Happy Chap Goh Meh - the last day of Chinese New Year

Like they say, all good things must come to an end.

Today is the final day of the 15-day Chinese New Year celebration which started on January 28. How time flies when you are having a good time, doesn't it? Yep, I hope you all had a wonderful time this year.

There's a name given to this day, the last of the 15th. It is known here as Chap Goh Meh, literally means the 15th day in the Hokkien and Teochew dialects. Duh!

Chinese merry-making and activities relating to all things Chinese New Year ends midnight tonight, ie, as of tomorrow, we move on into the Rooster year like normal days - no more Yee Sang (the speciality raw fish salad dish), no more hong pao (red envelopes), no more lavish dinners (at exorbitant prices, I might add), done with hosting and visiting relatives, New Year decorations can be taken down, the human exodus back to the city would have been completed (perhaps a week ago), life is back to normal, you know what I mean.

So here's wishing..

To round up the Chinese New Year celebration, families will gather once again for a final round of Chinese New Year dinner feast - of Yee Sang and all food synonymous with the CNY.

Oh yes, there's one activity that's related to this Chap Goh Meh and that is tossing oranges into a lake or a body of water. This is only meant for single ladies and is a tradition from the old days in China.

This tossing of oranges is done with the belief of hitching up with a good partner ending in wedded bliss. In these modern times, contact information is also spelled out on the orange. This activity begins as night falls. It's done on a large scale in the Klang Valley, Penang and Malacca. But of course it can be performed anywhere where there's a sizeable body of water. It's fun to watch. (The cleaning up the day after is something else though.)

Let me update this post with a short video of an orange-tossing event that took place last night at a lake at Taman Jaya.


Here's the article that goes with the video from The Star: Tossing fruits in hope of finding love

7th Day - Happy Birthday to Everyone!

Source: Wikipedia

Today, Feb 3, is the 7th day of the new year of the Rooster. And today is officially the beginning of Spring.

The 7th Day of the first month of the lunar year is known as the common man's birthday. In Mandarin it is termed “renri” (人日), while in Cantonese it is 'Yan Yat'. The belief is that everyone becomes one year older on this day. Yes, that's an egg on the Chinese calendar.

Chinese restaurants will be fully booked for dinner tonight. That's a norm. We are only at midway of the 15-day Chinese New Year celebration and dinner gatherings are still ongoing until the 15rh day.

Many people are back at work but many will only return to work on Monday taking extra days off stretching it to the weekend for an extended holiday.

Shopping malls are enjoying a good crowd with their Chinese New Year decorations of phoenixes and lanterns. Here are some nice Chinese New Year decorations in Kuala Lumpur, Petaling Jaya (i.e. the Klang Valley), and Penang courtesy of Says.com.

A majestic phoenix at Pavilion KL
Image via Instagram @ndrewsnowdon

The Curve's imperial setup features the gorgeous carvings of Chinese and dragons, embellished in brilliant gold and deep red
Image via The Curve, Mutiara Damansara Facebook

Sunway Pyramid turned their concourse into a multi-level shoplot of yesteryears, complete with Chinese signage and a gigantic rooster statue
Image via Instagram @andrew_movez

It's red lanterns galore at 1 Utama Shopping Centre with a grand centrepiece for special performances throughout the festive season
Image via 1 Utama Shopping Centre Facebook

A scenic sight greets shoppers at The Mines Shopping Mall as they step into a traditional Chinese garden, complete with classic Chinese huts and a garden pond
Image via The Mines Shopping Mall Facebook

In line with the spring festival, intricate lanterns and floral motifs line the pathways of Mid Valley Megamall's CNY attraction
Image via Instagram @nic_kn9ck

In Penang, Queensbay Mall sets Chinese New Year in a winter setting to simply glorious results.
Image via Queensbay Mall Facebook

Lush greenery and blooming flowers surround a 20-ft tall phoenix at Gurney Plaza
Image via Gurney Plaza Facebook

5th Day of Chinese New Year 2017 -Year of the Rooster

The night is still young, so they say, as today is just the 5th Day of the Chinese Lunar Year. We still have 10 more days of merry-making - of lo sang at dinners, of wining, of collecting/giving ang pows, of meeting up with friends and family, of card games and mahjong sessions, of visiting relatives near and far, and of just about everything else synonymous with this celebration of welcoming the new year.

Hope everyone is having a wonderful time, those of you who are celebrating this most important festival in the Chinese calendar.

Today is February 1. It is a public holiday for the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Labuan which means offices and government departments in these three FTs are closed which allows for an additional day for festivities of the new lunar year.

Streets of Kuala Lumpur are still not as congested as usual but at the malls it's a different story. People come from near and far (even as far away as from Penang) to KL to check out the malls to take in the elaborate decorations put up. A great place for selfies and wefies, no doubt.


Today, let's take a look at how Chinese New Year is celebrated in some other cities around the world. By the way, did you know that there are an estimated 50 million Overseas Chinese?. This is the number indicated by Wikipedia for the year 2012. Thailand has the highest number at close to 9.4 million. Malaysia comes in second at more than 6.6 million and next is United States at about 5 million.

In Yokohama, Japan: A Chinese lion dance troupe performs at a park in Chinatown to celebrate the Lunar New Year.

The dragon dance performance in a street parade to mark the Lunar New Year celebrations of the Year of the Rooster in Hong Kong on January 28, 2017. - AFP

The Chinese dragon performance during the first Lunar New Year celebrations in Lumpini Park in Bangkok on January 28, 2017. The Lunar New Year marks the start of the Year of the Rooster. - AFP

Participants dressed up as roosters hold Spanish flags as they perform during celebrations for the Chinese Lunar New Year, marking the year of the Rooster, in Madrid's district of Usera on January 28, 2017. - AFP

Members of the Chinese community perform on stage during the celebrations of the Chinese Lunar New Year on January 28, 2017 in Rome. This Lunar New Year marks the start of the Year of the Rooster. - AFP

Children perform a lion dance using cardboard boxes on a street in Manila's Chinatown on January 28, 2017. - AFP

Yangon, Myanmar: A fire breather blows flames as a troupe performs a traditional dragon dance during the first day of Chinese Lunar New Year

In Kuala Lumpur - A Lion dance troupe performing at the MCA Chinese New Year Open House at Wisma MCA in Jalan Ampang.

Children gathered around the lion dance troupe at the MCA Chinese New Year Open House at Wisma MCA in Kuala Lumpur, on Thursday.  - AZHAR MAHFOF/The Star

Again..

Image source: The Star

Lucky colours to wear in 2017 - Year of the Rooster

We touched on Auspicious Days to Start Work in the new lunar year in the previous post. Now, let's see what are the suggested colors to wear and use to enhance good fortune and well-being in the Year of the Rooster.

As with all things celebratory, red is the predominant color in Chinese culture, more so for Chinese New Year which falls on Jan 28, 2017. Red clothing (of course), red lanterns and decorative ornaments including red spring couplets that carry auspicious phrases, and not forgetting ang pows, those red envelopes with lucky money inside.

Besides red, purple has also been recommended in this Year of the Rooster.

In 2017, the Year Of The Fire Rooster, Hong Kong feng shui master Mak Ling Ling says everyone should use more red or purple colored items to create good fortune – it’s as simple as that she says.

Below is what the feng shui master shared in her video.

Birth signs that clash with Tai Sui (see footnote below) in this Year of the Rooster are Dog, Rabbit, Rat and Rooster.

Mak Ling Ling advised that those who offend or rather whose birth sign clashes with Tai Sui should use red or purple objects to attract luck and appease Tai Sui.

She suggests that you can

Watch the video..


If you want to get lucky in love, here are the master's tips..



Today is the 3rd Day of Chinese New Year. Read about the significance of the 3rd Day of Chinese New Year


* Tai Sui, also known as Grand Duke Jupiter or Grand Commander of the Year, is one of the most highly respected and feared deities in the Chinese belief system.

It is believed that if your Zodiac sign clashes with the Tai Sui (normally considered as offended him) for that lunar year, bad luck will befall you for the whole year, the whole lunar year, that is..

In order to have a good and peaceful year, one would need to pay one's respects to the Tai Sui. This is normally done in a temple. And at the end of the lunar year, those who have done this ritual will go back to the temple to thank him for what is normally referred to as 'pay back to Tai Sui' - sort of like thanking him for a smooth past year.

2017 Auspicious days to start work after Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year or the Spring Festival is steeped in tradition and beliefs.

Choosing an auspicious date to get married, for instance, is still practised today in a traditional Chinese-ethnic family.

Choosing a good date to move house or to move into a new business premise is also common. To reap optimum results, it requires not only choosing the date but even down to the time-frame of that date. All this is related to harnessing the good effects of Feng Shui.

Likewise, to ensure a good year ahead in the new lunar year, choosing the right or auspicious day to begin work after the Chinese New Year/Spring Festival is desirable. It is believed that one may have a smoother, less-hassle year ahead if one starts work on an auspicious date.

Now what's a good/auspicious day to start work after the Chinese New Year?

This Feng Shui site suggests three options:

Option 1: 1 Feb, 2017 - 5th Day, 9am – 11am. The best of the best timing will be 9:30-9:40am.

This date is specifically good for people who are born in the year of Ji or ends with 9. e.g. 1959, 1969, 1979, 1989 etc. Using this date and time for activation will bring in good career. Note: most people can use this date and time, just that this date/time is better for those born in the year of Ji.


Option 2: 1 Feb, 2017, 5th Day, between 11am – 1pm. The best timing will be 12:40 – 12:50 pm.

This date is specifically good for people who are born in the year of Geng or end with 0. e.g 1950, 1960, 1970, 1980, 1990 etc. Using this date and time for activation of calm mind for handling of stressful matters. Note: most people can use this date and time, just that this date/time is better for those born in the year of Geng.


Option 3: 2 Feb, 2017 - 6th Day, between 7-9am. The best timing will be 7:30am.

This date is specifically good for people who are born in the year of Geng or end with 0. e.g 1950, 1960, 1970, 1980, 1990 etc. Using this date and time for activation will bring in prospect in career and relationship. Note: most people can use this date and time, just that this date/time is better for those born in the year of Geng.


Here's another series of options as suggested by Joey Yap. Start work on the 4th day (31 Jan), 6th day (2 Feb), 12th day (8 Feb) or 14th day (10 Feb) - at 9:30AM for a smooth-sailing year ahead.

Today is the 2nd Day of the 15-day celebration.


May the new lunar year of the Fire Rooster bring you Happiness, Good Health and Prosperity!


Next up we'll take a look at auspicious colors in the new year of the Rooster. Stay tuned.

Today is Chinese New Year 2017 - Year of the Rooster

Here's

And may the new year bring you bountiful good tidings and may all your dreams and hopes come true..

Chinese New Year (commonly known here in Malaysia or rather this part of the world, including Singapore) is celebrated over 15 days. Today is the First Day. Every day of this Spring Festival has its own significance. Read about the significance of the First day of Chinese New Year.


Next up is Auspicious Day(s) to start work in the new Year of the (Fire) Rooster - 2017. Stay tuned.

Huge Rooster in Singapore Chinatown

What a sight!

Looking at this, two things are for sure. One, you know Chinese New Year is near. Secondly, you'll know that the new lunar new year which falls on January 28, will be the Year of the Rooster.

This about four storey-tall Rooster is located at an intersection in Chinatown, Singapore, at the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) station. Needless to say, it is attracting a lot of attention from both tourists and locals alike.

You can read more about it here on The Star: Something to crow about in S’pore Chinatown

Friday Frolics - The Shoe Personality Test

Today is the 12th day of the new lunar year and yes, today is still part of the Spring Festival as celebrated by the Chinese community all over the world.

Spring Festival is celebrated for 15 days, from Day 1 which was on February 8 until the 15th day which will fall on Monday, February 22.

For this Friday Frolics, I have picked one relating to Shoes. Let me tell you something with reference to shoes this time of the year.

Buying shoes during Chinese New Year (any of the 15 days) is a no-no. The Chinese observe some do's and don'ts during this time of the year and buying shoes is one of the don'ts. Some still observe this, yours truly included. It is believed that buying shoes this time of the year will result in a coming year of sighs and challenges. I figured better to be safe than sorry.

And now the quiz..

You Are Clogs

You are a solid and down to earth person. You seek – and almost always achieve – a really sound balance in your life. You are stylish yet comfortable. Mellow but driven. Excited yet calm. You are the perfect mesh of contradictions. No matter what happens, you have the ability to stay well grounded in your life. People know that they can truly depend on you. You should live: In Europe You should work: At a company dedicated to helping the world

The Shoe Personality Test

More Fun Quizzes!

What Does Your Pancake Say About You is last week's quiz.

Happy Chinese New Year 2016 - Year of the Fire Monkey

From Me to You..

Source: 123greetings

Choose the best day to start work to ensure a better year.

Best day to start work in the Chinese New Year 2016

Well, whaddaya know, Chinese New Year is barely two weeks away. Not feeling the vibe yet? Easy! Take a trip downtown, the decoration and bustle of shoppers doing their Chinese New Year shopping will surely get you in the mood. Chinatown is a good place to go to for that Chinese New Year feel.

Chinese New Year this year falls on February 8, a Monday. It will be the Year of the Fire Monkey. The eve is the 29th day of the 12th lunar month, if you are interested.

I read that the auspicious colour to wear is yellowish brown. But then again, red is the default colour for Chinese New Year, right down to inner wear.

Want to start the year right? Below is a chart showing the best days or auspicious days to commence work in the new year. So you can start planning your leave now.

According to the guide, the best days will be the 5th day (12 Feb) and the 11th day (18 Feb) of the new year but if you are a Horse or a Rat person, pick another day. Also, take note of the auspicious time.

Source
Don't know which animal year you were born in? Not a problem, you can find out here on the Chinese Zodiac chart.

Now you know. Go forth and prosper!

Happy Birthday on this 7th Day of the Lunar New Year

Today is the Seventh day of Chinese New Year, a day traditionally known as Rénrì (人日, the common man's birthday), the day when everyone grows one year older. It is celebrated not only in China, but also in other regions influenced by Chinese culture. Some traditional families serve Misua, a Chinese type of angel hair noodle, or noodles to ensure long life.

Read more about the 7th Day and what people do on this day.

No, we are not done with the Chinese New Year celebration just yet. Remember this is a 15-day festival and we are only at the halfway mark. Some of us yum-seng (toast to success) and lo-hei (Prosperity Toss) every day of the celebration until the very last day, i.e., on the 15th day, which falls on March 5.

Enjoy while the night is still young.. :D

Gong Xi Fa Cai!


Image source: Google

Happy Chinese New Year - Year of the Goat, 2015

Happy Chinese New Year!

Source: 123greetings
.. and safe travels too.

You may also be interested to read:
Chinese New Year - On the First Day
Chinese New Year - the Second Day
Chinese New Year - the Third day
Good days to start work in 2015 after Chinese New Year

Good days to start work in 2015 after Chinese New Year

The Spring Festival or more commonly known in this part of the world as the Chinese New Year is just days away - 1st day of the 15-day celebration begins on the 19th.

Some would have already called it a year and have started their trip back to their hometown over the weekend. Some are still not sure when to commence work after the long holiday.

If you are someone who sort of is concerned about starting the new year on the right footing (who doesn't anyway), here's a guide on good days or auspicious dates to start work after Chinese New Year.

That chart below provides not only the dates but the best timing as well, together with info on which animal to avoid which day.

I don't have info for best colour(s) to wear this year but I remember reading that red is the colour this year but then again, red is THE colour for Chinese New Year. You won't go wrong wearing red, right down to the unmentionables. :D

Happy Chinese New Year of the Goat!


2015 开市或开工吉日系列 2015 Auspicious dates and time for work resumption after Chinese Lunar New Year holidays:

Source: Goodfengshui

Good day to start work..

We are just about five weeks to Chinese New Year and this is the time of year in which most working Chinese may want to check out what's the best day to start work in the new Lunar Year - perhaps, part out of curiosity, part wanting to be sure to start the year right and to schedule one's leave. Me included.

So a search on good day to start work in the new year surprisingly yielded on top spot Steve Jobs commencement address at Stanford College. Strange!

I've read this piece before but I couldn't pass up rereading it because I remember it as being very inspirational the first time I read it. So I reread this now-famous pitch.  This was published nine years ago and I reproduce the beginning of it below.

Stanford Report, June 14, 2005

'You've got to find what you love,' Jobs says
This is a prepared text of the Commencement address delivered by Steve Jobs, CEO of Apple Computer and of Pixar Animation Studios, on June 12, 2005.

I am honored to be with you today at your commencement from one of the finest universities in the world. I never graduated from college. Truth be told, this is the closest I've ever gotten to a college graduation. Today I want to tell you three stories from my life. That's it. No big deal. Just three stories.

The first story is about connecting the dots.

My second story is about love and loss.

My third story is about death.

You can read the full text here: 'You've got to find what you love,' Jobs says on the Stanford site.


Part II..

Still wondering about how far off the search result was to a query that is so dissimilar to the result, I went back to the tab and found that I had made a typo actually. I mistakenly typed in 'good day to start work in 2005' instead of 2015. If I had correctly typed in '2015' the result would have been different. But, I must say, no regret about the typo. Call it serendipity?

Oh by the way, if you are interested to know good day(s) to start work in the new lunar year, do check back. I've found a good site with the info. I just need to tweak it a little for better understanding.

Update: This is it - Good days to start work in 2015 after Chinese New Year

Valentine's Day and Chap Goh Mei - Double Celebration today

Today is Valentine's Day, so Happy Valentine's to you..

Google commemorates Valentine's Day 2014 with this interactive doodle..

Today is also a day of celebration for the Chinese community. After the past 14 days of festivities and merry-making ushering in the new year, all that will end tonight on this 15th day of the new lunar year.

In the Teochew and Fujian communities, it is called Chap Goh Meh which literally translates to "15th night". It is also known as Lantern Festival though not to be confused with that of the Mooncake Festival celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month.

So Happy Chap Goh Meh to you..

Today, also being known as the Chinese Valentine's Day, tradition holds that this is the night where maidens go to the river or lake to toss oranges with the hope of getting hitched. In contemporary times, technology advancement has notched it up a little where you'd find oranges bearing contact information. Oh yes, here in Malaysia it is still practised. If you are in the Klang Valley, head on over to the lake in Petaling Jaya (near A&W I think) and if you are in Penang, the Esplanade is the place to catch the oranges.

Gong Xi Fa Cai again and may the Year of the Horse be a better year for you! (The Year of the Horse is from Jan 31, 2014, to Feb 18, 2015. The Year of the Goat takes over on Feb 19, 2015, a Thursday, another Fire element year.)


** Friday Frolics comes on next..

Lucky Colours for 2014

Today is the 6th day of Chinese New Year and some of us are already back at work, me included. Hopefully we've picked the auspicious day to start the year right in this new Year of the Horse, the Wood Horse, that is.

Being a year with more wood element this year, thus a Wood Horse year, according to Feng Shui, some colours may be better than others to enhance our luck or personal well-being.

In 2014, being the year of the Wood Horse, the most influential colour is green, said feng shui expert Kenny Hoo.

We can reap the benefits of using colours. To create good qi, Hoo said, wear green clothes or use products that are green in colour. It is also a good colour for your house or product packaging or branding.

Check out what he says about Lucky shades

Individuals born from Feb 4 to May 4 should use more Metal and Earth colours like white and silver, yellow and brown.

For those whose birthdays fall between May 5 and Aug 7, use more blue to enhance your qi.

Those born between Aug 8 and Nov 7 should incorporate more green.

These individuals are very lucky this year because the Wood element is very strong.

“When the Wood Horse year takes effect from Feb 4, you will feel energised. Everything will fall into place. Even money will come your way easily,”

The lucky colour for those born from Nov 8 to Feb 3 is red.


Being a Feng Shui ambassador for Dulux Malaysia, Hoo also has tips on Ideal hues for the different sectors of the home in his Colour yourself lucky article in The Star, if you are interested.

Kuala Lumpur streets during Chinese New Year

Here's Kuala Lumpur for you yesterday - devoid of traffic jams. If not for the iconic Petronas Twin Towers you wouldn't know it's KL unless you can recognise the KL Tower which is on far left.

Source: The Star
The article in The Star says driving through the city was such a breeze and I can imagine that.

I've been asked whether shops are open during Chinese New Year. Oh yes, KL is open every day of the year including major festivals. However, if you are looking to visit Chinatown during the Chinese New Year you might be disappointed because most, if not all, of the shops run by the Chinese community would be closed for business and remain closed for the next few days. Elsewhere in the city, shops are open including fastfood outlets and shopping complexes.  By the way, 2014 is Visit Malaysia Year, so what better time than to visit Malaysia this year!

2014 Chinese New Year greetings - Gong Xi Fa Cai

Today is 31 January, 2014.  It is also Chinese New Year or also known as the Spring Festival or the Lunar New Year, a festival which is celebrated for fifteen whole days and today is the first day of the celebration.

In reality, the Chinese New Year festival starts with the Reunion dinner on the eve of the festival, in which family members from far and wide travel miles to return home to reunite with each other.

This new year is the year of the Wooden Fire Horse and from the many sources that I came across, this year promises to be a good year generally, better than the last. Being of the wood element, good colours to wear or use are green and brown. As for auspicious dates to start work in the new year you can check out an earlier post, 2014 Auspicious/Good Days to Start work in the Chinese New Year.

On this happy occasion of the Spring festival, let me wish you and your family..

Wait, there's more..

Source: Google
Happy Lunar New Year, everyone! May the new year bring you much happiness, good health and prosperity!