I swung by Chinatown a couple of mornings ago to see the much touted snake that is currently the main décor for the incoming lunar Year of the Snake.
As expected the predominant color in Chinatown is red, an auspicious color and de rigeur for the Chinese New Year. Most of the clothing on sale in the shops would be red, the flowers are red and of course the hong pao or red packets are also red.
The long undulating snake is made of red square boxes and its tongue is a long string of firecrackers. At night when lighted up, it would look more spectacular but during the day, it wasn’t anything really to shout about.
Hung across the main street were also the red square boxes.
On one part of the central divider were some multi-colored lanterns.
In one of the narrow alleys in Chinatown are small shops selling Chinese New Year paraphernalia, mostly red, auspicious calligraphy, paper cut-outs, sweet meats, confectionery, biscuits, etc.
Red and yellow pineapple shaped lanterns also adorn some shops, the pineapple being a symbol of prosperity ( “ong lai” or inviting prosperity ).
The pussy willow are also a must for homes during this festive season.
The sticky glutinous cake or “Nien Gao” is also a delicacy enjoyed at this time. In fact it is an offering made to the Ktichen God who after partaking of it, will not bad mouth the family when he makes his annual report to the Emperor God.
Pomeloes are also another offering commonly found on altars in the Chinese temples or before the ancestral tablets at home.
The days before the lunar new year are busy days, with spring cleaning and preparations to welcome in the new year. All family members will head for the family home for that most important event, the reunion dinner on the eve of the New Year. This is the time most precious for aged parents who get to see their children and grandchildren, many of whom make this annual visit to pay their respects to the old folks. Many families drive, catch the bus, train or fly across the length and breadth of the country for this dinner.
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