Kung Hei Fat Choy

Happy Chinese New Years! It’s my time to party! Well okay not really but I’m Chinese so this has always been a big tradition in our family.  Not until today though have I ever Googled it and learned alittle more than what I already know about Chinese New Years!

 

 

VIA Wikipedia

The first day is for the welcoming of the deities of the heavens and earth, officially beginning at midnight. Many people, especially Buddhists, abstain from meat consumption on the first day because it is believed that this will ensure longevity for them. Some consider lighting fires and using knives to be bad luck on New Year's Day, so all food to be consumed is cooked the day before. For Buddhists, the first day is also the birthday of Maitreya Bodhisattva (better known as the more familiar Budai Luohan), the Buddha-to-be. People also abstain from killing animals.

 

Most importantly, the first day of Chinese New Year is a time when families visit the oldest and most senior members of their extended family, usually their parents, grandparents or great-grandparents. (Hence why I’m going to visit my Uncle tonight!)

 

Some families may invite a lion dance troupe as a symbolic ritual to usher in the Chinese New Year.

I actually know how to do the lion dance with the head and everything.

As well as to evict bad spirits from the premises. Members of the family who are married also give red envelopes containing cash to junior members of the family, mostly children and teenagers.

 

** See the key word MARRIED!! I didn’t know that until the last few years when I was looking for my red envelopes but then was told “HAHAHA I don’t have to give you any!” from my mom and auntie who recently divorced.  They didn’t have to give money because they were single!**

 

Business managers also give bonuses through red envelopes to employees for good luck and wealth.

One of my bosses are Chinese I wonder if I’ll get a red envelope from him.. Ya right, wouldn’t that be nice!!

 

2011 Means it’s the Year of the Rabbit. 

So if your born in these years: 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011

They are articulate, talented, and ambitious. They are virtuous, reserved, and have excellent taste. Rabbit people are admired, trusted, and are often financially lucky. They are fond of gossip but are tactful and generally kind. Rabbit people seldom lose their temper. They are clever at business and being conscientious, never back out of a contract. They would make good gamblers for they have the uncanny gift of choosing the right thing. However, they seldom gamble, as they are conservative and wise. They are most compatible with those born in the years of the Sheep, Pig, and Dog.

 

I myself am a Rat  born in 1984..

We are noted for our charm and attraction for the opposite sex. They work hard to achieve their goals, acquire possessions, and are likely to be perfectionists. They are basically thrifty with money. Rat people are easily angered and love to gossip. Their ambitions are big, and they are usually very successful. They are most compatible with people born in the years of the Dragon, Monkey, and Ox.

 

I don’t think I fit a Rat so well, because I don’t like drama or gossip, and I am NOT thrifty with money, unless that means that I spend it well LOL. 

 

So Happy Chinese New Year.. Otherwise known as

Kung Hei Fat Choy!!

I’m headed to my Uncles for dinner tonight!

And just for you new readers out there… Here’s a little proof because I’m sure your thinking, “This chick is SOOOOO not Chinese!!” Which of course is the story of my life.  Here’s my family! Read more about me here!