Jade Pendant

Relationship: Child of im/migrant
Group:
a gold chain holds a heart-shaped jade
a gold chain holds a heart-shaped jade

Anything jade has value to Chinese culture because it represents a multitude of traits such as virtue, kindness, wisdom, justice, civility, music, sincerity, truth, Heaven and Earth. My mom's side of the family wears jade bracelets and jade necklace as a symbol of protection. For the necklace, there are various designs and they can be hung from a gold chain or red string. From her memory it was my grandma who gave them those items. My ancestors were from Guangdong, China, then both of my grandmas migrated to Vietnam, where both my parents were born. I didn’t get to meet my grandparents from my dad’s side of the family, however, my grandparent’s from my mom’s side decided to move to America after the Vietnam war calmed down. When my mom had enough money to move, she worked multiple jobs in the U.S. She had a support system where they helped her with many things. Later in the years, my dad decides to follow my mom to the U.S. and live with her. My mom said that she didn’t experience any discrimination when she arrived. My sister and I have received jade necklaces. So did my cousins. It's a tradition to wear it in our life. My family are big practitioners of Buddhism. Many people from Southeast Asian countries can relate to this tradition. 

Place(s): China, Vietnam, U.S.A
Year: 1995

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Relationship:  Child of im/migrant Child of im/migrant