Long weekend coming right up!
Happy Chinese New Year!
The Chinese observe the lunar new year as a time to celebrate. There are many stories as to how they first came to celebrate it, but it all revolves around defeating evil, making loud noises and of course, food. The most popular tale is told about how the villagers in rural China was terrorised by the monster Nian for a pretty good and long while. A wandering monk suggested the villagers light firecrackers and beat on drums and cymbals to scare it away, painting their houses red to mimic flames. Apparently it worked and Nian came a-visiting no more. Hence, the tradition to wear red and light firecrackers are observed by Chinese the world over during this period.
This upcoming year is the Year of the Rat. The naming of the lunar year with animal representatives was based on a myth where Buddha called the animals to come to be blessed. Altogether 12 animals made the trek and was honoured to have a year named for them: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig. I have the honour of being a Snake lady, supposedly winsome and seductive (like huh?).
Red packets with money (ang pow) is distributed by married couples and the elders to children and other non-married folk; the sum differs according to the economic flushness of the giver. Something to look forward to if you're from the unmarried squad. For many, it's about the 2-day holiday.
Ratatouille made it hard to resist:
More can be obtained from the ever informative Wikipedia.
Gong Xi Fa Cai!
The Chinese observe the lunar new year as a time to celebrate. There are many stories as to how they first came to celebrate it, but it all revolves around defeating evil, making loud noises and of course, food. The most popular tale is told about how the villagers in rural China was terrorised by the monster Nian for a pretty good and long while. A wandering monk suggested the villagers light firecrackers and beat on drums and cymbals to scare it away, painting their houses red to mimic flames. Apparently it worked and Nian came a-visiting no more. Hence, the tradition to wear red and light firecrackers are observed by Chinese the world over during this period.
This upcoming year is the Year of the Rat. The naming of the lunar year with animal representatives was based on a myth where Buddha called the animals to come to be blessed. Altogether 12 animals made the trek and was honoured to have a year named for them: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig. I have the honour of being a Snake lady, supposedly winsome and seductive (like huh?).
Red packets with money (ang pow) is distributed by married couples and the elders to children and other non-married folk; the sum differs according to the economic flushness of the giver. Something to look forward to if you're from the unmarried squad. For many, it's about the 2-day holiday.
Ratatouille made it hard to resist:
More can be obtained from the ever informative Wikipedia.
Gong Xi Fa Cai!