Kung Hei Fat Choi!

Happy Chinese New Year of the Dragon!!

Just when you think the end of the year celebrations are over, we are hit with yet another.

Luckily for us, it doesn't involve rushing around thinking of gifts and going out to buy them (phew, the bank balance has time to recover).

But this holiday is a MEGA celebration for the chinese.
Bonus for us, as we have almost a whole week off work :)

But as usual, when you use the words 'off work and holiday' in the same sentence as 'have kids', we usually end up with words like ..... fever, neurofen, doctor, sleepless nights, coughing, hearing mama every 10 seconds and the list goes on.

What seems to be the norm for Chinese New Year, the weather was rotten and really cold. A record 7 degrees. Hong Kong hasn't seen temperatures like this in 16 years. Hats, scarves,gloves and coats were dug out of drawers and put to good use.

We took time out to go and watch the 25 minutes fireworks display.  But because of the lack of wind and extremely humid air, not much could be seen as a smoke cloud accumulated and hid the bright colours against the Hong Kong skyline.  After that we headed back to Belair with 2 sleepy little girls.

Here's a little bit about Chinese New Year.
In China , its also known as the spring festival as it marks the end of the winter season.
People here splurge on presents, decorations and lets not forget, food.
Red and gold is everywhere.
Plum blossoms are found in almost every buildings lobby and are decorated with little packets inscribed with well-wishes. These symbolise good luck.

Let not forget the little kumquat bushes which are everywhere.

Doors and windows are decorated with paper cutouts and inscriptions of wealth, health,prosperity and longevity.

According to the chinese myths and legends, the beginning of the Chinese New Year started with the fight against the Nian.

On the first day of the New Year, Nian would come down from the mountains and feed off villagers and their livestock. 

The villagers would lock their doors and place food outside to protect themselves. One day, a child was wearing red and scared the Nian away. Since then the colour red was used to warn off the Nian. Firecrackers were lit and loud gonging on drums were also used to keep the Nian at bay.

So every year for the Chinese New Year, red lanterns, scrolls and decorations are hung to ward off bad luck.

In our residence, they put on the traditional lion dance. After the dance, the lion goes to each lobby where he goes around and then 'eats' the pack of leek, carrot and celery that's been hung from the entrance. Only to 'spit' it out. Apparently if you catch the leaves, you'll have good luck for the rest of the year.

  

These people were amazing. So young but ever so talented.

Lets not forget the Lai see or little red envelopes.  These hold an even number amount of money. Traditionally they are handed out to children and young, single people.  

We give to the concierge and anyone who helps out when they see me struggling along with 2 kids, pushchair and shopping bags - tipping up the pushchair :)