If you search for the definition of “Fortune” you will find a
variety of answers. One is: “chance
or luck as an external, arbitrary force affecting human affairs.” Another:
“position in life as determined by wealth.”
OK, so what’s the deal with the fortune cookies we get after
our meal at the local Chinese restaurant? Are they supposed to tell our future?
I love Chinese food and visit my favorite establishment weekly, sometimes more
often. But, I don’t remember ever getting a “fortune” in my cookie that said I
would have a rotten day. Will I always have a good day, as long as I eat
Chinese?
I know lots of people who would never read a horoscope or
consult someone who says they can tell your future by looking at your hand,
etc. I understand that, but I’ve never seen anyone pass on opening his fortune
cookie to gain access to the day’s words of wisdom.
Looking up the history of fortune cookies brings another
surprise. Fortune cookies are not found in China. In fact, Chinese call them
American Fortune Cookies. Brooklyn, Los Angeles, Seattle, Minneapolis, and
Philadelphia are the major manufacturing locations of the 3 billion fortune
cookies produced annually. Of course, there are opposing views, suggesting that
fortune cookies were introduced to America by the Japanese.
All of this brings us to the day that I was in the Chinese
restaurant enjoying my favorite foods. I always save room for my fortune
cookie. I think it’s fun to read the slogans which are usually very generic.
This day was like no other. I opened my fortune and it was blank. I turned it
over and the other side was blank. OK, I understand manufacturing and how
things like this can happen, but could it be that I have no fortune because I
have no future? Could I gather the courage to walk out of the restaurant? Certainly,
don’t be foolish. But, I was very careful walking across the parking lot!
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