Happy Chinese New Year~!!!

Xing Nian Huai Le... Chinese New Year is just around the corner and I was never really into the whole spirit and excitement berdering this celebration and its auspiciousness until I found that it affects so many people in such diverse ways.

Decorations and lightings will be put up, providing a demand for products and services which aid manufacturers and laborers alike. Unlike other cultures, the Chinese occasions were all designed to keep money flowing within its country. *Do you realize that Chinese have occasions on every month of the year?*

But aside from the monetary standpoint, I've grown to respect and enjoy the Chinese New Year as its a time when the entire family gets together and share their year's endeavours. Its also a time to watch traditional lion and dragon dances which grow to its prominence around this time of year. Their costumes flashing with a gazillion sequinnes and bright colours, along with their fluid and mimmicking movements enthrall the crowds.

Streets will be packed full of shoppers and shops will have a chance to raise their offered products to festive prices or to offer bargains to rid their old stock.

Not only does this culture happen only in the Asian regions, but a worldwide rush for all things festive are going on and preparations throughout the world will kick off for the Chinese New Year.
I was especially delightfully awed when a search of mine yielded me a picture of downtown Chinatown in London where, although not as packed, festivities and deco do not lose out to the Asian countries.

After the family gets together for the traditional hot pot (steamboat) reunion dinner and as the festivities progress, the "yee sang" is a meal not to be missed. It is a dish of sweet and sour taste, a little zing to perk you up, with cabbages, cucumber, carrots, some other greens and the ever significant fish that simbolizes the bringing of good fortune for the year ahead (Nian nian you yui).
As for the children (or anyone not married, like me), nothing excites us.. er.. them (the children) more than the ang pau (red packets filled with $$$).
What's a Chinese celebration without wine and song? So see below to better understand how we get drunk and intoxicated.... It's my public service to you to *ahem* avoid getting into this situation. Drink (ir)responsibly and keep safe y'all!
On a final note, I'd like to wish all my readers and buddies out there a thoroughly enjoyable new Year's celebration and a wonderful year ahead with health without despair, wealth to share and prosperity to spare!

Cheers!