There is so much going on here I decided that I needed more than one post about Chinese New Year (CNY). First let me say that this is the biggest celebration that I have seen yet in this country and to tell you the truth we are always celebrating something!
The Christmas decorations were down and CNY ones up before you knew it. Actually, we got back from our visit to the states and we were in a whole other celebration mode. It is a very exciting time here in Asia. Lots of red and gold, treats, festivities, lights, happiness and so much more. Yes, everyone here seems happier! Unlike the "stress" of Christmas (why is that anyway) CNY is relaxed and full of fun, laughter, and celebrating.
Chinese New Year is the new year celebration based on the Lunar calendar. This year is the year of the Dragon. (The hubby is a dragon)
E sitting on the dragon!
There are so many traditions with CNY that I wouldn't even know where to start. (Not to mention, I really don't know them all.) I know that treats and eating are a big thing. The grocery stores have been filled with goodies! All kinds! From cookies to candy to some strange looking chinese treats that I am sure include some sort of fish. One of the ones that may have become one of my new favorites is "mochi".
Mochi is a rice candy that is made from glutinous rice and is pounded into paste and molded into shapes. Not sure why I like it. It kind of sticks to the roof of your mouth and is extremely chewy. Maybe it is the interesting flavors like red bean or coconut etc. Maybe just because it is different.
I came upon this treat stand in our local mall. It was selling "Taiwan Goodies". This place is popular! They sell mochi as well as these little square looking bags that have jello treats in them. Yes, Jello! Not sure how they keep it from melting; maybe it is more like a knox block (remember those?). They come in every flavor under the sun! They also let you taste as many as you want. After riding our bikes to the mall E and I started sampling. Oh, so dangerous! We tried so many, they all started tasting the same. I had one that had a cherry in it. They have everything from coffee to durian.
Taiwan Goodies!
Small selection of goodies. (Round ones are mochi)
Peach jello treat in a bag. Humm!
Mochi treat (Red Bean and milk flavor)
Red Bean mochi treat out of the wrapper (not too appealing, eh?)
The inside. You can't judge a book by its cover. This thing was tasty!
(I might have to go get more!)
So not only is it a public holiday (everyone has Monday and Tuesday off), but everyone has a celebration. E's school had a big assembly today. All of the Mandarin students performed either a song, poem, or skit. Even the Mandarin teachers put on a show. Not so bad actually, but sitting there in the smeltering heat for an hour at 9am wasn't too much fun. (they don't have a/c in the common/assembly area) Not sure how they get the kids to sit there an watch for that long either.
Was going to post a few videos of the performances, but they are way too long to share. Instead, I'll end with a personal CNY message from E!
Want to know more about CNY or find out what your chinese symbol is check out
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_New_Year
(Thanks Wikipedia! Not sure what I would do without you!)
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