Kung Hei Fat Choy!
Oxen Beware! The Tigers are here to claim their year!
Get ready to celebrate Hong Kong style, as the lanterns, miniature mandarin trees and, perhaps most importantly, Lai-see packets are brought out across the region. Chinese New Year is always a special time as the biggest event in the Lunar calendar, with two-week long events and activities throughout Hong Kong.
A flurry of activity preceeds the public holidays as families prepare for the new year. After decorating homes and businesses with red lanterns and red and gold posters depicting wishes of ‘prosperity’, ‘luck’ and ‘happiness’, families set about sweeping and scrubbing their houses to rid any ill-fortune from the previous year.
Chinese New Year brings with it a fresh start. In the build up to the new year ‘Hong Kongers’ flock to the shops to buy new clothes and shoes that will symbolise a new beginning. You may also notice a disproportionate number of people sporting a new haircut as this goes to further the metaphor.
Following Taoist, and to a lesser extent Buddhist, tradition a paper effigy is burnt for the Kitchen God, recorder of family functions. It is hoped that the Kitchen God will then report back to the Jade Emperor with positive thoughts.
On Chinese New Year’s Eve some families will visit a temple in time to burn the first incense stick of the new year. However, it is now more common to see New Year’s Eve gatherings held across the territory where party-goers ring in the new year in a similar fashion to their Western counterparts.
An important community aspect of the Lunar holiday is seen in the new year visits. The feasting begins as ‘Hong Kongers’ travel to see family and friends to rekindle relationships and share in the festive spirit of the season. There is a collective loosening of belts as feasts of meat, fish and sweet delicacies are served at dinner tables everywhere. These visits are a particular joy for children as they can begin to stockpile little red packets filled with lucky money (Lai-see) that they respectfully receive from their elders.
Another fun aspect of the holiday is learning about the Chinese zodiac and the legend of the Jade Emperor. There are various versions of the story but one of the more popular goes as follows.
Long ago in China the Jade Emperor decided there should be a way of measuring time. On his birthday he told the animals that there would be a swimming race. The first twelve animals to reach the other side of the fast flowing river would have a year named after them in the 12 year cycle of the zodiac.
As the animals lined up on the bank the cat and the rat, being poor swimmers, began to worry about the swirling waters before them. The two good friends came up with a plan to convince the strong, broad ox to carry them to the opposite bank. A kind creature, the ox agreed and allowed them to jump up onto his back.
Half way across the river the cat and the rat began to get excited as the ox was taking the lead. They had almost reached the other side of the river when the rat pushed the cat off the ox’s back and into the water. Then just as the ox was about to reach the finish line the rat jumped ahead and won the race.
‘Well Done”, said the Jade Emperor, “you have finished first and thus the first year of the zodiac shall be named after you”. The poor ox had been outwitted by the cunning rat and came in second.
As the new Chinese year rolls round it is third place competitor, the Tiger, who takes up his cycle. Each animal of the zodiac represents attributes of the people who are born in their years, giving us different personality types depending on where we come in the cycle.
The Tiger People are said to be lucky, lively, competitive and engaging. Another characteristic is that of incredible bravery, as daring fighters they are able to stand up for what they believe in ‘til the bitter end. Always in the lead, Tigers are respected for their power and courage, even by those who are working against them.
A quickness and an alert intelligence make Tigers fast learners. Tigers need a challenge. Add this to them being easily bored and it explains why Tigers tend to change their careers more often than any other Chinese animal. When it comes to the career path Tigers make excellent actors, musicians, racing car drivers, pilots, travel agents and writers.
However, Tigers do no find worth in money or power. They will be completely honest about how they feel and expect the same from you. On the other hand, they seek approval from family and peers but may have problems with respecting authority figures.
Generally, because of their charming personalities, Tigers are well liked but criticism from loved ones can leave them feeling depressed. However, like all felines, Tigers always land on their feet, ready for their next act in life.
Tigers are most compatible with Horses, Dragons and Dogs
Famous Tiger People: Agatha Christie, Tom Cruise, Sir Alec Guinness, Marilyn Monroe, Stevie Wonder.
The year of Chinese zodiac predictions has been forecast by Hong Kong’s very own Feng Shui Master, Raymond Lo. In his book ‘Chinese Almanac 2010, The Book of Auspicious Days’, Mr Lo uses traditional Chinese calendars, astrology and divination systems to assess potential risks and successes for each of the animals of the Chinese zodiac. Below are the ‘fortune(s) of the mystical 12 animals in the year of the Tiger’.
Tiger
This year the Tiger people are offending the “Grand Duke” and so it is advised that they carry a pendant of the Pig for protection. Obstacles in their career and injuries are possible and refraining from excessive risk and gambling is advised.
Rabbit
Rabbit people may find themselves overtly attracted to their preferred sex and stepping into a world of romance. However they may find a depression when it comes to career and money. Additionally a “sick spell” is present and thus more attention must be paid to health.
Dragon
The Tiger is known as the “Travelling Horse” of the Dragon people. Care should be taken when travelling but also in making business deals as there is a chance of sickness and money loss this year.
Snake
The snake people are in what is called the “Half Penalty” with the Tiger. This means that there may be bad luck on the horizon so it is advised that Snakes were a Pig pendant for protection.
Horse
For the Horses there is a presence of the “White Tiger” star which may cause legal trouble or bodily harm. Fortunately the Horse is in what is called the “Three Combine Relationship” with the Tiger which may reduce risk of danger.
Goat
The Goats will experience a lot of movement and travel as well as a reason to celebrate events. They will also receive achievement and promotion in their career. On the downside care needs to be taken when travelling and the breaking of traffic regulations should be avoided.
Monkey
A clash between the Tiger and Monkey may result in a turulent year with movements and changes for the Monkey. Wearing a pendant of the Pig and a wariness of the road would help in minimizing such a clash.
Rooster
This year the Roosters are in danger of being cheated by dishonest people which could result in financial loss. Roosters must be careful when dealing with risky investments or when lending money. However others will be around to offer a rescue.
Dog
The Dogs will experience a harmonious year despite potential obstacles and delays at work. Overall there is a substantial chance of achievement concerning career and finance gained with due diligence and discipline.
Pig
The Pig people are combined and harmonised with the Tiger so it should be smooth sailing this year. However the presence of the “Death Angel” star may cause conflicts and loss of property. On the other hand there will be chance of sex and romance developing into a fruitful relationship.
Rat
Rats will experience a lot of movement and travel this year. Stars “Earth Funeral” and “Lonely Star” may lead to the passing away of family members or relatives and disharmony in relationships respectively. It will e necessary to pay heed to the needs of friends and family.
Ox
The Ox people will encounter a smooth year in terms of achievement and with the presence of the “Red Phoenix” there is a suitably for love affairs and marriage. There is a chance of sickness but this will be minimized by the presence of the Sun.
For further information on the Chinese Almanac visit Raymond Lo’s website at www.raymond-lo.com.
Sidebar: Chinese New Year Events
Taking an active interest in the Chinese New Year festivities is the best way to immerse yourself in the East-meets-West atmosphere of Hong Kong. Below we have summed up some of the best activities to take part in during the Lunar holiday.
Cathay Pacific International Chinese New Year Night Parade
Billed as the ‘World’s Happiest Party”, this event is a must-see as it showcases a kaleidoscope of traditional local and international dance and music. Crowds watch as extravagantly decorated themed floats stream down the promenade to the spectacular Hong Kong skyline backdrop. Ancient customs are teamed with modern fun as the annual party kicks off to entertain thousands upon thousands of locals and tourists alike. The parade snakes around the streets of Tsim Sha Tsui transforming the district into a giant street party. This year the night parade takes place on the 14th of February (Sunday) at 8PM in Tsim Sha Tsui . Ticket prices for available seating ranges from $180 to $300 per person. Alternatively get there early and find yourself a spot on the parade route where you can view the festivities free of charge.
Flower Market
For some festive fun take a trip to the Flower Market, one of the most colourful street markets in Hong Kong. During Chinese New Year families come here to buy luck-bringing houseplants to start out the new year on a good foot. Kumquat trees, narcissus and peonies bring prosperity; peach blossoms add fire to romance; while tangerine plants ensure long-lasting relationships and ‘fruitful’ marriages. The market is open from 7AM to 7PM. To get there just take the MTR to Mong Kok East Station and use Exit C, walk to Sai Yee Street via the footbridge and follow the signs.
Fortune Seeking Trip
During Chinese New Year we should give thanks for the past 12 months, but once you’ve done that why not take a sneak-peek at what’s going to happen in the next 12 months. The most popular place to have your fortune read is the Wong Tai Sin temple in Kowloon. Thousands of people gather here to make wishes to the gods and to have their fortune read using fortune sticks or by a palm reader. Another exciting place to go is the Temple Street market. Clustered along the Yau Ma Tei end are a number of fortune tellers ready to give you clues as to what’s in store for your future. To get to Wong Tai Sin temple take the MTR to Wong Tai Sin and use Exit B2 or B3. For the Temple Street market take the MTR to Yau Ma Tei and walk along Man Ming Lane to Temple Street.
Photo: stock.xchanging
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