if there is a harmony between human and gods, human and nature,
and among human 286-287. Preserving Chinese Beliefs is also her effort of gratefulness to the Gods
who guides her life from nightmare to luck. After having a lot of terrible 55
experiences in her life, finally she can achieve the happiness. She lived in the war period in China, had a cruel husband, and faced her two children who died there.
It is shown obviously in her husband’s behavior toward her as follow: “And hearing this once again, I started to collapse to the floor ,but before I could do so,
he pulled me back up, dragged me toward the door like a bag of rice” 209. Her child died in the front of her. Wen Fu as her husband did not want a
daughter, he wanted a boy. When the baby died, he was not sad and only laughed for seeing her 305-306 .She struggled to escape from China and immigrated to
America. She waited for a long time and sold all because she had to pay some tickets and a passport 498-499. After arriving in America, she was married to
her second husband, Jimmy Louie. Finally she lived with her beloved husband and the family there 622-625.
She understands that luck and prosperity comes from the Gods. She is really glad with all that she has been received from the Gods. She is eager to
express her thankful by preserving Chinese Beliefs. Based on that purpose, she is motivated to preserve Chinese Beliefs. She believes that Chinese Beliefs guide her
and the descendants to prosperity.
4.2.2 The Aesthetic Need of Winnie Louie
The Aesthetic Need is the human need of beauty, pleasure and principles influencing taste. In this case, it is the beauty of philosophy in Chinese Beliefs.
This need sets up person to maintain the existence of something that is regarded as 56
great and worthy Franken 14-16. Chinese Beliefs as the part of culture are the manifestation of human thinking of taste in the form of tradition and principles.
Chinese Beliefs make Winnie Louie runs her life based on the implied principles in it. It guides her to live in the regularity and motivates her to maintain
it. It is seen visibly in the traditions that are celebrated annually 356-357. She enjoys the way she goes through her life based on Chinese Beliefs. The traditions
and philosophy fulfill her aesthetic need. Oh, that statue. You never saw that before. Yes, that’s true, very fancy,
fine porcelain. And the style is good too. See how nicely she sits in her chair, so comfortable-looking in her manner. Look at her hair, how black it
is, no worries. Although may be she used to worry. I heard she once had many hardships in her life 531.
Her Aesthetic Needs motivate her to preserve Chinese Beliefs with all its aspects. She wants the descendants to keep the continuation and regularity of life
which is based on Chinese Beliefs. Therefore the aesthetic aspects in Chinese Beliefs can be preserved. The descendants also feel the beauty of traditions and
philosophies. At least, there are two aesthetic needs that motivate her to preserve
Chinese Beliefs. The first of the Aesthetic Need is the need of maintaining the harmony of Yin and Yang. Then the second one is the need of keeping the
continuation of blessing. 57
4.2.2.1 Maintaining the Harmony of Yin and Yang
The Dichotomy of Yin and Yang is the fundamental principle of Chinese Beliefs, which becomes the central of cosmology. Even, it also influences the
divination and ancestor worship. The world is separated into two opposite powers called Yin and Yang Hook 288-290. There are two powers exist in all life
aspects. People who balance the opposite powers by maintaining the harmony of Yin
and Yang will achieve luck and prosperity. The harmony of Yin and Yang involves many aspects. If a person wants to
balance it, it means shehe must create the harmony of human, nature, and the Gods. The harmony of Yin and Yang also guides human to consider what to do by
considering the cause and the effect of their behavior. A person who undergoes hisher life by considering the harmony of Yin and Yang will be a lucky person.
Some traditions are created to implement the harmony of Yin and Yang. The traditions make the regularity of celebrating the traditions which involves the
harmony of Yin and Yang. Winnie Louie as a Chinese-American believes that she receives luck and
prosperity by maintaining the harmony of Yin and Yang 286-288. As woman who has a lot of knowledge in Chinese Beliefs, she knows that the dichotomy
motivates her to have good behavior as human. She implements the harmony in the way she builds good relationships with others, her family, her ancestors and
the Gods. It can be seen when she helps other family and prays to the Gods for the new couple in a wedding ceremony 742. The experiences teach her to do
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something with the consideration of the dichotomy. She thinks of the cause and effect of her behavior.
She preserves Chinese Beliefs since there is the harmony of Yin and Yang that makes the regularity of keeping the harmony for all life aspects. The harmony
of Yin and Yang is an aesthetic need since there is a beauty in the way how Winnie Louie undergoes her life by maintaining the harmony of Yin and Yang. The
continuation of maintaining the harmony of Yin and Yang brings about prosperity. The relationship of all aspects in the harmony also fulfills her aesthetic need. It is
shown in Winnie Louie’s feeling as follow: “Every baby is born with Ying and Yang,
The yin comes from the woman. The yang comes from the man. When you were born I tried to see whose yang you had, I would say, look, she has Jimmy
Louie’s smile” 511. Besides, Winnie Louie understands that the dichotomy guides both of her
and the descendants to have right behavior in good consideration. Therefore, Winnie Louie and the descendants also receive prosperity from maintaining the
harmony of Yin and Yang as a part of aesthetic needs. It motivates Winnie Louie to preserve Chinese Beliefs.
4.2.2.2 The Continuity of Blessing
Blessing is valuable thing that Winnie Louie wants to keep. She believes that it will be gained if she obeys the three major elements in Chinese Beliefs that
are Cosmology, Divination, and Ancestors Worship Hook 288. She convinces that the harmony of Yin and Yang can bring blessing, since it creates the harmony
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for all aspects. Divination is a revelation from the Gods, who guides her to undergo life suitable with the forecast. She tries to avoid danger and to succeed in
facing the obstacles. She believes that blessing will be always with her as long as she obeys the divination of Chinese Beliefs. It is portrayed in the fortune-teller’s
conversation as follow;” During the Rat year, the fortune-teller had said to Peanut, someone could chew through her wool coat and expose her faults if she was not
careful” 143. Another manner to receive the blessing is worshiping the ancestors Hook
290. As a descendant, Winnie Louie worships the ancestors as an expression of honor to them. She applies some traditions for respecting the ancestors and also
praying for them. She supposes that the ancestors award the blessing for her family, since she respects the ancestors.
Winnie Louie is eager to passes down the blessing to the descendants. She hopes that there is a continuity of blessing over generations. It can be seen when
Winnie Louie meets her daughter as follow:” 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 meant all that you wish.” All kinds of luck, all that you wish” 58.
Being favored with blessing can only be achieved, if the descendants also do what she does. All blessing comes from the efforts of preserving the traditions
and philosophy in Chinese Beliefs. As long as the existence of Chinese Beliefs is maintained, blessing is awarded to her and the descendants. Therefore, the need
of blessing is one factor that motivates her to preserve Chinese Beliefs. The 60
continuation of blessing to the descendants strengthens her motivation to preserve Chinese Beliefs over generations continually.
4.2.3 The Cognitive Need of Winnie Louie
Preserving Chinese Beliefs is the form of human thinking capacity Franken 15-16. Traditions are created because of the human thinking capacity of
creating its concept. Starting with the curiosity of knowledge, which is included the traditions, Winnie Louie is motivated to learn Chinese Beliefs from other
Chinese-Americans. It is shown when Winnie Louie goes to Sam Fook Trading Company. She asks a lot of information about statue and its name 529. Based on
what she has learned, she tries to pass down it to the descendants 58. She knows that there is a lot of knowledge which is useful and important from the traditions.
The knowledge is included in the philosophy which is implemented in the term of traditions.
At least, there are two major aspects of knowledge which motivate Winnie Louie to preserve Chinese Beliefs. The first aspect is the understanding of Chinese
Beliefs’ concepts. Winnie Louie wants the descendants understand the concepts of Chinese Beliefs. The second aspect is exploring the implementation of Chinese
Beliefs. She is eager to introduce the concept to be understood by the descendants. Based on the concept, Winnie Louie and the descendants explore its
implementation in the traditions. 61
4.2.3.1 Understanding the Concept of Chinese Beliefs
Winnie Louie’s thinking capacity to transfer the concept of Chinese Beliefs is the figure of cognitive need. It is the cognitive need of thinking some
ways to preserve Chinese Beliefs. Therefore, she always tries to think and to share the understanding of the concepts of Chinese Beliefs traditions.
Basically, the concepts of Chinese Beliefs are the extension of dichotomy Yin
and Yang. Winnie Louie believes that the world is a cosmos which consists of two opposites powers; they are Yin and Yang Hook 288. The concepts are
adapted not only in the beliefs, but also in some aspects of life such as economy, gender, and treatment concepts. The concept of cosmology is used by Winnie
Louie to arrange her life. Winnie Louie convinces her daughter that the divination has a close
relationship with luck and prosperity. The understanding of its elements guides her into luck and a better life in America. Divination consists of Scapulimancy,
Yijing , and Geomancy Fengshui. It consists of forecasts and rules that
accommodate some aspects in daily life. She uses the divination to consider her plan both in economy and traditions which are based on her beliefs. It can be seen
in Winnie Louie’s consideration about divination as follow: “Ying gai meant she should have altered the direction of fate, she should prevented disaster” 27
The last one is ancestor worship. The concept of ancestor worship is the extension of Yin and Yang dichotomy. The harmony of human life and the death
gives effect on prosperity Hook 290-191. Respecting the ancestors who have died, it symbolizes descendants’ homage to the ancestors. This concept guides
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Winnie Louie to introduce the ancestor to her daughter and respects them in the rituals of ancestor worship. It is shown in the funeral of Aunty Du. Winnie Louie
and the other families are worshipping Auntie Du together. Grand Auntie Du lying in her casket, with glasses perched on her
emotionless waxy face. In front of the casket is a long, low table overflowing with food, what looks like a nine course Chinese dinner, as
well as an odd assortment of mangoes, oranges, and a carved watermelon. This must be Grand Auntie’s farewell provisions for trudging to heaven
41. In the front of the pews is a large picture of Grand Auntie. My mother is now bowing to grand Auntie 47.
The understanding of Chinese beliefs concepts direct Winnie Louie to share what she knows to others. In that process, she is preserving Chinese Beliefs
as the effect of fulfilling the Cognitive Need in understanding Chinese Beliefs.
4.2.3.2 Exploring the Implementation of Chinese Beliefs
The three major concepts of Chinese Beliefs are implemented in the traditions. Winnie Louie’s cognitive need motivates her to explore the
understanding of Chinese Beliefs concepts. Her thinking capacity makes the concepts implemented in the traditions. The implementation of the concept in the
form of traditions preserves Chinese Beliefs. Winnie Louie together with her daughter explores the traditions. She spends her time sharing about Chinese
Beliefs. It is seen when Winnie Louie gives a Kitchen God picture and altar to her daughter as follows: “I told you what Grand Auntie left us in her will. She turns
on the light, and then I see it, sitting on the clothes dryer. It is the altar for Grand Auntie’s good luck god, the Chinese crèche” 58.
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The harmony among humans which is a part of Yin and Yang dichotomy is represented in the harmony of Winnie Louie family’s members. Even tough they
do not have blood relationship, they respect others as the members of family. “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 refer only to my mother and me, since my father is dead
and my brother, Samuel lives in New Jersey. We have known as “the whole family” for as long as I can remember, even tough the Kwongs
aren’t related to us by blood, just by marriage 3.
In the term of divination, the banner or luck symbol is widely used in Winnie Louie’s family. It is shown in some banners which are made by Winnie
Louie 31. She also celebrates some Chinese Beliefs celebrations. The New Year is the great moment that she is waiting for.
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.
She celebrates it together with the whole family by praying and worshiping the ancestors. She believes that Chinese New Year Celebration brings
about luck. It is shown in Winnie Louie’s statement as follows: “The new year was a time when you could change your luck 135.
The motivation of implementing the concepts comes from her need to explore the implementation of Chinese Beliefs. Therefore, exploring the
implementation of Chinese Beliefs is an aspect of cognitive need that motivates her to preserve Chinese Beliefs.
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4.2.4 The Esteem Need of Winnie Louie
Winnie Louie finds something as the symbol of pride for the Chinese- American. Chinese Beliefs is a part of Chinese culture. It is a heritage that she has
been inherited from the ancestor in China. Winnie Louie is proud of being a Chinese-American with its heritage.
Chinese Beliefs which are respected as heritages symbolizes her identity and togetherness. It is a pride that represents her dignity and self-esteem.
Therefore, the esteem need that can be represented in Chinese Beliefs traditions motivates her to preserve Chinese Beliefs. There are two aspects of the Esteem
Need that motivates Winnie Louie to preserve Chinese Beliefs.
4.2.4.1 Showing Off the Knowledge of Chinese Beliefs
In Winnie Louie’s mind, there is a self-esteem need that she wants to show to the others. The self-esteem need is fulfilled by showing off her capacity in
Chinese Beliefs 19. She is proud of what she has known about Chinese Beliefs. She is eager the descendants respects and knows that she has understood much on
Chinese Beliefs. Hence, she tends to share and to explain some traditions and its equipments which are related to Chinese Beliefs in almost family’s meetings.
As he tapes the banner back up, my mother is fuming, “That corner, put more tape there More there, too. How can you let her luck fall down like
that” My mother is now bowing to Grand Auntie. Now it is my turn to bow 46-47
. She is attracted with the ceremonies that convey the knowledge of Chinese
Beliefs. As a result, she asks her daughter and the family to join in every meeting and ceremony. It is shown in the way how Winnie Louie asks Pearl to come to
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Bao-Bao’s engagement party as follows: “Pearl-ah, have to go, no choice,” my mother said when she phoned last week. After several minutes I learned the
reason for her call: Auntie Helen was inviting the whole family to my cousin Bao- Bao’s engagement party” 1.
At that moment, the descendants used to ask about some symbols and the purpose of traditions to her. Winnie Louie as a person who is thought older than
other explains the symbol and the ceremony willingly. Bao-Bao is there to greet us as well. He’s smiling broadly. Hei man, glad
to see you guys finally decided to make it. He hands each of us a piece of foil wrapped candy and small red envelope of lucky money. You eat the
candy for luck 40.
She introduces Chinese Beliefs to the descendants in the modern ways. The concept can be thought logically. The philosophy has some universal
understandings as well. For example, creating a harmony with the nature is a manner that can be thought logically. There will be disaster when the people
damage the nature. That makes the concept accepted by the descendants easily. Pearl as her daughter also passes down the understanding of Chinese
Beliefs to her daughter in modern way. It is seen from her expression after she listened to the story of The Kitchen God.
“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 or
worse, or worse for better. “The end”, shouts Cleo, completely satisfied. ‘Sounds like Santa Claus, says Phill cheerfully. “hnh1” my mother huffs
in a tone that implies him is stupid beyond words. “He is not Santa Claus. More like a spy, FBI agent, CIA”61.
Her knowledge of Chinese Beliefs stimulates the descendants to ask all the things related to Chinese Beliefs. She is respected as a parent who can be the
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model as a Chinese-American who still keeps Chinese Beliefs in mind and behavior. Winnie Louie is pleased with the way how the descendants respect her
both as a parent and a Chinese-American 47-48. She does not only share the knowledge, but also gives some examples of
worshiping in the rituals 45. Consequently, the descendants understand both of the concept, the implementation, and the purpose of it. Showing off her
knowledge of Chinese Beliefs has motivated her to learn more and to share what she understands about it. It can fulfill her self-esteem as a Chinese-American. Her
willingness to share her knowledge preserves Chinese Beliefs.
4.2.4.2 Expressing her Pride as Chinese American
Sometimes people ask what makes them feel proud Franken 16-18. Winnie Louie feels that feeling. She tries to find the answer. Then she knows
Chinese Belief is one of her pride. It would be an honor for her to share it. Winnie Louie expresses her pride as Chinese-American who has great Chinese Beliefs in
the form of traditions. She expresses it in her decorative flowers and banners. Lining the walls are large funeral wreaths, propped easels.”Ah?” my
mother says, waiting for my opinion. I’ve always found wreaths hideously sad, like decorative lifesavers thrown out too late.” Very pretty,” I said.
And now she steers me toward her real pride and joy 18.
She expresses it in some aspects of tradition. Her shop is designed in Chinese model and she always puts the banner of luck there. She expresses her
beliefs through the banner 18. She always tries to convince her daughter about the use of the banner when they look at other banners in the special ceremony. It
is cited in Winnie Louie’s conversation with her daughter as follows: “My mother 67
claims these banners are the reasons why Ding Ho Flower Shop has had success flowing through its door all years” 18.
Even, Winnie Louie explains the concept of Chinese Beliefs to her daughter. She tells the story of The Kitchen God’s Wife to her daughter. Her
daughter, Pearl, also continues to tell it to her daughter 59-60. Winnie Louie gives an altar and its equipment to her daughter as heritages 58. She is really
proud of her goddess, Kitchen God’s Wife who guides her family. It is shown as follows: “But her smile is genuine, wise, and innocent at the same time. And her
hand, see how she just raised it? That means she is about to speak, or maybe she is telling you to speak. She is ready to listen” 531.
She buys the new statue of Kitchen God’s Wife for her daughter as the God for the family. “This time I’ve come here to shop, something for my
daughter. Mrs. Hong smiled big. So did Helen. I was standing in the front of porcelain statues: Buddha, Goddess of Mercy, God of Money, God of War, all
kinds of luck” 529. The way of expressing her pride in Chinese Beliefs is one of the efforts to
preserve Chinese Beliefs. She is motivated by her pride of Chinese Beliefs. Winnie Louie considers that Chinese Beliefs are given from the ancestor as
heritages for her. Hence, she preserves Chinese Beliefs since she is proud of what she preserves, that are Chinese Beliefs. Therefore, Winnie Louie’s self-esteem
motivates her to fulfill the need of expressing her pride of Chinese Beliefs. Her pride preserves Chinese Beliefs.
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4.2.5 The Belongingness and Love Need of Winnie Louie
The belongingness and Love needs are the needs that have great influences for people to do something. It motivates someone to fulfill her or his need which
has impact to herhis actions Franken 17. Winnie Louie’s belongingness and love of Chinese Beliefs motivate her to preserve it. She feels that she is one of the
owners of Chinese Beliefs. The belongingness of Chinese Beliefs really motivates her significantly 511.
Besides, Winnie Louie’s affection to the descendants and ancestors also becomes one of significant aspects which motivate her to preserve Chinese
Beliefs. At least, there are two major aspects of belongingness and love need which motivate Winnie Louie to preserve Chinese Beliefs. The first aspect is the
implementation of her belongingness to Chinese Beliefs. The second aspect is maintaining the Kitchen God’s blessing for her descendants.
4.2.5.1 The Implementation of her Belongingness to Chinese Beliefs
Undoubtedly, Winnie Louie can be an excellent figure of Chinese American who concerns with Chinese Beliefs. It is the implementation of her
belongingness to Chinese Beliefs. Winnie Louie thinks that Chinese Beliefs is one of enormous heritages. She assumes that as one of the descendants, preserving
own heritages is a duty. Besides, the belongingness of Chinese Beliefs also motivates her efforts to
preserve Chinese Beliefs. Looking back at her biography, she was grown-up in the noble Chinese family who hold tight the traditions 106-107. It influences her
belongingness of Chinese Beliefs. During her living in China, the belongingness 69
of Chinese beliefs was not only in the form of philosophy, but it is more to the implementation.
For that reason, the way of implementing Chinese Beliefs in China was kept tightly until her life in America. It is portrayed in the way she celebrates the
New Year in China as follows: “The new year was a time when you could change your luck. According to our custom, when the new year begun, not one single
speck of dust from last year could remain. Not a single copper’s worth of debt could be left unpaid. Our New Year celebration was not like what you have in
America today” 135. There are many ways of implementing her belongingness of Chinese
Beliefs. It is seen noticeably in her efforts to preserve it in some ways. It begins with transferring the understanding of the concept. There are some concepts
which are widely introduced to the descendants such as the dichotomy of Yin and Yang,
the concepts of divination and ancestor worships 511. Based on the concepts, she continues to offer its implementation in some
traditions which are applied in some ceremonies and equipments of Chinese Beliefs. There are some ceremonies in Chinese Beliefs, but there are only two
ceremonies which are cited in the novel. They are the New Year celebrations and funeral rituals 53.
As a manner to strengthen and to spread the sense of belongingness toward Chinese Beliefs, she is not only limited to strengthen them in her family but also
to widen it to other families. It is exposed in Winnie Louie’s relationship with 70
Helen and Mrs. Hong. She asks Helen to buy a statue and Mrs. Hong gives discount if the statue is bought for worshiping.
Do you want something for decoration or something for worship? Mrs. Hong asked,” For worship, I can give you thirty-percent discount. For
decoration, I have to charge the same price. This is for worship, said Helen right away. Not just for decoration, I said” 529.
She reinforces the relationship among Chinese-American families in preserving Chinese Beliefs. Then, the sense of belongingness and love of Chinese
Beliefs is widespread among the families. The motivation of fulfilling the belongingness and love of Chinese Beliefs unites them to preserve Chinese
Beliefs collectively. The belongingness of Chinese Beliefs motivates her to preserve Chinese
Beliefs. She feels that Chinese Beliefs belongs to her and other Chinese- Americans. Thus, the motivation of implementing her belongingness plays an
important role in the efforts of preserving Chinese Beliefs.
4.2.5.2 Maintaining the Kitchen God’s Blessing for her Descendants
Kitchen God is one of God who is believed by Chinese-American. According to the belief, Kitchen God is a God who is send by the Jade Emperor to
watch over people’s behavior a whole year from the corner of their house. 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, who deserves bad 60-61.
Then seven days before the end of one year, he decides whether the people deserve good luck or bad. Kitchen God blesses them in the form of luck for good
people in the next year. It cited as follow;” From then on, people in China knew 71
Kitchen God watching over them 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” 61. Believing in Kitchen God was hereditary belief. Winnie Louie’s family
respects the God as family’s God. Before Auntie Du died, she asked Winnie Louie to give the God’s picture and the altar for the next generation that is Pearl Louie.
It is shown in the description of the altar and a picture given to her daughter. The altar is about size of small upturned drawer, painted in red lacquer. In
a way, it resembles a miniature stage for a Chinese play. There are two ornate columns in front, as well as two ceremonial electric candles. The
picture is almost cartoon like. The man is rather large and is seated in regal splendor, holding a quill in one hand, a tablet in the other, He has two long
whiskers, shaped like smooth, tapered black whips. Oh, this we call Kitchen God 58.
Even, Winnie Louie buys a statue of The Kitchen God’s Wife for her daughter. Winnie Louie hopes that Kitchen God favors much blessing for her
daughter. In addition, she wants her daughter and the families realize that every behavior was watched over by Kitchen God. Therefore, Pearl and the family keep
doing right behavior and receive a lot of blessing every year 530-532. Based on the Winnie Louie’s behavior toward her descendants, it is seen
visibly that maintaining the Kitchen God’s blessing for her descendants is one of the motivations in preserving Chinese Beliefs incessantly.
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4.2.6 The Safety Need of Winnie Louie
The Safety Need is the need of feeling secure with aspects surroundings Franken 18. It is one of the needs that motivate Winnie Louie to preserve
Chinese Beliefs. Feeling safe is also a basic need for undergoing her life. Winnie Louie is a Chinese-American who immigrates to America. She lives far from her
original country. When she arrived in America, she only knew Jimmy Louie and Helen. She
feels secure with her second husband. After her husband died, she had to stand on her feet. She needs to feel safe while she is growing her daughter up in America.
There are two aspects of safety need that motivate her to preserve Chinese Beliefs. The first aspect is maintaining the minority of Chinese-Americans. The second
aspect is feeling secure in the community.
4.2.6.1 Maintaining the Minority of Chinese-Americans
Being minority group in America was not easy in 1949 72. Chinese American was the minority group in America at that time. Winnie Louie as a
minority citizen realizes that there must be a unity of Chinese American. She feels more secure when she has a lot of relations there.
To unite the Chinese-American who are settled in many places, Winnie Louie considers that there must be medium which ties all Chinese-Americans.
There should be a way to direct them to feel in the same condition as minority citizen. When she lives in the unity, she feels more secure and fulfills her safety
need. 73
Chinese Beliefs are chosen as media to direct others living in the unity. There are many traditions in the form of its ceremonies. The ceremonies give the
opportunities for her to meet with other Chinese Americans. The philosophy in the dichotomy of Yin and Yang also teaches them to have a good relationship with
others. The good relationship creates the harmony among human. The harmony is seen in the way Winnie Louie builds her relationship with others in Bao-Bao’s
party as follow; “Thanks, Auntie”. Bao-Bao shouts and my mother waves back to him. She actually looks proud” 519.
The ancestor worship also influences her way of thinking that she respects other Chinese Americans as the member of big family 9. In the ceremonies
Winnie Louie meets other family and shares each other. They help and protect each other. It is shown in the preparation of Bao’s wedding 509.
The New Year celebration as the summit of Chinese Beliefs celebrations can influence her and other families to prepare and to worship together 135. The
togetherness of Chinese Americans can make them feel more secure in America. Hence, the safety need can be fulfill by maintaining the minority of
Chinese-American in togetherness situation. The togetherness is the strength of preserving Chinese Beliefs well.
4.2.6.2 Feeling Secure in the Community
Generally, Chinese-Americans live in the community. The community is built based on the same original country. Chinese-Americans are settled in the one
area called Chinatown. Chinatown is the center of their activities. They build tight relationship with other Chinese-American in that place. Since they live in one
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area, it is easier for them to organize and to maintain their relationship. It is cited in the description of Chinatown.
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 shopping. The alley sounds are softer, quickly absorbed, and the light is
hazy, almost greenish in cast 12.
Winnie Louie is one of Chinese-Americans who are settled in Chinatown. The Chinatown is located in San Francisco 7. She builds her house and runs her
business there. She realizes that the community makes them survive there. She feels secure with the same people surroundings. The community provides a lot of
opportunities for her to do what she wants. So the location my mother and Auntie Helen picked isn’t exactly bustling.
Yet they seem to have done all right. In a way, it’s remarkable. After all these years, they’ve done almost nothing to keep up with the times or
make the place more attractive. I open the door and bells jangle. I’m instantly engulfed in the pungent smell of gardenias, a scent I’ve always
associated with funeral parlors 14.
Since her community is inhabited with same original country, she can explore Chinese beliefs together with others freely. She shares her understandings
and the implementations of Chinese Beliefs in the community. Chinese- Americans help each other to prepare some traditions. Everyone has their own
capability. They do what they can do for the community. They hold the traditions firmly in togetherness 12.
Surely, the community makes her focus on the community member’s need. Both Winnie Louie and her neighbor really concern with the availability of
Chinese Beliefs equipments. Then, some of Chinese-Americans provide Chinese 75
Beliefs equipments. They pay attention to the preservation of Chinese Beliefs since they believe in its luck. Indirectly, they are united to preserve Chinese
Beliefs. It is cited in the family association as follows:” On the right-hand side of the street is the same old barbershop, run by Al Fook, who I notice still uses
electric clippers to shear his customers’ sideburns. Across the street are the same trade and family associations, including a place that will send ancestor memorials
back to China for a fee” 12. The community which is centered in Chinatown creates secure condition
for the residents to preserve Chinese Beliefs. Besides, it provides an appropriate atmosphere to deepen their understanding on Chinese Beliefs. Winnie Louie as
one of the community members passes down Chinese Beliefs well. It cannot be denied that feeling secure in the community supports and motivates Winnie Louie
in preserving Chinese Beliefs.
4.2.7 The Physiological Need of Winnie Louie
The Physiological Need is the basic of other needs. It is a physical need that supports human to survive. It involves the need of food, water, cloth, house
etc Franken 15-16. To fulfill the physical need, human need to work in order to obtain the outcome.
Winnie Louie runs a business in Chinatown to accommodate her material needs. She opens a flower shop at home 14. Her business runs well. The
philosophy in Chinese Beliefs guides her to achieve luck and prosperity 18-19. 76
Hence, the Physiological Need is one of the motivations in preserving Chinese Beliefs. At least there are two aspects involved in physiological need that
motivates her to preserve Chinese Beliefs. The first aspect is maintaining Winnie Louie’s business. The second aspect is the way of surviving in America.
4.2.7.1 Maintaining Winnie Louie’s Business
Some Chinese Americans who stay in Chinatown run some business. Chinatown is the meeting point of their business. Since the businesses are
centered in Chinatown, it provides a suitable place for selling the goods. Moreover, it is a place where the buyer is easier to find the goods. It is shown in
the description of business in Chinatown. And now I’m at Sam Fook Trading Company, a few doors down from the
flower shop It contains shelves full of lucky gods, hundred of them. I’ve called this place the Shopps of the Gods ever since I can remember. It also
sells the kind of stuff people get for Buddhist funerals, spirit money, paper jewelry, incense, and the like 12-13.
Some of the businesses in Chinatown have a close relation with Chinese Beliefs. Some of the residents sell Chinese Beliefs equipments such as candles,
incenses, banners, flowers, statues, pictures, fortune teller etc. Winnie Louie and Helen run their flower shop jointly. The annual traditions make the buyer worship
the Gods and ancestors. The buyer also buys some equipment for it regularly. The condition supports the business because there are many fixed customers for their
goods. My mother and Auntie Helen co-own Ding Ho Flower Shop on Ross Alley
in China town. They got the idea of starting the business about twenty-five years ago, right after my father died and Auntie Helen was fired from her
job. I suppose, in some way, the flower shop became the dream that would replace the disaster 7.
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Winnie Louie’s income is raised in the day of Chinese Beliefs ceremonies. Since there is more people worship the Gods for being blessed with luck and
prosperity in the next year, the demand of flowers and banners are increasing in the days before the Chinese New Year Celebration. The Chinese New Year
Celebration which is celebrated annually maintains her business 14. Chinese Beliefs ceremonies which increase her outcome are believed to be
the blessing from the Gods. Winnie Louie highly believes that the business which supports the preservation of Chinese Beliefs brings out a lot of blessing 19.
The business and Chinese Beliefs has a mutual relationship. The business runs swell, if Chinese Beliefs is preserved. Chinese Beliefs guides her to run the
business with the dichotomy of Yin and Yang. It creates the harmony among human in business. It is seen clearly in the way Winnie Louie runs her business
with Helen jointly. Her business also completes other businesses which are not concerned with the availability of flowers.
Based on the fact, it can be concluded that Winnie Louie is also motivated to preserve Chinese beliefs in order to maintain her business. Chinese Beliefs
creates some events in the form of ceremonies which increases the outcome. The Physiological Need is fulfilled by maintaining the business. For this reason,
Winnie Louie preserves Chinese Beliefs. 78
4.2.7.2 The Way of Surviving in America
Living in another country as newcomers is not easy. Chinese-Americans immigrated to America for a better life. They arrived in America collectively, but
some of them were individually. It can be seen in Winnie Louie’s process of immigrating to America.
I bought three tickets. The first was a black-market airplane ticket, leaving from San Francisco in ten days, on May 15.The second and third were
legal tickets, one leaving for Hong Kong on May 27, the other for Singapore on June 3, I had three chances. I told Auntie Du that whatever
tickets were left over she could have to sell or use. Auntie Du said she would decide later. Hulan had already said she did not want to leave
498-499.
Therefore, there were some Chinese-Americans who did not have family there. Most of them joined in other families. Winnie Louie was one of the
Chinese-Americans who did not have family from China. Helen was only her close friend. Strengthening the relationship with other families, she looked for
something that can unite her with others and feel the same as others. At least, there are two factors that unite her with other Chinese-Americans in fraternity.
The first factor is the resemblance of Chinese-Americans. Winnie Louie feels that Chinese-Americans are big family who come from the same ancestors in
China 1. She tries to make a family relationship by telling the place where she came from. She wishes that there are some Chinese-Americans who came from
the same place in China. Winnie Louie has close relationship with Auntie Du, since they come from the same place in China.
That day I came out of jail, it must have been one hundred thousand all pushing carts filled with strange combinations things, sack of rice and milk
coasts, that sort of thing. Auntie Du said they were all running to train station and boat harbor, to leave for Canton and Hong Kong before
communist came 491. 79
She feels comfortable to live in Chinatown together with other Chinese- Americans. She can survive there, since there are close relationships among
Chinese-Americans. The relationships are not only limited in economy, but also widens in some aspects of life.
It is portrayed in their annual activity in the weekend to strengthen ties of relationships as follows: “Auntie Helen already
counted you in. Big Banquet dinner in Water Dragon Restaurant-five tables. If you don’t come she is one-half table short” 4. She introduces her family to other
families and they also do it as well. It can be a way to introduce among them. Therefore, they know each other and maintain the family relationships. It is shown
in the standing orders of Bao-Bao’s wedding as follow;” The co-best buddy is back on the microphone. “And now we want to introduce you to the immediate
family. On Mimi’s side, we have the father of the bride Mr. C.Y Wong of Friendly Adventures Travel, and his lovely wife Maggie” 518.
The second factor is the similarity of believing in Chinese Beliefs. Chinese Beliefs which is believed by Chinese-Americans unite them in togetherness. There
are some ceremonies that provide time and place to meet with others and strengthen their relationships. Chinese Beliefs also teaches them to harmonize the
relationship with Chinese Americans. They believe in luck and blessing from the relationships 58.
Surviving in America is one of physiological needs that is significant to be fulfilled. Winnie Louie needs to survive in America. It is the basic motivation of
why she is motivated to preserve Chinese Beliefs. Chinese Beliefs is one of the heritages that unite Chinese Americans to survive in togetherness.
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CHAPTER 5 CONCLUSIONS AND SUGGESTIONS
This chapter is divided into two parts. The first part is about the conclusions of my analysis.
The conclusions are taken from analyzing and answering the formulated problems. Then, the second part is about the
suggestions. The suggestions are divided into two parts. They are the suggestions for future researchers and English teachers.
5.1 Conclusions Having finished analyzing Amy Tan’s The Kitchen God’s Wife, I come to
the conclusion of the analysis. There are two major conclusions based on the analysis of problems formulations. It is related to Winnie Louie’s ways of
preserving Chinese Beliefs and her motivation in preserving Chinese Beliefs. The first conclusion is about Winnie Louie’s ways of preserving Chinese
Beliefs. There are three major ways of preserving Chinese Beliefs. The first way is by passing down the understandings on Chinese Beliefs to the descendants. She
passes down to the descendants the understanding on the concepts of Chinese Beliefs. There are three concepts that are conveyed to the descendants. The
concepts state that Chinese Beliefs are the symbol of identity, the ways for respecting the ancestors, and the manner of bringing about the harmony of Yin and
Yang.
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The second way is by transferring Chinese Beliefs to the descendants. Winnie Louie implements the concepts into the traditions of Chinese Beliefs.
Then, she transfers it to the descendants by worshiping the Kitchen God’s Wife and naming the place based on Chinese Beliefs’ concepts.
The third way is by strengthening her family relationships. She realizes that preserving Chinese Beliefs goes well and gives great impact to the others, if
there are close relationships among Chinese-Americans. It is easier to preserve it in togetherness. The relationships are strengthened by having some annual
meetings with other Chinese-American families, having a shop that provides Chinese Beliefs’ equipments, and celebrating the Chinese New Year Celebration
annually. The second conclusion concerns with Winnie Louie’s motivation in
preserving Chinese Beliefs. The analysis of Winnie Louie’s motivation is based on the Need Theory, proposed by Maslow. There are seven kinds of motivation
that is ordered in the hierarchy of human needs. There are seven kinds of motivation that motivates Winnie Louie in
preserving Chinese Beliefs. The basic motivation is the Physiological Need of Winnie Louie. She needs to fulfill her physical needs by maintaining her business.
Chinese Beliefs, which are implemented in some traditions, create some annual events that maintain Winnie Louie’s business. Believing in Chinese Beliefs also
unites them into one community that helps each other in running their business in order to survive in America.
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