YEAR OF THE DRAGON
DO’s & DON'Ts on NEW YEAR’s DAY:
- Greet others with "Gung Hey Fat Choy" which means "Wishing You Prosperity and Wealth".
- Give two lee see’s to each child. Because happiness comes in two’s, do not just give one. This is your way of passing good luck to the next generation. Business owners also givelee see’s to employees and associates.
- Wear brand new clothes - preferably in red. Children should wear new clothes and new shoes.
- Don’t wash your hair.
- Don’t sweep the floor.
- Don’t greet people who are in mourning.
- Don’t drop your chopsticks.
- Don’t say the number ‘four’ (Chinese homonym for death) or mention death.
- Don’t borrow or lend money.
As you prepare for this important holiday, think of the changes you want to make in your life ... perhaps spend more time with your family, reduce your credit card debts or pursue a new interest. Gung Hey Fat Choy ... and Happy New Year!
I always feel a little like an impostor when I try to take part in Chinese traditions, reading up on them ahead of time. Only this morning did I realize that I should have sent 2 lee sees. Somehow I had missed that. But last Thursday I tucked 5 brand new $2 bills into the red envelope and hoped against hope that it would arrive in Castro Valley on time. One can't be sure with the post office these days.
Today an instant text message arrived showing that it got there and dear Owen's reaction.
Hooway!
YEAR'S END IS NEITHER AN END NOR A BEGINNING. BUT A GOING ON, WITH ALL THE WISDOM THAT EXPERIENCE CAN INSTILL IN US.
HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR!
Awwww! He looks so excited. These are wonderful. I feel very educated now. I'll have to memorize these; one might need to know again in the future.
ReplyDeleteJane! Where did you buy lee sees? A small price for happiness! Wonderful photo of Owen.
ReplyDeleteI bought some years ago in a tiny gift shop in the Gold Country of California, attached to an old Chinese temple. I'll bet you could find them on line.
ReplyDeleteSusan H. writes: Gung Hey Fat Choy! I too wish I had known the do's and don'ts and the red envelope tradiation. I love the picture of Owen. He was born in a very special year. I always wanted to be part of something traditional. Catholic after attending a mass and a wedding, Jewish after a Bar mitzvah, today I want to be Chinese.
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet picture.!Gung Hey Fat Choy!
ReplyDeleteGong Hay Fat Choy!!
ReplyDeleteGung Hey Fat Choy. Thanking you in advance for two lees.
ReplyDeleteGung Hey Fat Choy........love the lesson!
ReplyDeleteBoth of us enjoyed the picture of the Humphrey Clans Youngest!!!!!.
ReplyDeleteThe pictures of China-town, made us Brits kind of Home Sick!!!!, this is the first in 5years, not joining in the celebrations in Down Town L.A.
Although We are not regular Contributors, Your Ramblings!!!, are always enjoyed.
The Wrinklies.