Photo credit: smallandround from Flickr
Growing up in a multi-ethnic and -racial household meant eating as much sauerkraut as I did, um, “phoenix talons” (a.k.a. chicken feet). Hey, don’t knock it until you try it. Or maybe just file this one away as TMI.
One of the big events during my childhood was always Chinese New Year. This year the date happens to coincide with Valentine’s Day and it’s also heralding the Year of the Tiger (my year!). It’s a time for gathering with family and friends, and all big celebrations in my household always included lots of food.
Chinese culture is full of symbolism and superstition, some of which I’d like to share.
The colour red is associated with the festivities because it’s believed it will scare away evil spirits and bad fortune.
One of the many traditions at the heart of the occasion is the handing over of red “lai see” or “lucky money” envelopes to unmarried friends and family members. The newer the money, the better the luck it’s supposed to bring. Tian Phat and other Asian grocery stores around the city carry these in ample supply at this time of year.
Houses are cleaned thoroughly before the New Year. Windows are kept open to allow good fortune in while lights are left on in the evening to scare demons. All sharp objects are put out of sight so as not to cut the flow of good energy.
A bounty of food is served to reflect the prosperity of the year to come including sweets and goodies to ensure the sweetness of the year ahead. One of the dishes we always had for this and most special occasions was uncut noodles, which represent longevity and long life. Cutting the noodles is therefore a very bad omen.
Everyone says “Kung Hei Fat Choi!” which translates roughly as “Congratulations and be prosperous!”
Here’s a description of my sign (they vary depending on year and elemental cycle). This is the most flattering one I could dig up because it doesn’t mention any of the negative attributes like having a very short fuse.
Passion and creativity are the hallmarks of the Wood Tiger. What a great sign for the performing arts or any career that puts you in front of the public where you can use your creative ability and, or, leadership skills. You are the most mellow of Tigers and therefore not so domineering. You tend to be very popular, especially since you are probably charismatic.
So, I hope you enjoy this weekend by eating some dim sum with friends and family or by having a romantic dinner at a Chinese restaurant to celebrate both the new year and Valentine’s! All the best for the year ahead.
Kimberly Walsh is a social media and online community manager. You can follow her on Twitter @AliasGrace.
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
If you have a short fuse, you handle it with quite a lot of tact!
I say let loose and cause a scene. It keeps people on their toes!
I’m actually heading to China in August to teach english for 4.5 months and all the info I’m reading and hearing lately about the New Year celebrations is making me even more excited! And more respectful of the Chinese culture. Honestly, my knowledge of China and its culture is not very extensive, so any information like that in this post I’m absorbing like a sponge. Do you have any tips for interesting books about Chinese culture that I could read before I go? Or anything in particular I should keep in mind when I travel there?
Hi Kim
River Town by Peter Hessler is interesting account of teaching ESL in China. Factory Girls: From Village to City in a Changing China is also very good. Which part of China will you be in?
FQ
Ben: I’m just incredibly aware of my short fuse and have made a concerted effort to keep it under control. Cokebaby will vouch for the occasional dynamite outbursts though.
Kim: How exciting for you! Before you leave you’ll definitely want to try out some dim sum (if you haven’t already) so you know what you’re getting into. The dishes are fabulous but I imagine kind of overwhelming to those who haven’t tried it before. I’m afraid most of my experience and reading about Chinese culture has a distinctly Canadian spin to it. That said, one of my fave books is Jen Sookfong Lee’s The End of the East which is about three generations of one family living in Vancouver’s Chinatown.
Felicia: Thanks for stopping by the blog with your book recommendations!
Thanks for the tips, ladies! Felicia – I’ll have a week-long orientation in Beijing but not sure where exactly I’ll be teaching yet. I’ve requested South China though, so somewhere in that region. I’m excited! It seems like a very interesting country. Kim, great tip about going for Dim Sum. I have had it before but it’s been many years, so I really should go again.