Goldfish Magic trick

Dogs, even tigers can be trained to perform tricks but can fish do tricks? In a magic show performed by Chinese magician, Fu Yandong, fishes were able to swim in unison.

However, animal activists in China say the now-famous magic trick that showed goldfish swimming in sync for the Lunar New Year is abusive and are asking the state broadcaster not to show it again. The worry is that magnets were implanted in the fish or that they were controlled by electric current.

Fu is scheduled to perform the act again during Thursday's China Central Television (CCTV) broadcast of the Lantern Festival, which ends the Lunar New Year events.

Wondering what the fuss is all about? Here's the video.




Source:
Chinese worry New Year magic act is cruel to fish

Tossing the Yee Sang for a better year ahead

The activity of tossing the Yee Sang (raw fish salad) is termed to Lo Hei or Lo Sang, in the Cantonese dialect, which is the lingua franca in Kuala Lumpur. For those of you who have done the Lo Hei, what did you normally wish for?

Lo Hei or Lo Sang means to prosper so it is customary for 'tossers' to wish for a myriad of good tidings while tossing the dish. The things tossers ask for and especially the way it is worded can be rather amusing. It's a lot of fun Lo Hei, actually, and the activity builds commaraderie because everyone at the table takes part in it.

Lo Hei wishes can include from the common getting a fat bonus and better increment to striking the lottery, making money at the share market, good health, children doing well at school, adding a new bundle of joy to the family, and so forth. Whatever is good will be brought out afterall Chinese New Year festivities is a time to start afresh for the new year, and starting off with all things good and positive hopefully will ensure a good year ahead.

Generally, Gong Xi Fa Cai is the usual greeting. For newly-weds, friends and family would add an additional greeting for the presence of little feet in the coming year. A neighbour down the road must have had the greetings come true as she is not only expecting a baby but twins. Isn't that cool? I hear there is going to be a boy and a girl too.

I met her and her husband at the supermarket the other day and noticed the size of her stomach. The supermarket floor looked shining and smooth. I sure hope the floor tiles are of the non slip and non skid type for the sake of ladies on the family way and the elderly. A mis-step would be hazardous for anyone.

Chinese New Year food, and others

Chinese New Year is celebrated over fifteen days - this year, from Day 1 on Feb 3 right up to Day 15 on Feb 17 - and today being the 13th day into the new year, we are still celebrating the biggest festival in the lunar calendar.

Chinese restaurants are abuzz with diners every night tossing the customary Yee Sang and savoring symbolic dishes considered to be lucky in Chinese culture. Fish (steamed whole) and prawns are a must-have. Fish symbolizes abundance as in so much that it spills over to the next year (prosperity), while prawns happiness. Others include a dish of oysters and a hair-like seawood/algae (for good tidings and prosperity), lettuce (for health and vigor), (white-cut) chicken (serving a whole chicken symbolizes wholeness and prosperity) and many others.

Let's reverse a little to the first day of the new year. Buddhist Chinese families serve a popular New Year's day dish (Jai), also known as Buddha's Delight. It is a Buddhist tradition that no animal or fish be killed on the first day of the lunar year. If we want mercy, we should also be merciful at least on the first day of the new year. Vegetables are considered to be purifying, and many of the ingredients in this dish, from lily buds to fungus, have their own special significance.

Friends and families are still visiting each other bearing gifts of foodstuff that range from peanuts, mushrooms, wine, sweets and chocolates, etc., - symbolic food for good tidings of happiness, health and prosperity. It is customary to include mandarin oranges in the gift ensemble. Mandarin oranges sound like 'gold' in Chinese so they symbolise prosperity or luck. Oranges are given in pairs and a minimum of two oranges would suffice but more are usually given. Children and adults who are not married are still collecting red packets of lucky money (angpows) given by married seniors. The new year decorations are still up and people still greet each other with 'Gong Xi Fa Cai' and other good wishes.

The Chinese New Year rounds off its festivities with Chap Goh Meh, literally means the 15th night in the Hokkien and Teochew dialects. This day represents the fifteenth and final day of the Lunar New Year. It is also the occasion of the first full moon of the New Year.

The occasion is marked by feasting and various festivities, including the consumption of tangyuan (glutinous rice balls in soup) and Nian Gao (sweet glutinous rice cake). In traditional Chinese culture, it is also celebrated as the Lantern Festival (not to be confused with the Mid-Autumn Festival).

Not sure if it is still practised today but in ancient times, during the Lantern Festival, children go out at night to temples carrying paper lanterns and solve riddles on the lanterns.

In some regions and countries, the Lantern festival is also regarded as the Chinese version of St. Valentine's Day, a day celebrating love and affection between lovers in Chinese tradition. Chap Goh Meh officially ends the Chinese New Year celebrations. This year, this day falls on Feb 17.

If you happen to be in Penang, CHINGAY and a lion dance on poles will be among the performances to be featured at the Chap Goh Meh celebration at the Esplanade in Penang on Feb 17 according to The Star.

There will also be a 24-season drums presentation, dondang sayang float, Baba Nyonya dances and a concert featuring local artistes. You can also feast on Penang's culinary delights at the food fair.

For singles looking for a partner, a mandarin orange throwing event, involving 3,000 oranges, would be held at the Esplanade at 7.30pm that day.

Happy Chap Goh Meh!


Image source: The Star

Gong Xi Fa Cai!

Gosh! It's good to be back! I have missed you!

It's really hard getting back 'to work' (read blogging) after a good week's holiday. I certainly enjoyed myself. I hope you did too. I thought I'd better get over the holiday mood and get back to the good ole circle. Besides, today's a good day to 'start work', coincidentally.

Was wondering what to write about this being the first post of the lunar year and then looking at the collection of angpows (red packets/envelopes) an idea came to mind. Thus this image of the new year zodiac animal. No prizes for guessing what animal it is. Or have I got zero artistic inclination? Oh well..

Some people collect stamps and postcards, I have recently started collecting angpows. Kind of a weird whim, I know. But they are so pretty, don't you think? Besides, having them with you also means having all the good wishes that have been bestowed on you.

Hope you have had a wonderful start to a new year. Again, here's wishing EVERYONE a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous Rabbit year. Gong Xi, Gong Xi, Gong Xi Fa Cai!!

Happy Chinese New Year of the Rabbit!

Happy Chinese New Year to You!

My Dear Friends,

Chinese New Year décor tips

Need some decor tips dressing up the home for this Chinese New Year? The experts have tons of ideas from putting up beautiful wall decals with symbols of luck and prosperity, hanging intricate lanterns, placing red throw-pillows on your sofas, decorating plants (bamboo, pussy willow, and others) with red ribbons. Get some unique yet easy ideas on Chinese New Year decoration from the experts.

More ideas for Home decorations to usher in the Rabbit.

Here is a video on how to make lanterns from red packets..


Related articles:
Auspicious dates to stop/start work before/after Chinese New Year
Auspicious Colors to Wear during Chinese New Year 2011
What does the Year of the Rabbit hold for you?


Source: The Star

What does the Year of the Rabbit hold for you?

Now that we know when to stop work before and start work after the Chinese New Year and what auspicious colors to wear to attract positive vibes in the new Year of the Metal Rabbit, let's now find out what the new lunar year has in store for each one of us according to the Chinese Horoscope.

The forecast of happenings and behaviors for each animal sign is derived from planetary positions so the forecast is authentic readings and because of its authenticity, there is an increasing number of people looking forward to knowing their horoscope forecast each year. It provides an idea of what to expect or what to watch out for in the coming year in aspects of health, love, finance or overall outlook for the year. In the old days, the Chinese Almanac used to be a must-have item in the home. Today, though it is still the source for yearly Zodiac sign forecast, it is not as popular to the younger generation who has turned to information online.

If you are not sure which Zodiac sign your birthday fall under, here is a Zodiac sign chart for your reference. The following table, courtesy of Wikipedia, shows the 60-year cycle matched up to the Western calendar for the years 1924–2043. Click on image to enlarge. Another click will further enlarge it.

Whether you believe it or not, here is the 2011 Zodiac sign forecast courtesy of freehoroscopesguide.com

Rat Horoscope
The Chinese New Year 2011 will be very good for most of the Rat people. First half of 2011 will bring in new opportunities and increased prospects in work and business. Those at work will get lot of support from their teammates and colleagues. Rat people have lot of new ideas to implement. The first thing you should do is discuss with your senior. Rat Chinese Horoscope 2011 says that there will be times when excess of work can take a toll on you. You need to remain calm and go on with the work.
More..

Ox Horoscope
At work, Ox people need to be away from any kind of office politics and arguments. Ox Chinese horoscope 2011 says that this is an important year for your career prospects. Engaging in anything but your work may impact your growth prospects. Money wise, the Chinese New Year will be good for most of the Ox people.
More..

Tiger Horoscope
These people will be loaded with lots of work this year. Tiger Chinese horoscope 2011 sees these people getting frustrated at times. You need to be calm while at work. The first half of 2011 will be testing your patience. Second half however might be a bit better with pressure easing on Tiger people.
More..

Rabbit Horoscope
Among all the aspects of your life, money and love will rule the year. People born with rabbit zodiac sign are sure to get loads of money in their pockets. They will however leave no stone unturned to spend it on all the luxuries of life. Rabbit people will be spending good amount of money on their home.
More..

Dragon Horoscope
The Chinese New year 2011 will be a satisfactory year for most of the Dragon people. Those at work will enjoy a smooth life at office. There will not be much of ups and downs in professional life. Dragon Chinese horoscope 2011 forecasts a healthy business life for these people. You just need to be aware of happenings around you and keep a track of your partner’s moves. The jin jui star will shower good luck and love on most of the Dragon people.
More..

Snake Horoscope
As far as the Chinese New Year 2011 is concerned, these people will live a smooth life in the year. The year will start with a very good note with your family getting some good news in the first quarter of the year 2011. Snake Chinese horoscope 2011 tells that these people will get unmatched support from their relatives and friends.
More..

Horse Horoscope
The Chinese New year 2011 will be an important year for many Horse people. They will experience sea changes in their lives during this year. Most of the Horse people will have to face tough time at work and in business. Horse 2011 horoscope suggests these people to do some introspection on the changes that they need to inculcate in their lives and in their nature. At work, Horse people will be used by their own team mates and colleagues to get over and gain a promotion.
More..

Sheep Horoscope
The first half of 2011 might not be very good for Sheep people. Those at work can face difficult times owing to their lack of interest and lack of result focus. You will have to be very careful while talking to your seniors. Sheep Chinese horoscope 2011 also advises you to be away from any wrong happenings at work or you might be dragged into problems by your own colleagues.
More..

Monkey Horoscope
The Monkey Chinese horoscope 2011 foresees a smooth year for most of them. At work, Monkey people will excel in all aspects. The presence of Yi Ma star shall help Monkeys get the good news going in form of promotions at work, profitability in business.
More..

Rooster Horoscope
The Chinese New Year 2011 will mark the starting of a new relationship for Rooster people. Those looking out for proposing someone special should not waste much of their time and ask her right away.
More..

Dog Horoscope
The Chinese new year 2011 will be a year full of great opportunities. Dog people will get good opportunities during the first half of 2011. On professional front, Dog people have high chances of getting a good promotion and bonus. Those looking for a job change will be successful in getting into new position during third quarter of 2011. Dog 2011 horoscope foresees strengthening of relationships too during this year. Be it with friends or with relatives, Dog people will make every effort to clear things out with them.
More..

Pig Horoscope
People with pig zodiac sign have to work hard to achieve things. This Chinese New Year 2011 will be no different. Though there are chances of a rise in your career, you need to work hard and show your performance to your superiors. Pig 2011 horoscope tells you that it is not only the hard work that one does but the ability to showcase it that also matters.
More..

Let me take this opportunity to wish you and your family a happy, healthy and prosperous Chinese New Year of the Rabbit.


Image source: Wikipedia

Yee Sang - Dish of Prosperity

With a festival and a long weekend too for everyone just around the corner, food and travel naturally came up as topics at our tea- and lunch-breaks. Everyone was in agreement that after all that good food, meal after meal, the thought of food after that, particularly meat, would be a natural appetite suppressant. I know we shouldn't be complaining when there is food. However, vegetable dishes would of course be much preferred. I sure am looking forward to tossing the Yee Sang, the raw fish salad that is a signature dish for Chinese New Year.

By the way, did you know that there are 27 ingredients that make up this Chinese dish of prosperity? They include daikon (white radish), carrots, red pepper (capsicum), turnips, red pickled ginger, sun-dried oranges, daun limau nipis (key lime leaves), Chinese parsley, chilli, jellyfish, chopped peanuts, toasted sesame seeds, Chinese shrimp crackers (or fried dried shrimp), five spice powder and other ingredients, laced with a sauce using plum sauce, rice vinegar, kumquat paste and sesame oil. (Source: Wikipedia)


Image source: Wikipedia

Auspicious Colors to Wear during Chinese New Year 2011

I have colleagues who strictly adhere to dressing by stipulated colors during the first few days of the Chinese New Year. Do you also have this inclination?

Want to know what color(s) to wear during the Chinese New Year to enhance your luck? For non-Chinese, if you know the zodiac animal sign you were born in, you too could take steps towards better luck in the Year of the Rabbit. Below is the chart.

First day of Chinese New Year or Spring festival is on Feb 3

UPDATE
For those who would like to know what your Chinese Zodiac sign is, here is a Chinese Zodiac Sign Calculator that can tell you your sign. Thanks to KhengSiong for sharing this useful tool. Thanks, KS.

Bananaz posted an interesting query. I have a colleague who wears EVERYTHING RED inside out on the first day of CNY. That's following it to the hilt, of course, but I think the external colors are good enough. As to your other query, wearing a shirt with the predominant color is good enough, from what I read. That goes for the ladies, as well.

Now, know when to stop/start work before/after the Chinese New Year.

Celebrating Chinese New Year in Kuala Lumpur

If you are planning to celebrate Chinese New Year in Kuala Lumpur, know that you couldn't have chosen a better place! The city is prosperously-decked in Chinese New Year decorations and colors all set to welcome any visitor to the city.

Yap, a reader from Indonesia, left a comment on this post but not sure why the comment is not showing up.

Yap, I'm answering your queries here.

Even though a good number of Chinese folks will be travelling to their hometown to celebrate the Chinese New Year with their family, there are some who live here in the city. KL will never ever be totally deserted as KL is a metropolis of a good mix of various cultures and peoples. So, no worries about food or restaurants. Restaurants will all be open, including fastfood outlets including McDonald's, KFC, Pizza Hut, etc.. Other attractions around the city will also be open. The only places closed on public holiday the first and second days of Chinese New Year are banks, embassies, government departments and business offices. Chinatown may not be as bustling, though there'd be some shops open for business. Central Market will be open.

Bukit Bintang and all shopping malls will still be open and bustling though to a lesser degree. I think you will enjoy the quieter version of Kuala Lumpur of no traffic and human jams.

People do not just stay at home but go visiting one another, go to the malls, eat out, take in a movie, etc.

Yap, hope all this information is helpful to give you an idea of what to expect in Kuala Lumpur when you visit us during Chinese New Year. Should you require more info, please feel free to leave another comment. Gong Xi Fa Cai to you and Welcome to Kuala Lumpur!


Image: Petaling Street, Chinatown - The Star

Year of the Tiger Poken

Did you know that February 14 was a momentous day? Yes, of course, it was Valentine’s Day. But it was also the start of the Chinese New Year. The Chinese name the years using a Zodiac cycle of 12 animal signs that include the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and pig. The year that is just beginning, 2010, is known as the "Year of the Tiger".

The year 2010 is also expected to become known as the “Year of the Poken.” We introduced you to the Poken social networking gadget toward the end of last year, when they began to come to America in large numbers from their native Switzerland. Poken has been making a splash at celebrity events such as this year’s Sundance Film Festival. Pretty soon you’ll be seeing them with influential people everywhere you go. If you don’t have a Poken, you’ll be left out of the fun.

Fear not. It’s really easy to get your own Poken and you don’t have to be a celebrity to afford one... or an entire collection. They’re less than $20 each. For that, you get your choice of PokenSPARK characters, a secure online portal where you can create your own virtual business cards and review your contacts, and your entree into the worldwide Poken community. Considering the importance of tigers this year, the Poken Tiger might just be your lucky Poken.

Were you born in the Year of the Tiger? If so, you are smart, instinctive, generally well liked, with lots of charisma and a strong desire to climb the ladder of success. Of course, you were born in one of these tiger years: 1902, 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, or 2010. Even if you weren’t born in the Year of the Tiger, a tiger talisman can still be your lucky charm... especially if it is a Poken Tiger.

Another way you can honor the tiger this year is to support efforts that protect the mere 3,500 tigers still in the wild. Yes, their numbers have dwindled from more than 100,000 just a century ago to near extinction today. Only 50 of the South China or Amoy tiger remain. There still is time to save the world’s last tigers before we lose them completely. Learn more about Tigers Under Threat and consider donating help save this magnificent species.