The FOURTH New Year

We got here this summer, and we had the Jewish New Year.

We then had the fast of Ramadan which ended with the Muslim New Year. I have to say that this was the least celebrated of them all.

We celebrated another New Year in Thailand a short month ago.

Turns out we're going to Thailand again to celebrate yet a fourth New Year.

Today, when my colleague came into work, she said, "I hope you're happy, because it's Chinese New Year's Eve Eve!!" Tomorrow is Chinese New Year's Eve. Apparently Chinese families across Singapore (and most likely in China too...) will all gather as a family to have a big dinner. Then there is a two day public holiday. The first day (Thursday of this year), most people said that they will go to see their older family members. Apparently it's traditional to drive around to everyone's house and stop in with two oranges. The Cantonese word for orange is apparently similar to the word for gold, so it's as if you're giving them gold - for prosperity for the new year.

Then, on Friday it's either more family or visit friends. Apparently people have open houses and people can just drop by. I asked if the guests are expected to bring something, and they said that they just bring two oranges (but apparently the host gives them back to you when you leave - for prosperity - so you really only need two for the whole day). Also, all single people get red envelopes, ung pao, filled with money. They said that most people give a few dollars, but some people give a few thousand dollars, so apparently kids can make a killing if they're part of the right family. All married people are supposed to give these to kids - and sweets too.

Pretty good deal. I guess that everyone just eats a lot on their new year - other than westerners - we just drink.

Yongim, Matt's cousin's wife who was staying with us over the weekend (plus) was telling me about the new year in Korea, which is also right now. We can just call it the Lunar New Year...Anyway, they eat a special food - and Yongim said that you don't get a year older until you eat this food (but I forgot what it is...), and the kids bow and say respectful things to their elders, and you eat and stay with your family.

In our daily lives, we have cleaned up the house from the guests, and we are preparing to go to Thailand on Thursday.

Enjoy a couple of pictures from the weekend and the pizza for the new year.