Unbelievable! it's so fast the time of the year again, where relatives visits and extends warmth to all relations. Chinese New Year is celebrated yearly by all Chinese and Buddhist around the world, not forgetting others who respects the religion too. Lasting over 15 days, this fortnight really binds us relatives together, as we seldom meet during the other times of the year; making this like a yearly meet up. Obviously, tradition is inculcated every time it's celebrated, rich in cultures too. Chinese New Year starts actually a day before, the reunion dinner on the eve. Relatives from near and far all gather to eat together, bringing a sense of closeness around. There will always be a lot of food served, with dishes like steamed fish, roasted pork(suckling), roasted chicken, veggies and more. The most important dish would be Yee Sang, which is raw fish salad. Everyone will toss and mix the salad together, known to bring prosperity and wealth.
The first day would be very hectic, as relatives all come over and visits us, with tokens, resemblance of prosperity and abundance in health and wealth. Mandarin oranges tops the list, followed by roasted sliced meat( ba kua) and groundnuts. It's a very joyous event altogether. In the evening, visit to the temple is a must. It is to pay respect to the dead, whoever it may be, close family or relatives. The temple, on the other hand, is creatively decorated, lights here and there. Everywhere will smell of joss sticks, as they are all giving offerings to the dead.
Visiting is continued after the temple stop, with visits to out of the way relatives houses first. This is so that connection is always maintain between each other, and won't be left to rot away. House visits are tiring too, with many houses to visit, and many people to greet. All in all, Chinese New Year is an event everyone anticipates around the world, regardless of race, as it's a time of forgiveness, and also bonding.
~IPhoneFreakVic~
