11/24/04

This page contains some of the interesting things we've learned about China and Chinese adoption. Some of it has to do with Chinese culture, traditions, folklore etc. Some of these may help explain things found on this website. The last section is a FAQ about adopting from China. We hope you learn something new.

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Q: What's up with the color red?

A: Red, a bright, auspicious color denotes good fortune and happiness. It emerges as a sacred and vitalizing color used on festive occasions. The Chinese also regard red as the "lucky color." Chinese babies are given their names at a red-egg ceremony. At the Chinese New Year, children are given little red packets or envelopes packed with money or treats as tokens of good wishes. The color red is also featured prominently in the clothing and other ritual objects pertaining to the traditional Chinese wedding. In fact, Chinese brides wear red dresses and wedding invitations are printed on red paper. In addition, the color red not only serves to express joy, but also to ward off evil influences. In Chinese writing, there are more than 30 single characters describing different kinds of red. Red of wine, red of silk, red of wood, red of meat.... And even more phrases are used to descirbe different levels of red. All these are not just about words, but how the meaning of colors evolves from daily life.

Q: How about the significance of ladybugs?

A: Many adoption websites, books, announcements, and other items feature ladybugs. Interestingly enough, this has no roots in Chinese culture (although they are red). The basic story is this:  Several years ago in China, as the international adoption programs were beginning to take off, there was a fall season where the ladybug population grew unusually large. This was thought to be a lucky charm for those that were adopting, so now whenever ladybugs are seen, it is said that more beautiful children are being referred to wonderful waiting parents.

Q: And Pandas?

A: The Giant Panda is found only in the dense bamboo and coniferous mountains of central China. It is a strong symbol in China and has a special place in Chinese cultural lore - many qualities and characteristics of the Panda are qualities revered by Chinese society as a whole. Foremost, as it was never observed to harm man or beast, the panda became a symbol of peace. China has gifted pandas to many nations, including the United States, as a gesture of peaceful relations. Ancient Chinese believed that panda pelt had magical influence that could repel plague and prevent tumors.

Q: What does Chinese music sound like?

A: So glad you asked! Here are a couple of tunes to listen to:  Children's Festival song  Cerimonial music  Folk music

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Frequently Asked Questions About Adoption From China

Q: Why are there so many children in orphanages in China?

A: Several decades ago, China experienced a huge population growth without nearly as much growth in their food production. As a result millions of people starved to death. The Chinese government developed population control regulations which limited the number of children each family may have. This has come to be known as the 'one child' policy, however in many provinces in China it would be more realistic to call it the 'one boy or two children' policy. There are stiff fines and penalties imposed on families who do not follow this policy. However, the Chinese people have a great love for children. In many cases, they prefer to bring the child into the world even if they must later abandon them. It is important to note that abandonment may not be the right word here - in the US, mothers and families can make adoption plans for their children. In China, this is not possible. Many people prefer to think of the predicament that faces Chinese mothers and families not as abandoning a child, but as making the best plans they possibly can to ensure that their child is found, and has a chance at a better life.

Q: Why are so many girls abandoned?

A: Because of culture and tradition, male children are often perceived as having more value than female children. Traditionally it is the responsibility of the male child to care for his parents when they are no longer able to work, while the female child would marry into another family and care for them.

If a couples first child is a boy, the will usually keep him. If they couples first or second child is a girl, is a child born out of marriage or a child with some disability or abnormality, that child may be abandoned.

Q: Why Adopt from China?

A: There is no one easy answer for this question. It has to do with personal choice, financial reasons and a myriad of emotional choices. The short answer is that China and the US have a long standing relationship as far as adoptions go. The process is well mapped out and has been very successful. The children are some of the healthiest adopted internationally, and they are well cared for and loved. Adoption from China can also cost significantly less than other international adoptions, and in many cases domestic adoption as well.

Q: How long does it take to adopt from China?

A: We wish we knew! There are so many factors that go into the process, which involves many individuals, several government branches, agencies and two world powers. Even averages are hard to give as the process can change and issues such as SARS can dramatically change things. However, not all changes are bad - recently the China Center for Adoption Affairs has committed themselves to increasing the speed with which referrals are made. So to give you a guesstimate at the length of the process we'd say anywhere between 14 months to 18 months from initial application to having your child in your arms.

Q: Do you have to travel to China?

A: Yes! China requires that at least one parent travel to China to complete the adoption. The trip is normally between 12 and 14 days in length, with a week in the child's home province. At this time there is plenty of paperwork to fill out, and lots of bonding to do with your child. Then you travel to Guangzhou, where the US Consulate is located. Here your child is given a quick physical, their papers are looked at and they are given a visa to enter the US. Many, many parents feel that the trip to China has vastly increased their understanding of their children's birth culture.

Q: When is the adoption final?

A: When you adopt from China, the adoption is normally completed in the child's province. In domestic adoptions and some international adoptions there is a period where the child is at risk - a time when the child is placed with you but the adoption has not been finalized. When adopting from China this is not the case.

Q: When does the child become a US Citizen?

A: The minute they touch US soil. Thanks to some new laws and regulations, children (those under the age of 18) who enter this country with their legal guardians immediately become United States Citizens. There are still a few US agencies who have not caught up with the times however, and it may be a good idea to readopt your child through your state court system.