Orchard Road is World's Top Shopping Street

A trip to Singapore is incomplete if your itinerary does not include a visit to Orchard Road.

The Lion City, even with the new attractions like the themeparks and the two new casinos, the Casino at Resort World Sentosa and Marina Bay Sands Casino; the night safari, the various landmarks and attractions, Orchard Road is certainly not to be missed. Christmas decorations along this stretch in Singapore attract throngs of visitors every year.

With the Chinese community gearing up for the upcoming Chinese New Year celebration on Jan 23, I can imagine Singapore would now be bustling with activity and beautifully-decked in Chinese New Year decorations.

Singaporeans would be happy to know that Orchard Road has been named the world's top shopping street beating 29 other premier shopping belts including Paris' Champs Elysees and London's Bond Street.

The verdict comes from a mystery shopping survey conducted by a French marketing consultancy, Presence Mystery Shopping, in which 90 mystery shoppers were sent out to nearly 400 retail outlets in 30 cities around the world.

Four categories were the focus of the survey - cleanliness of the streets, and retail outlets, quality of retail staff, and friendliness of passersby.

Orchard Road scores highly in all the judging categories and garnered a total score of 89 points out of a hundred. Luxembourg's Avenue de la Liberte came in second with 85 points and PC Hoofstraat in Amsterdam, was third with 83 points.


Source: DailyChilli/The Straits Times/ANN

Celebrating Winter Solstice or Dongzhi Festival

Incidentally, today, Dec 22, is Winter Solstice festival celebrated by the Chinese community.

Traditionally, the Dongzhi Festival is also a time for the family to get together. One activity that occurs during these get-togethers (especially in the southern parts of China and in Chinese communities overseas) is the making and eating of tangyuan (湯圓) or balls of glutinuous rice, which symbolize reunion. Tangyuan are made of glutinuous rice flour and sometimes brightly coloured. Each family member receives at least one large tangyuan in addition to several small ones. The flour balls may be plain or stuffed. They are cooked in a sweet soup or savoury broth with both the ball and the soup/broth served in one bowl. (Wikipedia)

Most Chinese who are Buddhists in Malaysia are also Taoists so ancestral worship is a part of life. In all major festivals, food and incense offerings are made to the deities and ancestors at home altars.

Dongzhi Festival is one of the important festivals celebrated in the lunar year. The next major festival is the Chinese or Lunar New Year. The new year of the Dragon falls on Jan 23, 2012.

Happy Dongzhi to you if you are celebrating this festival!


Image source: Nyonyafood

Mid-Autmn/Mooncake/Lantern Festival - 12 Sep 2011

Today, Sep 12, is Mid-Autumn Festival or often referred to as Lantern Festival or Mooncake Festival here in Malaysia. Mid-Autumn festival is celebrated on the fifteenth day of the eighth lunar month which incidentally is believed to be an auspicious month for marriages, so you might see many Chinese weddings and engagements this month.

On the home-front, families get together for dinner just as they would during Chinese New year, Dumpling festival and Winter solstice. The Mid-Autumn Festival is therefore considered as one of the four most important Chinese festivals.

The Mooncake/Lantern Festival involves family members gathering together after dinner for some more family time in the spirit of figuratively gazing at the moon. The moon tonight is believed to be the fullest and brightest among all the year's fullmoons. Traditional food during this Mooncake festival includes the mooncake (of course), the pomelo fruit and the mini yam or taro. Children will play with colorful paper lanterns in various animal forms and colors. Lanterns would also be hung around the courtyard for that air of festivity.

A little bit on the mooncake delicacy. Typical mooncakes are round or rectangular pastries, measuring about 10cm in diameter and 4–5cm thick. A thick filling usually made from lotus seed paste is surrounded by a relatively thin (2–3mm) crust and may contain yolks from salted duck eggs. Mooncakes are usually eaten in small wedges accompanied by Chinese tea. (Wikipedia)

For families of Buddhist/Taoist faith, offerings of incense and food (mooncakes, pomelos, etc.,) will be made to deities including the lunar deity. My late grandmother found it impossible that man had landed on the moon so she continued her normal ritual of making offerings to the moon. Traditions die hard. I wonder if this tradition will stand the test of time, but no matter, it is fun while it lasts.

So, to you who celebrate this fun festival, let me wish you a Happy Lantern/Mooncake/Mid-Autumn Festival and a good harvest the following year!

Dumpling Day - A Chinese festival

Today is Dumpling Day or Duanwu Festival, one of the major festivals that has been celebrated for thousands of years as part of Chinese culture.

The festival occurs on the 5th day of the 5th month of the lunar calendar on which the Chinese calendar is based. Today is the day for 2011. The focus of the celebrations includes eating rice dumplings wrapped in lotus leaves though in Malaysia, bamboo leaves are used. In the old days, probably still practised in Hong Kong, racing dragon boats is still part of the tradition. In this part of the world, for those celebrating this festival, the family would gather for a more lavish dinner than usual. For Buddhists, offerings of food would be made to deities and ancestors at the prayer altars.

More information on the origin of Dumpling Day..

Happy Dumpling Day!


Image source: Wikipedia

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,

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

Auspicious dates to stop/start work before/after Chinese New Year

Following up on Auspicious colors to wear for the Chinese New Year, here is a schedule for when to stop work and dates to start work after the holiday. Observing this can help you attract positive vibes to enhance your life in general - health, happiness, prosperity, etc. - in the coming year of the Metal Rabbit.

When to STOP work:
The 4 days before the Chinese New Year are suitable days to stop work - Jan 30, Jan 31, Feb 1, and Feb 2. Everybody can use any of these 4 days.

When to START work:
2011 开市或开工吉日系列:
6-2-2011 Sun (except for Dog person 肖狗忌用)
7-2-2011 Mon (except for Boar person 肖豬忌用)
8-2-2011 Tue (except Rat for person 肖鼠忌用)
9-2-2011 Wed (except for Ox person 肖牛忌用)
12-2-2011 Sat (except for Dragon person 肖龍忌用)
14-2-2011 Mon (except for Horse person 肖馬忌用)
16-2-2011 Wed (except for Monkey person 肖猴忌用)
17-2-2011 Thu (except for Rooster person 肖雞忌用)
18-2-2011 Fri (except for Dog person 肖狗忌用)
20-2-2011 Sun (except for Rat person 肖鼠忌用)

Also note When NOT to start work:
Do not start work on Thu, Feb 10 or Fri, Feb 11 though Feb 11 can be used for special purposes such as opening.

Coming up, What's in store in the coming year for the different zodiac signs. Stay tuned..

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.