Gōngxǐ fācái (Happy New Year)

Gōngxǐ fācái, Mummy!

Thank you for my “ang pow“

Gōngxǐ fācái!, Mummy! Thank you for my “ang pow“We received “ang pows” (“red” packets with money) from Aunty Vivienne in Malaysia.  They are suppose to bring us more happiness and good luck.What treats shall we buy with our “ang pow” money? And do you think we will have more luck with our squirrel hunting this year?These new versions of the “ang pows” are not exactly RED but it does have monkeys on it – as it is the year of the Monkey!

This is the year of the Monkey.  People born in the Monkey years are said to be smart, clever, witty, intelligent and have a magnetic personality. I was born in 2011, which makes me a rabbit. And George was born, we think in 2013 which makes him a Snake! I knew it! Slithering, slimy George!  And Mummy, she’s a Pig, oh, should we say Wild Boar?

And Mummy, how come you didn’t get any? You’re still SINGLE, aren’t you? (Mummy rolling her eyes.)

May’s comment: It’s such a sensitive issue for the givers of ang pows. As much as it is a custom for married people to give ang pows to those who are still single, they have this dilemma. They think the Singletons do not want to be reminded they’re single.  What’s wrong with being single anyway? It’s not a disease nor anything wrong with being single – just a warped idea in the heads of those who are not. As a Singleton, I’ll happily accept any well-stuffed ang pows and associated wishes of happiness and good luck! Thank you very much!

Red packets/envelopes with money inside or “ang pows” or “lai see” are given during the Chinese New Year (or special occasions such as weddings, graduation or birthdays). Red packets are given from married couples to singles, from parents to children, etc, etc. It is hope that the red packets will bring more happiness and good luck to the receivers.Gōngxǐ fācái to all our Chinese friends and to all who celebrate.  May it be a happy and prosperous new year.

Below is a rough guide for the years of the Chinese Horoscopes.

• Rat: 2008, 1996, 1984, 1972, 1960, 1948
• Ox: 2009, 1997, 1985, 1973, 1961, 1949
• Tiger: 2010, 1998, 1986, 1974, 1962, 1950
• Rabbit: 2011, 1999, 1987, 1975, 1963, 1951
• Dragon: 2012, 2000, 1988, 1976, 1964, 1952
• Snake: 2013, 2001, 1989, 1977, 1965, 1953
• Horse: 2014, 2002, 1990, 1978, 1966, 1954
• Sheep: 2015, 2003, 1991, 1979, 1967, 1955
• Monkey: 2016, 2004, 1992, 1980, 1968, 1956
• Rooster: 2017, 2005, 1993, 1981, 1969, 1957
• Dog: 2018, 2006, 1994, 1982, 1970, 1958
• Pig: 2019, 2007, 1995, 1983, 1971, 1959

However, if you were born in January or February it may be slightly different as the new year moves between 21 January and February 20.