Howdy Great Ones,
While Hong Kong and the rest of China celebrate the New Year Dec. 31- Jan. 1, like most of the people in the world, and they blow up lots of fireworks, it pales in comparison to the hoopla of Chinese New Year. CNY (get it) occurs on a different date every year, because it is based on a lunar calendar. Sometimes it occurs in early February, other times it happens in late January. This year CNY starts on January 23. The New Year is also given a name based on the Chinese Zodiac, I tried to comprehend how they determine this through Wikipedia, but I don't have the energy to try to understand what they were talking about. Needless to say I have just experienced the year of the Snake and we are now moving on to the year of the Dragon.
So thats cool. Dragons are everywhere. It seems every business, including my school and apartment complex, have CNY displays. Some of the traditions that I think are great about CNY are:
1. The house gets a thorough cleaning. Ghosts and bad luck are literally swept away with the dust and debris. Oh if it was that easy.
2. New Year displays have blessings and encouragement written on scrolls.
3. Families get together for big feasts and celebrations.
4. When kids wake up on New Year's they go to their parents and wish them a happy new year. In return they get red envelopes filled with money. Hey not a bad tradition if you are a kid.
5. Reconciliation, ending of grudges, peace, and happiness are all encouraged. I really like that one.
6. The Chinese factory workers, plus international school teachers, and many others get a week long holiday. The biggest migration of people in the world occurs during CNY as 100's of millions of people head home for the holidays. For many workers it will be the only time they will see their kids and other family members for the entire year. Travelling in China is not recommended during this time.
7. Lots of displays and lots of fireworks are going to be blown up.
I plan to explore and hike the trails of the Hong Kong territory during the CNY holiday. I have a guide book and the hikes look spectacular.
So till then God bless you all and enjoy your week.
Love adios and peng on!
Dirk
While Hong Kong and the rest of China celebrate the New Year Dec. 31- Jan. 1, like most of the people in the world, and they blow up lots of fireworks, it pales in comparison to the hoopla of Chinese New Year. CNY (get it) occurs on a different date every year, because it is based on a lunar calendar. Sometimes it occurs in early February, other times it happens in late January. This year CNY starts on January 23. The New Year is also given a name based on the Chinese Zodiac, I tried to comprehend how they determine this through Wikipedia, but I don't have the energy to try to understand what they were talking about. Needless to say I have just experienced the year of the Snake and we are now moving on to the year of the Dragon.
So thats cool. Dragons are everywhere. It seems every business, including my school and apartment complex, have CNY displays. Some of the traditions that I think are great about CNY are:
1. The house gets a thorough cleaning. Ghosts and bad luck are literally swept away with the dust and debris. Oh if it was that easy.
2. New Year displays have blessings and encouragement written on scrolls.
3. Families get together for big feasts and celebrations.
4. When kids wake up on New Year's they go to their parents and wish them a happy new year. In return they get red envelopes filled with money. Hey not a bad tradition if you are a kid.
5. Reconciliation, ending of grudges, peace, and happiness are all encouraged. I really like that one.
6. The Chinese factory workers, plus international school teachers, and many others get a week long holiday. The biggest migration of people in the world occurs during CNY as 100's of millions of people head home for the holidays. For many workers it will be the only time they will see their kids and other family members for the entire year. Travelling in China is not recommended during this time.
7. Lots of displays and lots of fireworks are going to be blown up.
I plan to explore and hike the trails of the Hong Kong territory during the CNY holiday. I have a guide book and the hikes look spectacular.
So till then God bless you all and enjoy your week.
Love adios and peng on!
Dirk
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