Chinese New Year 2008

Like the Chinese says, "Another new year went by, another year older". According to the lunar calendar, I am now a thirty eight years old Metal Pig (Wah- la-wei!)

Since the public holidays for this year CNY (Chinese New Year) happened to fall on Thursday and Friday, I had my longest CNY celebration break / holidays (5.2.08 till 11.2.08) so far after all these years - ever since I started working in 1996.

CNY was great this year. In fact, one of the best to me so far, because:

[# One] The usual annoying question commonly asked by aunties and uncles about when I should get married were spared this year (Ha Ha!). I would be most delighted to answer them if they ask me questions like "getting laid" instead of "getting married". Sometimes i wonder, after these years, don't these people know who I am and what my phobia is? Having to say that, Mom never failed to ask that question (Sigh!) and persistantly asking for a grandchild from me (Alamak!)

[# Two] Instead of having family gathering at my granny's house (legally should be Uncle Keong's house now) at Buntong New Village for the past few decades, we had a change this year. Instead, we had our gathering at my Uncle Kit's new house at Kledang. It was like taking a breath of fresh air.

[# Third] I actually enjoyed the Lion Dance Performance at my Auntie Mei's home this year. I can't recalled when was the last time I see the Lion Dance performance at home. I just know I was younger then and not as charmingly mature as I am currently [Hmm, must be the "Rou Gan" or "Bak Kua", i.e. "Barbecued meat slices" that made me so full (of myself!)].

The delicious Barbecued Meat Slices

Below are some of the video clips of the Lion Dance Performance which I captured using my mobile phone. Hence, the picture quality ain't so good but it is a wonderful cultural experience that i wish to preserve.



The Lions were praying at the Altar before "spitting " Mandarin Oranges from their mouths to the crowd.It is believed that those who manage to catch those oranges, they will be showered with good luck and fortune. The kids, my nephews and nieces (see how they have grown!) were definitely having fun.



See! the Red Lion gave us a lottery number - 9118 or 8116 - depends how you read it. If you asked me if anyone of us hit the lottery or not; my answer would be "Going to win BIG but just yet"(Cheers!). This clip ends with the Red Lion doing the "採青" scene - climbing up a ladder to pick up the Green (Chinese Lettuce) that tied with an Ang Pow



The Finale...According to Auntie Mei, a single Lion Dance performance that last for about 20 minutes would easily fetch a price of RM200. This excludes all the Ang Pows to be given to everyone in the Dance Troop. No wonder my Auntie can afford it, whereas I can't. She definitely has a deeper pocket (LOL!)


[# Forth] Despite of my lunar age of 38, I am still getting considerably lots of Ang Pow (little red packet that filled with money) this year. According to Chinese Custom, i am still deserve to get Ang Pow as long as I am still single. Married couples ought to give me Ang Pow for Auspicious reasons. Am I embarrased to get Ang Pow at this age? Nay, I never say no to MONEY!

[# Fifth] I realised how much my family (i.e. my siblings and mom) meant to me and felt my bond with them is so much closer. The 8 hours drive back home for the CNY celebration is definitely worth the effort. Afterall, I seldom go back to my hometown, may be just 2-3 times in a year. Mom always label me as " A kind but disobedient son who doesn't like to come home" in front of our relatives (Ha Ha!). Having to say that, I know and everyone knows that Chinese New Year is a time where family members rekindle their bonds, as well as with friends, while having fun, have lots of food and drinks (To some, lots of Mahjong and card game / gambling!).

Although CNY celebration itself is physically tiring, with so many customs and rituals to perform, visting relatives and friends coupled with endless dinners and gatherings; but deep down in our hearts, we all felt "renewed" and "rejuvenated". Life is definitely worth living.

Happy and Prosperous Chinese New Year. May all be blessed with lots of fortune, health and love.

Mom and Bros, love and missing you all!