Looking forward to the Year of the Tiger

 

If you ask me what Chinese New Year means to me, I will say that it is all about yee sang, ang pows from my neighbours, mandarin oranges, and of course, Mc Donald’s Prosperity burgers.

This year is special as it is my second time celebrating the year of the Tiger, which only comes every 12 years and further more it falls on Valentine’s Day! But the most memorable Chinese New Year celebration I had was the double joy of Hari Raya and Chinese New Year celebrations from 1996 to 1998 with a slogan called ‘Kongsi Raya’.

 I looked forward to the long holidays during those days when I was younger. And if you stay in community with a Chinese majority, be prepared for sleepless nights, which I had to endure every year. The worst would be on Chinese New Year eve, because fireworks and crackers would be burned all night long.

On the first day of the New Year, my Chinese neighbours will greet me with ‘Gong Xi  Fa Cha‘ first thing in the morning, which means “May every year be filled with extras”.  When I visit my neighbours’ houses, everyone will be dressed in red, their house fully decorated in the auspicious colour, from the cushions to serving plates. This year, I predict the decorations will be even more attractive with ushering of the tiger year. But what I can’t wait for is to try the delicious food that will be served.

And talking about food during Chinese New Year also means abundance. I simply love Chinese food and almost every year would practically starve before going to my neighbours’ houses to try all the varieties on offer.

Growing up in a Chinese community taught me a thing or two about their culture. For instance, the most special fruit is the pineapple which is a main feature during Chinese New Year. So it’s not surprising to find pineapple shaped decorations and pineapple tarts, which is my favourite, served in every house. Yummy!

When I was younger, after food, what came next into my mind was of course the ang pows! No, I am definitely not going back empty handed without collecting money. I used to keep all my ang pow packets till I finish visiting the whole row of houses and since my family were the only Indians, we are always welcomed. Counting money at the end of the day was the most thrilling because in school we used to compete who got the most.

And during these auspicious occasions, lion dance troupes will perform at houses and shops. I never miss the chance to watch them up close. The rhythm, the movement and the drum beat as they move as one never ceases to amaze me.

Happy Chinese New Year to those that will be ushering the strong year of the Tiger. May it bring prosperity, happiness and wealth to all!