恭喜發財
Gung Hay Fat Choy
I love this time of the year. Chinatown, Firecrackers, food, red envelop, lion dance. It is the best celebration ever. Sad, the celebration in New York City isn’t the same comparing to when I was growing up as a teen. As much as I am afraid of firecrackers. I love watching it. Walking down Mott Street felt like a war zone. Too bad it is illegal to shot firecrackers in New York City now. But at least the city does let the Chinese Community to have one firecracker celebration at one secured location with NYPD present. I’ve never seen it. So I cant really comment on it much. I will say that its not the same. I do not care what anyone tell you. It will NEVER be the same.
The Chinese year 4710 begins today, January 23, 2012. It is the Year of the Dragon. Not just any dragon, it’s the Water Dragon. Water calms the Dragon’s fire. They are able to see things from other points of view. They don’t have the need to always be right. Their decisions, if well-researched, are usually better since they allow others to become involved. So what does 2012 hold for a person born in the Chinese Year of the Dragon? Such people double their efforts in whatever they do – work, education and other projects. Their natural talent and abilities should stand out with great results. However, watch out for that temper! Keep it in check and do not spoil your good work.
Lunar New Year is the most important holiday for the Chinese. This celebration last for 15 days. I remember when I was living in Hong Kong, everything (business & schools) are closed for two weeks. I also remember my boss had to make a business phone call to Hong Kong, and learn that the office is closed for two weeks because of Lunar New Year. Today I hear today they only closed for one week max. Economy isn’t what it used to be anymore I’m guessing.
Last night, my family and I went over to my parents to celebrate our year-end meal. It is our last meal together as a family before the new years begin. It is also one of the most important dinner of the year. Yes everyone is home for dinner. It is a MUST. No excuses!
What I do not do during Lunar New Year:
- Wash my hair (on the 1st day only)
- Curse
- Be disrespectful
I’m sure I have more, but these are the one that I normally tried to do.
“Gung Hay Fat Choy” 恭喜發財 is what we say to others during Lunar New Year. It does not mean “Happy New Year”. “Gung Hay Fat Choy” means “Best wishes and Congratulations. Have a prosperous and good year”. “Sun Nien Fai Lok” 新年快樂 means “Happy New Year”. Because I’m Cantonese, so only know how to say it in Cantonese. Mandarin is said differently. Dylan know how to say it in Mandarin, but not in Cantonese.
Upcoming Sunday, in Chinatown (New York) there will be a Lunar New Year Celebration & Parade. Come by and check it out if you are in town or in the area.
13th Annual Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade & Festival
Sunday, January 29 from 11:30 a.m. – 4 pm, parade starts at Canal Street South. One of the biggest and most festive parade in all of New York City. With crowds matching Time Square on New Year’s eve, Chinatown will be THE place to be on January 29th, 2012! Don’t miss this unique and once a year only event, many Chinatown merchants will also be running various holiday promotions.
For more information, please visit Explore Chinatown NYC website.
On a different note, I think I’m gonna re-watch the movie called “Year of the Dragon“. One of my good friend is in this movie. For those who doesn’t know anything about New York City Chinatown during the 1980s, maybe you should watch this. HAHAHA. It’s only a movie. Nothing is true.
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