Chinese New Year is just around the corner - I think Sunday and Monday this week. Singapore is like 80% ethnic Chinese so this is a big deal. I still don't know too much about the holiday, but I do know it is the one time of year when families travel back to see their parents and relatives. Well, I get to make my own pilgramage back to the States for Chinese New Year :).
I'm going home for work, but I still get a couple of weekends with family and friends. I leave tomorrow and am packing tonight. I've made my list ready of things to pick and up and bring back home with me. Some of these include a new hair straightener, deodorant, granola bars and a dvd player.
Chinese New Year may be better than Christmas, the commercial Christmas that is. Everyone gives mandarin oranges and pineapple tarts/cookies. These both sound good to me :) and don't seem as un-healthy as cookies and pies. The whole family gets to spend time together (yes, this could be bad as well I suppose). There are fireworks! Red envelopes with money are given instead of presents - isn't it always easier to just give money?? You can't clean in order to make sure you don't wipe away the good luck of the new year. Good for me - I know I hate cleaning. You get two public holidays in a row, not one week apart like Christmas and New Year's. The day moves around every year based on the lunar calendar - so those born near the New Year, may not be so near the next year.
Of course I am missing the local Singapore celebrations, which is a bit of a bummer, and I have no pics to share. I think it would a fun experience to see all the festivities. I hear the crowds are shoulder to shoulder. I'm also sure there is a lot more to learn about the traditions; but I'll have to take that up next year.
However, I do have another Singapore scout who will be out and about to experience the CNY it all its glory. I'm sure she'll have great re-caps and pics on her blog if you want to check it out: http://asianredhead.wordpress.com/.
*Do you remember how I went to Italy a couple years ago? I went to visit a friend and his sister is here studying in Singapore for a semester. I'm a bit jealous as she's only been here since January and already had lots of adventures!
I've been watching the Olympics and they've all been saying how much the Chinese and other Asian countries are missing out on the Chinese New Year for the Olympics. It must be huge of the Olympics can hardly compare :) Michelle has had a lot of adventures, I can't wait to get over there!
ReplyDelete