A name represents identity, a deep feeling, and holds tremendous significance to its owner. ~ Rachel Ingber ~
My Chinese Name
My grandfather gave me my Chinese name. In Chinese culture usually the oldest and closest family member gives the name to a newborn child. The name represents the aspirations the elder wants to bestow on the child. I love my Chinese name because it embodies traditional Chinese feminine traits.
My Chinese name is Hau Yee (巧儀). The name painted two different yet very desirable portraits of a Chinese woman. The word “Hau” (巧) is taken from one of the poems in The Book of Songs (詩經). The poem gives a detailed description of Zhuang Jiang’s (庄姜) beauty, the first woman poet in China who also happened to be a princess. She lived during the Spring and Autumn (770-476 BC) era and was married to the King of Wei. The poem was written at her wedding. Zhuang Jiang’s charming, dimpled smile (“巧笑倩兮”) coupled with her beautiful eyes (“美目盼兮”) have been remembered for thousands of years. The word “儀” is used to describe a person’s appearance. The phrase “儀態萬千” describes a lady with an elegant appearance. So, my grandfather would like me to become a charming and elegant lady.
However, the word “Hau” (巧) has another meaning. It can mean ingenious and skillful as well. The word “儀” can be used to denote a modest appearance (“儀表端莊”). So, if I cannot become a charming and elegant lady, my grandfather would like me to become an ingenious and modest woman. All these are preferable traditional traits for a Chinese lady. I am grateful that my grandfather gave me such a meaningful name. Though I am not charming and I cannot change my physical appearance, I can aspire to be a modest and ingenious woman.
My English Name
I did not have an English name until I was admitted into St. Francis Canossian School at eleven years of age. The principal, Mother Nedda, asked my father to give me an English name. My father had no idea what name to give me so he asked Mother Nedda to name me. Since the school’s patron saint is St. Francis Xavier, Mother Nedda named me Frances, the feminine form of Francis. From then on, my peers called me Frances, and my family members continued to call me 巧儀. I like both of my names.