Gung Hay Fat Choy!

Gung Hay Fat Choy!
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Happy New Year!
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Today marks the celebration of the Chinese New Year. This is the Year of the Ox. The Ox is one of the 12 animals represented in the Chinese Zodiac. The Ox symbolizes patience, hard work, tenacity and loyalty. Last year was the Year of the Rat. Here are photographs from MSN showing the celebrations in China.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28854872/displaymode/1107/s/2/

Families in China celebrate with the color red - which means good luck and happiness in their culture. Sweeping the house "sweeps away" the bad luck from last year in order to prepare to welcome the good luck for the new year. Quince blossoms are used as a decoration - the tiny buds reminding everyone that new things can always grow. Oranges and tangerines are set aside to honor ancestors. The fruits stand for money and good luck. Families wear brand-new clothes and have their hair cut - to start the year all fresh and new.

Foods such as soup and dumplings are made as well as Eight Precious rice pudding. Extended families gather together at a big round table to eat the meal. Red envelopes are given as gifts and they contain money. Things brings even more good luck.

At last, it is time for the Chinese New Year parade. The Lion Dancers come down the streets, the mouth is open and he gobbles up green lettuce and more red envelopes. There are drums, cymbals, floats, and paper lanterns. Finally at the end of the parade is the the dragon - who is a sign of good luck and the beginning of spring. There are also plenty of fireworks in the sky.
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Gung Hay Fat Choy from our family to yours!
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