Enter The Dragon - Happy Chinese New Year!

Chinese new year starts today!  Hooray!  Dumplings, moon cakes, red envelopes and wine galore.  Oh wait... I forgot 'detoxers' about.  Well, if you've been clever enough not to start a detox yet, you may indulge.  Everyone else - keep going, you're doing great. Really.  Ahem. 

Enter The Dragon.  Indeed, its the year of the mighty Dragon, a magnificent creature that symbolises wisdom, prosperity and power.  According to traditional chinese beliefs, our beautiful fiery-earthy-but-this-year-mostly-watery Dragon - brings us much fortune, power, success, good health and happiness...and power, did I mention power?  Be BOLD not humble, is the plan, apparently.  Go the Dragons!

Traditionally, families and friends celebrate together, everyone is excited about the start of the year.  Fresh plans, spanking new ambition.  Of course, there is the ancient art of feasting until the mounds of fish eyes and chicken feet converge on your plate and start to resemble a Damien Hirst creation.  And celebrating is all about the sharing.  When you sit down and eat with your Chinese friends, remember this rule. Always pass the dumplings and never take the last one without offering to others first. *whispers*  Its okay, they'll always say 'no thanks'.  

Another ancient ritual is the giving of Red Envelopes filled with money.  You hear a lot of theories about how this started, including the one about a young man who had the good fortune of slaying of a very bad beast and saving a town.  The elders of the town were so grateful, they bestowed envelopes of gold coins upon the said dragon slayer.  Today, married adults give young children and unmarried adults, envelopes filled with money.  Red and gold are the most favoured colours for the envelopes as they symbolise wealth, happiness and success.  So don't be surprised if you receive a gold envelope.  This is a good, good thing.  And the amount of the money in the envelope is said to represent the closeness of the relationship between the giver and the recipient.   Yes, Aunty M plays favourites too, I hear you weeping.  Many of my unmarried Chinese female friends and I often laugh about this... don't make me explain that either.  Red envelopes and sympathy looks... pass the dumplings please. 



I wish you all Kung Hei Fat Choi! 
Happy Year of the Dragon
And remember
Be Bold not Humble




Photocredits via weheartit





Comments

Meredith said…
Yay for the year of the dragon! I need to be bold this year, I think. :)
Johanna Garth said…
I love Chinese new year (although more familiar with the wine and dumplings portion than the detox piece) ;) Shhh, don't tell!
Michael Di Gesu said…
HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR TO YOU TOO!

Sounds like a blast! I have never attended this celebration before. I guess that's a good thing... I must stay slim to get into that new wardrobe I had to buy. I had lost tons last year and aim to keep it off.

BUT EVERYONE ELSE DO INDULGE in those dumplings... they sound delicious.
A said…
Power, good fortune, health & happiness, sign me up Talei! Happy year of the dragon!!!
Talei said…
Bold is the way forward! Good luck my dear x
Talei said…
Dumplings galore! Sound fab to me! ;-)
Talei said…
I have to say, you are looking fabulous in your new profile pic my friend! Well done for you! ;-)
Talei said…
Happy Year of the Dragon!! Indeed, consider yourself signed up!!! All good things will happen, just wait and see! ;)
Talei said…
And to you! Happy New Year!
Danette said…
You always have great posts for the Chinese New Year! And such a good challenge... be bold. I will definitely put that on the mental checklists when I am feeling a little liberal weakness in the knees. :)

*clink, clink* Cheers! And many happy libations for the new year! XO
Talei said…
Thanks lovely. I'm glad you enjoy them. You've already proved yourself to be brave so am sure bold will be a walk in the park. * clink clink* Many happy clinks this year! xox
Happy Year of the Dragon! I love dragons so it HAS to be a good year :)
Talli Roland said…
Happy Chinese New Year! Bring on the year of the dragon. :)
Talei said…
It's going to be a great year! ;-) Sorry I've just caught up on my blog today ( a very very late reply).
Talei said…
It's been BRUNG! Happy Dragons to you too! x

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