The birthday banquet was organized by the 10 families of the great-grandchildren. According to the introduction by some of the great-grandchildren, the centenarian currently lives with her youngest grandson. There are two open spaces on the side of the tall building where she resides. After consulting with the community and neighbors, they decided to set up a stage there for the birthday celebration. The spacious area not only accommodated the event but also spared the neighbors who came to congratulate from long journeys.
The descendants of Grandma Li said that currently, apart from poor eyesight and hearing, she is in good health and can eat well. When asked about the secret to her longevity, the old lady told reporters that she has a good appetite and doesn't pick food. She eats three meals a day with her younger generations without any specific dietary preferences. A few years ago, she could eat three or four taels of rice in one meal. In recent years, although her food intake has decreased somewhat, she can still finish a full bowl of rice. Moreover, she maintains a regular routine, going to bed at dawn and waking up early in the morning.
Originally, 86 tables were prepared for the banquet, but due to the large number of well-wishers, more tables had to be added, eventually reaching 108 tables. Apart from around 30 close relatives, most of the attendees were friends, acquaintances, and neighbors.
Interestingly, after counting, it was found that about 30 people were complete strangers who had come uninvited, some even bringing gifts.
At the reception, hosts and guests formed long queues to express their wishes. Among them were not a few unfamiliar faces—strangers who came especially to celebrate and join in the festivities. Representatives from the local residents' committee and street office also came to wish her happy birthday.
Returning guests eagerly participated in the celebrations.
Grandma Li Guohui, born in April 1910, has five generations living under one roof. She has twelve children (some have passed away), ten grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, and even a one-year-old great-great-grandchild.
When asked about her birthday wish, the centenarian said she hopes to stay healthy and not be a burden to her younger generations. She expressed her desire to live another 20 years to see her great-great-grandson get married.
During the banquet, the centenarian prepared red envelopes and red ropes as gifts. Red envelopes were given to the elders, while everyone received a red rope. By around 1 p.m. yesterday, she had distributed 200 red envelopes and 1800 red ropes without showing any signs of fatigue.
Yesterday afternoon, reporters at the banquet scene saw the centenarian standing in the center of the stage, accepting blessings from her descendants. She also cut the cake and handed pieces to the younger generations. Guests who came to celebrate were delighted to receive the traditional blessing of touching the centenarian's hands and head.
On Saturday, Grandma Li Guohui from Dye Village, Li Jiatao, Bannan District, will turn 100 years old. Yesterday, taking advantage of the weekend, her ten great-grandchildren organized a grand banquet with over a hundred tables, attracting more than a thousand guests to share in the joyous occasion.
It was truly a blessed event.