Birthday noodles popular on National Day

A custom may take generations to form, especially in terms of choosing symbolic food for a holiday. But a new custom, eating birthday noodles for National Day, is quickly gaining popularity in China.

First proposed before last year's 70th founding anniversary of the People's Republic of China, the birthday-noodle initiative has been well-received among many Chinese.

It is a widely practiced custom for people to enjoy a bowl of noodles on their birthday as a symbol of longevity. Their family members may also have noodles to share the joy and express their blessing.