"It likes sleeping and eating and becomes fat!" Yep, google the Year of the Pig, and that's one of the first things that comes up. As someone who's born under this particular Chinese zodiac sign, it doesn't come as too much of a surprise. Eating and sleeping, I'm happy as a pig in mud. Mind you, that's not all we're about. I was pretty happy to read, it's perfectly ok to be a pig. The humble Swine has a 'beautiful personality and is blessed with good fortune in life!' High fives to that! And, not to brag or anything, but this was my favourite quote (not that I was searching or anything). ;) "The pig is gourmet, faithful in friendship, stylish, perfectionist, and hardworking. She is a tolerant being, recognised by her friends for her kindness and generosity." As I delved a little deeper, I discovered as the 12th of the 12 year cycle of animals, its 'lucky last' placing is because (as legend goes), just as the Emperor was about to call it a day, an oink and squeal was heard from a little Pig. The term "lazy Pig" comes in here, because the little Pig got hungry during the race, and promptly stopped for a feast then fell asleep. After the nap, the Pig continued the race and was named the 12th and last animal of the zodiac cycle. I like his style. Apparently I am in good company, with Hillary Clinton, King Henry VIII, Ernest Hemingway.... oh and Kendall Jenner, all pigs. ;) Us pigs can expect to be successful in all those things we endeavour to do in 2019 and new friends are on the horizon. We do need to keep an eye on our health though. More sleep? But as billions of people around the world celebrate the Lunar New Year, what does it actually mean for all of us this year, even if we're not a porky 'pig' by astrological measures? Each zodiac year is also represented by one of five elements, metal, wood, water, fire and earth, which has a significant impact on what happens. This year is the Year of the Earth Pig and he's going to be roaming our pastures until January 24th 2020 and get ready, because we can expect a lot of relaxation and serenity. And according to the Chinese astrology , 2019 is a great year to make money, and a good year to invest. It's predicted to be a year full of joy and a year of friendship and love for all the zodiac signs. It's an auspicious year because the Pig attracts success in all the spheres of life. Hear! Hear! Given it marks the end of a complete rotation cycle of the twelve signs of the Chinese zodiac, it's also a signal for everyone to take a well deserved break and take the opportunity to reflect on previous years. If you're a Rabbit, Monkey or a Rat, you're in luck. These are the luckiest signs for 2019. Not sure what your Chinese zodiac sign is? Check out this link. For luck, go for red and white in the colour stakes. Mind you, can it all be taken with a grain of salt, one wonders? I read Pig's specifically born in my month and year are 'good with money and keep track of spending'. Ah, no. Let's just say we do believe though, the pig gets on well with other pigs, rabbits, goats and tigers (lucky for both the Hotelier and Small Person). So, let's farewell the Year of the Dog and say 'Nihao Nian de Zhu!' To all of you, Xin Nian Kuai Le. Happy New Year! Oh, and of course, I've written lots of other posts on Chinese New Year in the past. If you want to know what the rules are surrounding those lucky red envelopes, check out this post: Lai See: Lucky Money. If you want to know the dos and don'ts (aka the rules) for CNY, like not cleaning your house or cutting your hair and wearing red undies... check this post out. And if you just want to see what it's like in China on New Year.... read this one because it's pretty cool and look at these amazing videos. And the best bit, what it's like for a child at New Year...because they definitely have the best fun! Painting the Town Red: Chinese New Year through a Child's Eyes. … [Read more...]
Lai See: Lucky Money or Tradition Gone Mad?
So, to tell you the truth, I'll be quite glad when this "official" Lunar New Year period is over. Otherwise known as Chinese New Year or the Spring Festival - it runs for 15 days! Yes…15 long days and for locals, Lai See is a crucial part of the age-old tradition, giving the phrase 'throwing money at people' new meaning. Now I'm not one to be a party pooper - I love a good shindig and never shy away from some festive cheer but jeez louise….as a 'Guailo' (white person) in an Asian country, this whole Lai See thing is kind of doing my head in. These small red and gold envelopes are ever present, sneaking their way into every nook and cranny of festival life, determined to be the stars of the party. They hang from blossom trees in every lobby and shopping centre, and they poke out of people's handbags and coat pockets, perkily reminding you of your Lai See duty. In all honesty, I'm still a little confused exactly what my Lai See 'duty' consists of - which is probably why the whole process gets me slightly hot under the collar. It's actually my first proper experience with Chinese New Year - the first year I've been 'present' in Hong Kong. During our maiden year here, I was giving birth and well, you can appreciate, I was otherwise engaged. The next two Lunar New Years, I was off galavanting home, oblivious to the actual responsibilities that come with celebrating this auspicious holiday. This year I knew it was coming and I thought I was ready, but I was quickly informed, my idea of popping to the ATM to get a few bank notes and shoving them in their red and gold packets, was not going to cut it. You see they need to be new notes, crisp, ironed-flat bank notes, fresh from the money-making machine (wherever that may be)… can you imagine the queues? My 'she'll be right' attitude was met with some firm shaking of the head. Cannot La! Really? New? Yes, really! The custom is said to show the 'giver' was thinking about the Lai See 'receiver' - used notes indicate they were forgotten about! Hmmm.... Thankfully, in my last minute panic, my husband offered me some of his Lai See… he has no choice but to be well prepared for this occasion. For at least the first four days he can expect to be confronted by every man and his dog. By that, I mean all of his staff members, who as his employees, are each entitled to a lucky Lai See packet. (Over the four day holiday period, he'll give out no less than HK$7000!!) His Lai See, I note, are elegant and rather chic looking, not your average 'Joe Blogs' packet. Traditionally they are red and gold which symbolizes good luck and prosperity, as well as warding off evil spirits. These days, I'm informed, Lai See packets have become somewhat of a status symbol. Corporate companies have their own Lai See envelopes designed (in what I'm told is a rather expensive process) and hand these out to clients, well before CNY! Branding at its best right? You'll even see Mickey Mouse and Hello Kitty style envelopes up for grabs these days! So, over the last four days, every time we leave the house, I've been working up a cold sweat, giving myself heart palpitations as I scramble to get my 'Lai See load' in order. You see, it's important first and foremost, to have enough Lai See. They need to be given to the concierge, doormen, cleaning ladies and security guards…basically anyone who is of service to you. A trip to the supermarket or gym is also liable to be fraught with Lai See lurkers. The problem, I discovered on my first CNY exit, is - while I was counting on the usual concierge lady, a doorman and a security guard or two, I wasn't prepared for being mobbed by the paparazzi. (If only all they wanted was a picture!) Give one Lai See packet and I quickly found out these people can smell you from a mile away. Staff materialise from out of the wood works in all their Kung Hei Fat Choi-ing glory. (Simply saying this phrase (Happy New Year) is akin to asking for your lucky money.) To give to one and not to another, well that's just not done. So with that in mind, I quickly learned you can disperse with a dozen envelopes in one fell swoop. Meantime, don't think you can just carelessly toss the packet ever so casually into their hands or on the desk as you strut on by, no - you're supposed to hand them over with two hands, bowing at the recipient as you do and of course chanting the obligatory Kung Hei Fat Choi….in return. I'm uncoordinated at the best of times, so with a Dora backpack hooked over my shoulder, a handbag slung over my arm and a couple of winter coats tucked underneath, I'm finding it all a little difficult to carry out this process with any degree of 'aplomb.' Oh and just to throw a spanner in the works, I was told today I should be saying something back to the person along the likes of having a 'healthy and happy' life. (But make sure you put some thought into it for each individual, ok la?!) A lot to remember for someone just trying to get out the front door isn't it? And there are of course different amounts to be given out, usually giving a little more to those who've really helped you out during the course of the year (particularly if you want to shore up good service for the year ahead I'm told). Oh the pressure. For the most part it's a single $10, $20 or $50 notes…. always ending in an even number and never $40 - must not forget - the number four sounds like death in Chinese. Trying to remember which coloured envelopes have what money is also a little tricky when you're being 'papped' and need to act quickly. My lack of a 'system' failed me miserably. My other problem after a few days of taking part in this practice - is I can't remember who I've given Lai See to…. and even if James has already handed out packets on behalf of 'us' - technically if you want to present as a loving, united couple - as opposed to separated, you need to give one each! He took Ava to the traditional Lion Dance at work today and with it being customary to give all children Lai See, she certainly banked a few of her own lucky fortunes. Its even considered customary to feed the dancing lions Lai See in their mouths if you really want to ensure a stream of good luck in the coming year. Over the course of the weekend we met up with a few friends to celebrate. Of course I forgot to take Lai See for the young children of these friends!! Luckily James had slipped a few surplus packets in his pocket. Meantime, Ava had me hiding under the table in horror as she hastily ripped open all her packets, revealing her takings to all and sundry - a ritual not to be done in public out of courtesy I'm told! My friends laughed at me as I cringed with embarrassment -- even more at realizing I hadn't given enough in return. Today, a little short on Lai See, I thought I'd sneak out underground, avoiding too many Kung Hei's on the way through the gates, but alas, I was unable to escape unscathed from the Lai See lurkers, chased down in the car park by the ever so friendly cleaners who appeared from nowhere like those grinning rabbits out of a hat, with their big toothy smiles and lots of "Gong Shi Gong Shi" (Best Wishes). Amazing how friendly people get around this time of the year. Ahhhh god love them….if I was them, I'd probably be milking this age-old tradition for all it's worth too. Ancient Chinese folklore claims it brings good luck for both givers and receivers, so hopefully for their sake and mine, next year I'll aim to be better prepared…..complete with fail-safe Lai See 'system' at the ready!! *By the way, a new study shows in today's digital age, more people prefer to receive their Lai See by internet transfer. Maybe I might have better luck with that? … [Read more...]