Our Chinese New Year....
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Unfortunately, we missed the majority of the big celebrations for Chinese New Year because Jeff was not feeling well. I was disappointed but I know he couldn't help it! The pictures on this post are from tour Plaza. The Year of the Ox display at the Plaza's central point. The other two pictures are from the small Dragon parade that Ethan and I happened upon when we were going to the soft play center that day. It was a nice surprise. I thought he might get scared at first but he seemed to really like it. We also ran into one of Ethan's school friends and her parents, who gave him "Lai See" (lucky money). These are red packets/envelopes with clean/new money usually a $20 dollar bill (that's $2.56US). We've kept it for his keepsakes box here. Jeff also was responsible to give Lai See to his employees - typically any where from $50-100 is expected from a "boss". It's really a neat tradition and is a true example of how this culture looks at the importance of "wealth". Google it and learn more.
I think they are STILL celebrating this holiday and the only way I could ever begin to explain it would be how we celebrate Christmas for the majority of December. Decorations included. I will say it seems their decorations tend to have more meaning behind them. The red and gold/yellow colors are considered their "lucky" colors so everything is done in these colors! I honestly don't know why we decorate everything in red and green for Christmas - I feel bad for not knowing this, but I think being here and celebrating these new holidays will give me more insight in to the meaning of theirs and ours.
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