10 Tips to Avoid Festive Bingeing

This is the time to feast, wisely. [Pic]

The feasting has begun.

The Chinese New Year is celebrated over a period of 15 days. Typically, families and businesses arrange for get-togethers over meals. Singapore is a food paradize and it is even more so during festivals. You can expect great indulgence during this festive time. (See "The 15 Days of Lunar New Year")

If you are thinking of not falling prey to binge eating, this article is for you. Read it before your next party.

Spend more quality time with people, not food. [Pic]

10. Do not over prepare

Leftovers are traditionally seen as something good. It means you are wealthy enough to provide, in this case, over-provide. Symbolism aside, if you prepare the right portion, you do not have to decide if the leftovers should go to waste or 'waist'.

9. Get enough rest

Lack of rest can increase your stress level. Typically, a stressed-out person is more inclined towards binge eating. (See "It's Time to Chill Out, Not Stress Out") 

8. Learn to say 'No'

I know, this may cause grandma to be upset. But I am not suggesting that you refuse her offer. You just need to know when to stop and say 'No' when the time comes. If saying 'No' gets too tough, distract and flatter her by asking for her secret recipes. (See "Don't be a People Pleaser")

You are spoilt for choices. Indulge wisely. [Pic]

7. No second helping

During the festive season, you are spoilt for choices. Take your time to sample. Avoid a second helping of your favorite cookies as it usually doesn't stop at two.

6. Don't compensate with exercise

If your strategy is to back up your binge eating with a more rigorous exercise regime, don't. This is likely to make you loath exercise especially if routine exercises don't come naturally or habitually to you.

5. Eat something before you go

Don't spoil your appetite by eating too much before the party. However, don't leave home feeling famished either. Otherwise, you will tend to gobble down the food as soon as you enter the house. Snack on something healthy beforehand.

4. Watch where you station

If you choose to socialize over the serving counter, you are likely to pinch some food between your conversations. Instead, move away and hold your conversation else where. You can always talk about bonsai next to the flower pots or discuss about Picasso near the paintings.

Snack on something healthy before going for a party. [Pic]

3. Be picky

You have so much food but no extra space in the tummy. You need to be selective. Avoid food that you can get at any other time. Pick something special and not something off the supermarket shelves.

2. Focus on people

Not eating everything on the table doesn't mean you are deprived in any way. Focus the celebration on people rather than food. You have had enough poking in Facebook. This is time to catch up with friends and relatives in the real world. (The article on "Are You A Good Conversationalist?" may help you)

1. Eat the right thing

This is too cliche and we can go on and on about what is the right food to eat. In short, eat in moderation and watch your calories. I will just let Dr Aaryan Koura from the Singapore Tan Tock Seng Hospital share more via this video.

May the Dragon Year bring you wealth as well as health !

Related articles:

"Lunar New Year Ang Pow 101"

"Beat the Spring Cleaning Blues"

"The 15 Days of Lunar New Year"a

"Wishing You A Blessed Year Ahead"

Reunion Dinner - Feasting Together

"When it comes to eating right and exercising, there is no 'I'll start tomorrow'. Tomorrow is disease." (Terri Guillemets)

Reunion Dinner - Feasting Together

Spring Festival: An important Chinese traditional celebration. [Pic]

Tis the time to greet the spring.

Chinese New Year is also referred to as Lunar New Year (農曆新年) or Spring Festival (春节). It is the most important celebrations according to the Chinese traditions (23 Jan 2012). A reunion dinner (团圆饭) is one of the highlights or should I say, a must, for Chinese New Year celebration.

Reunion dinner brings everyone in the family together. [Pic]

Reunion dinner takes place on the eve (年除夕) of Chinese New Year. Family members who are away from home will make it back in time for the occasion. It is the time for everyone to catch up with each other. This is an important part of the Chinese traditions that helps keep the family bonded. 

The feast is expected to be sumptuous. It is not only for a good time together but also to symbolize a good start of the new year.

Food: Its meaning comes before taste. [Pic]

What to eat?

It is important to include certain symbolic dishes in the reunion dinner.

Symbolization is usually drawn from the name of the dish sounding similar to words that mean good luck, wealth, prosperity and the like.

Dumpling, symbolizes gold ingots. [Pic]

These dishes are pronounced differently in different Chinese dialects. We can expect their significance to vary among the various Chinese dialect groups. Some dishes may also be included because they shape like certain auspiscious items.

Here are some examples:

Fish (鱼,余) - Surplus
Meat balls (圆) - Togetherness
Lettuce (生菜, sang choy 生财 in Cantonese)- Growth in wealth
Bamboo shoots (笋,顺) - Smooth sailing
Sea cucumber (海参, hoy sum 开心 in Cantonese) - Happiness
Green vegetable - Evergreen
Lotus roots (莲,连) - Togetherness
Fresh oyster (生蚝,升豪) - Rising to prosperity
Dried oyster (蚝豉 hou si 好事 in Cantonese) - Good things
Long noodle - Longevity
Black moss (发菜 fatt choy 发财 in Cantonese) - Wealth
Abalone (包余) - Guaranteed abundance
Dumpling (饺子) - Shaped like gold ingots
Shallot (葱,聪)- Wisdom
Celery (芹,勤) - Diligence
Chicken (served whole) - Completeness
Glutinous rice cake or niangao (年糕) - Promotion or progress
Yusheng (鱼生 lohei 捞起 in Cantonese) - Abundance.
(Note: Yusheng is not a traditional dish for reunion dinner but it is definitely a tradition in the making.)

It is fine to finish every dish but one - the fish dish. Some leftover will be intentionally kept aside. This symbolize 'surplus' derived from the Chinese phrase 'nian nian you yu' (年年有余) which literrally means , 'having surplus every year'. 

It is convenient to eat out but not always pleasant. [Pic]

Eat in or out?

It is in the Chinese traditions to be home for the reunion dinner. Nothing beats having dinner at home and truly enjoy the warmth of the family.

However, in this fast-pace modern time, elaborate preparation for the feast is challenging. More people are loving the convenience of eating out. It has become so popular that advanced reservation is highly recommended especially at popular restaurants. In some restaurants in Singapore, diners are given time slots and are expected to complete their meals within the given time.

Yusheng, a tradition in the making. [Pic]

Restaurants are also competing to come up with innovative menus. Dishes are given prosperous sounding name and priced auspisciously, eg. S$388 or S$888. You will never find a reunion dinner package priced at $444. (See Numbers in Chinese culture)

There are only so many families a restaurant can take in at any one time. So, businesses have been quick in coming up with 'takeaway pacakges' giving the best of both worlds. You do not have to dine in a rush with so many strangers around you.  However, this only works if you have sufficient room to accommodate everyone in the family.

Steamboat: An all-time favorite. [Pic]

Cooked dishes or steamboat?

Cooked dishes are wonderful as the ingredients can be prepared in many ways. However, you can only have so may dishes in one meal.

Steamboat (火锅) is a practical alternative to hold a reunion dinner. Everyone can add any imaginable ingredient in the bubbling broth, whipping up every possible combination of good luck and wealth in the soup.

Reunion dinners are being held earlier these days. [Pic]

Literally translated steamboat or huoguo means 'fire pot' in Chinese. It has its name originated from traditional steamboat which uses charcoal fire to heat the pot.

Traditionally, reunion dinner is also known as weilu (围炉) which means circling around the stove. From this, we can imagine how reunion dinner was held during the ancient time.

Traditionally, married daughters are excluded from reunion dinners. [Pic]

Eating with?

Traditionally, children away from home are expected to come back for the dinner. Married daughters will join their husbands and they will return home on the second day of the new year.

In Singapore, (694 km² / 268 sq mi) nobody lives more than an hour away from another. Married children continue to visit their parents regularly. Given this, the significance of reunion dinner is somewhat reduced to an occasion to feast rather than a time to reunite.

Where possible, parents would want to dine with all their children, son or daughter, married or otherwise. As such, it will not be possible for every family to hold reunion dinner on the eve of the new year. Nowadays, reunion dinner begins a week or two before the actual day.

It is not too early to start feasting now. Happy reunion and wishing you a prosperous Dragon year!

Related articles:

"Lunar New Year Ang Pow 101"

"Beat the Spring Cleaning Blues"

"It's Time to Chill Out, Not Stress Out"

"The 15 Days of Lunar New Year"

"Wishing You A Blessed Year Ahead"

"In the end, life teaches us what is important, and that is family." (Stephen Covey)

Beat the Spring Cleaning Blues

If new year spring cleaning is on your to-do list, read on.

Traditionally, spring cleaning (春节大掃除) is done before Chinese New Year to welcome the new season with a clean house. This marks a new beginning with the hope to bring good luck.

The next Chinese New Year is only a couple of weeks away (23 Jan 2012) and there are loads of preparation to do. Traditionally, this is also the time to feel stressed out. With the sight of messy rooms, dusty shelves and unkept Christmas decorations, you just hope that you have another month.

Spring cleaning need not be a hair-pulling time. Take a look at a few pointers below. I hope the list will lessen your stress so that you can welcome the Dragon Year with a jolly mood.

10. Spring cleaning - Outsourced

If for some reasons, you are unable or unwilling to do the chores yourself, consider outsoursing. However, many cleaning companies would have their booking list filled up by now. Note this tip and make your reservation earlier next time.

Reserve spring cleaning service early. [Pic]

9. Spring cleaning - DIY

The tips will be too long to be included here. Just google "spring cleaning tips" and you will find loads of information. The idea here is to work smart and not just work hard.

8. Have a plan

Draw up a plan on what needs to be done. Handle a few items each day and that will prevent a last minute panic attack. Very often, we feel stressed out just thinking about what needs to be done. Getting something done (no matter how little) brings on satisfaction and that helps to motivate you.

7. Have a checklist

In the interest of time, you want to be systematic and save effort. Have a checklist (see example) which you can use every year. Pick tasks based on the amount of time allocated for the day.

Plan spring cleaning tasks and handle
them systematically. [Pic]

6. Stay healthy

The tendency is to work doubly hard and if possible, into late nights. That is usually not worth the while. You may end up spending more time later nursing yourself back to health. Falling sick during the festive time means missing out all the good food and fun. Don't.

5. Fight procrastination

Tomorrow sometimes never come. No one enjoys spring cleaning (you know anyone who does?) but you have to do what you have to do. Put your acts together and throw your excuses aside. See "Procrastination is Best Left Till Tomorrow".

4. Be disciplined

Ouch! The 'D' word hurts. But you need that in many things and that includes spring cleaning. Many people see 'Discipline' to be a big enemy which is hard to conquer. Get rid of that idea. 'Self Discipline' is a collection of good habits which you can build. Read more in "Choose Your Pain: Discipline or Regret".

Discipline is not a scary word. [Pic]

3. Stop multitasking

Contrary to popular beliefs, multitasking is in fact one of the main killers of productivity. You may think that you are getting much done. The truth is you are getting many tasks going but badly done. See "Farewell to Multitasking".

2. Be motivated

You need motivation not just for spring cleaning but everything else you do everyday. It is easy to feel unmotivated and you would need to know how to refuel. See "Get Your Daily Motivation".

1. Cheer up

Finally, if you are feeling down and can't get started, you need to fight the G Force and get up. You don't have much time left. See "Get Yourself a "Cheer Up' First Aid Kit".

Multitasking is not a good idea. [Pic]

Most importantly, do away with the need for spring cleaning. Keep your house clutter-free and buy only what you need. That makes daily cleaning easy and there will be less need, or better still, no need for an annual spring cleaning.

Let's welcome the Dragon Year with a set of new habits.

Other similar articles:

"It's Time to Chill Out, Not Stress Out"

"The Power of Habit"

"The Power of Small Steps"

"Up Your 'Feel Good Factor'"

"To think too long about doing a thing often becomes its undoing." (Eva Young)

A Reflection: 10 Years After 911

10 years on...will the world ever forgive and forget? [Pic]

Today is the 11th of September 2011, 10 years after the horrific incident which will take the world forever to forget.

On that fateful day, two hijacked planes crashed into the twin towers of the New York World Trade Center. Another crashed into the Pentagon, the headquarters of the US Defense. The forth one crashed in Pennsylvania.

All these four unforgettable tragedies took thousands of lives and they were no accidents nor coincidence. The planned acts were driven by seemingly insurmountable hatred among groups of human beings.

On the same day three years ago, I wrote "I Guess I'll Never Understand" and wondered why human hatred can be so extreme that nothing else seemed to matter. I am not any wiser today.

Human hatred can be so extreme that nothing else
seemed to matter.

Have we become worse?

In the beginning, the cavemen were preoccupied with physical survival. They hunted and they fought with animals. They became territorial and guarded their turfs. Back then, human beings fought and kill each other because they were protecting their families and food.

Over the last few millenia, men added more sophistication in their lives: language, religion, ethnic and culture. Lifestyle became more varied and beliefs became more complex. It is no longer just about food and shelter.

Today, we need more. At least, that is what most people think. In our hectic pursuit of what we think we need, we forget about some simple facts of life. We lose ourselves in materialism and become anemic in spirituality.

Are you losing yourselves in materialism and
becoming anemic in spirituality? [Pic]

On the anniversary of the painfully unforgettable day, let's spend a moment to take stock of ourselves.

Gratitude

We complain and we complain a lot. However, if we were to take a step back, we would realize that we have been complaining about things that we can do without and forget to be thankful for the richness that has already been given to us.

We forget that we were born healthy, we received education, we have three meals a day, we have clean water, we have jobs and we have our loved ones with us. The list does not stop here.

See "Sometimes, I Forget..." and learn to complete the sentence "I am thankful for.." everyday, starting from now.

Be thankful for the gifts and richness
bestowed upon you. [Pic]

Needs

We are constantly being lured by glitzy advertisements and busy 'keeping up with the Joneses'. We want more the moment we have more. The pursuit never ends and increasingly serves less purposes: A more powerful automobile is not going to bring you to office any sooner in the morning; a bigger house is not going to make your family much happier and a more sumptuous meal only means more wastage.

Do ponder over the notion 'The More The Merrier'.

Now

How much of your time is spent embracing 'Now'? Some people live in the past and feel sorry for things they can no longer change. Some people hope for a better tomorrow but do little to make that happen. Some people often forget that 'Now' is not here forever and there are only so many 'tomorrows'.

In 'The Last Lecture' I tried to imagine if we were to know our 'expiry date' right from the start of our lives, would we have lived our lives differently?' Would you?

Complete the sentence "I am thankful for..." everyday,
starting from now.  [Pic]

Learning

We do not stop learning after leaving our last learning institution. No one disagrees with that but few truly understand and practice lifelong learning. We seem to have loads of reasons why we have no time to keep up. Some of which, I must say, are creative. In 'Lifelong Learning - My Way", I said that it is about making it a habit and making it a priority.

Learn everything you can, anytime you can, from anyone you can - there will always come a time when you will be grateful you did.

Nature

We do not own the Earth and yet we behave like we have another one out there. If all the seven billion of us could be gentler to the Earth, this blue marble can certainly be happier. After all, it is the only thing we have in common.

See "The '350' Global Warming Alert", take a little interest on global warming and see "Say NO To Plastic Bags" and start doing something within your means, at least.

Not forgetting our animal friends. If you plan to keep one at home, do remember that "A Pet is for Life". Have some "(Cruel) Food For Thought" when you put what is left of them in your plates. Take a look at "(Cruel) Food For Thought #2" too.

We do not own the Earth. Do live harmoniously
with nature. [Pic]

Happiness

Everyone wants to be happy but many go the opposite way and make themselves miserable. How very odd. Is it really so difficult to be happy?

In "Happiness is a Choice", I wrote that we can become happier if we learn to tell apart what we can control and what we can't. It will definitely help if we always examine ourselves first before blaming anyone. In "Happiness Quotient", I reckoned that the secret for being a happy person is not that complex and we should not make it so.

Will time ever erase the pain in the past? [Pic]

So, 10 years on, with Bin Laden dead, has the world become more peaceful? I am not certain. What I am certain is that each of us owe ourselves the duty to make ourselves a better person. Make this your daily reminder: "Be a "Better Me" Everyday".

Finally, let's not forget those who died, those who were never found and those who were left behind on September 11, 2001, just because some individuals had forgotten to "Think "Better, Not "Bitter".

"If everyone demanded peace instead of another television set, then there'd be peace." ~John Lennon~

It's Time for Moon-Gazing Party

Waiting for the fullest and brightest moon on
the Mid Autumn Festival. [Pic]

In a week's time (12 Sep 2011), we will be celebrating the Mid Autumn Festival (中秋节).

According to the lunar calendar, this festival falls on the 15th day of the eighth month every year. It is not known when it began but some historians believe that it has its origin from a few thousands years ago. In those days, life evolved largely around agricultural activities. During the mid autumn, farmers would celebrate good harvests under the full moon in the eight month.

In the early days, the Chinese would worship the moon during the Mid Autumn Festival. Later, the tradition evolved to a more leisurely moon-gazing, wine-sipping and poem-reciting celebration. Many Chinese poems from the Tang and Song Dynasties include poetic appreciation of the moon.

Mid Autumn, a festival for moon-gazing,
wine-sipping and poem-reciting. [Pic]

When is the moon at its brightest?

The moon is said to be the fullest and the brightest during the mid autumn and there is even an ancient Chinese saying for it (月到中秋分外明). However, some may disagree and say that the brightest moon is found during the Winter Solstice (冬至).

In fact, in the last Winter Solstice (21 Dec 2010), we experienced a rare occurrence where the Winter Solstice coincided with lunar eclipse. On that day, the moon was said to be big, round and red, nothing we have seen since 1378.

Meteorologically, the moon is not necessarily the brightest during the Mid Autumn Festival. Earlier this year, we have just seen a Supermoon on 19 Mar 2011. On that day, the moon was said to be the nearest to the Earth in 18 years, making it the brightest, biggest and perhaps, the most threatening. Yes, threatening...

Is there any connection between natural
disasters and the moon? [Pic]

Should the moon be blamed for disasters?

Just a week before the Supermoon Day, Japan experienced one of the most powerful earthquake in history (11 Mar 2011). The quake has brought about the most monstrous tsunami that sent shock waves globally. Half a year later, Japan is still licking its wound inflicted by the nightmarish natural disaster.

Some people have speculated that the supermoon is responsible for natural disasters such as earthquakes. However, scientists have thought otherwise saying that there has been no evidence so far.

Is there a bunny up on the moon? [Pic]

What's up on the moon?

The moon must have ignited much imagination since time immemorial. According to folklore, Chang'e (嫦娥), the goddess of the Moon, lived up there with the Jade Rabbit. During full moon, take a good look at the moon and you might just spot the shape of the bunny in the dark shadows on the Moon.

Neil Armstrong, the first man on the moon, was there to check out on 20 Jul 1968. Ask him and he will tell you he saw no rabbit on that remarkable day.

The festival, today

In these modern days, we celebrate the Mid Autumn Festival contemporarily. In Singapore, the day is not one of the Public Holidays. Notwithstanding that, it would be difficult not to know that the festival is around the corner.

The businessmen would be at their top form, trying to lure you to buy their ever-most-creative mooncakes. They would stop at nothing to make their products eye-catching and attractive. This has drawn some criticism on ''unnecessary and wasteful mooncake packaging'.

Mooncake is the traditional sweet cookies during
the Mid Autumn Festival. [Pic]

The Mid Autumn Festival is also known as the 'Lantern Festival'. Decorations would feature lanterns in elaborate designs. The little ones are certainly more keen to carry their lanterns around the neighborhood than to taste some of the most exotic mooncakes. In nearby Malaysia, it has been reported that the Angry Birds lanterns are flying out of the stores fast.

Traditionally, Mid Autumn Festival celebration is preceded with presentation of mooncake as gifts to friends and relatives. However, in the eyes of the Chinese tax authorities, these are not ordinary gifts. Since 1994, employees who receive such gifts from their employers are to pay a 'mooncake tax' as part of their personal income tax for the benefits they enjoy. Needless to say, such a move has left a bitter taste in the mouths of the Chinese taxpayers. (See more Weird Tax Stories)

If you are in Singapore, you may want to check out Mid-Autumn Festival Street Light-Up, Street Bazaar, Mass Lantern Walk, Nightly Stage Shows in Chinatown or Lantern Festival at Chinese Garden.

There are hungry people elsewhere.
Go easy on food wastage. [Pic]

Spare a thought during the festive time

In "Where's The Bunny?" I wrote in 2008, I noted that "Everybody seems to be rushing to buy for everybody. The net result of this whole hullabaloo is the handsome profit netted by the merchants and loads of unconsumed mooncakes being transferred from those gleaming boxes to the least glamorous trash bins."

I doubt that things are any different this year. While you are in the mood to indulge in the sweet cookies, spare some thoughts for the hungry people in some other parts of the world. Go easy on food wastage!

Happy moon-gazing l!!

"In our daily lives, we must see that it is not happiness that makes us grateful, but the gratefulness that makes us happy." ~Albert Clarke~

Waiting for the Ones: 11-11-11

What are your thoughts on 11-11-11? [Pic]

On Sep 9 2009, I wrote in "When All The Nines Collide":

"090909 is obviously a unique date and we are only left with just three more similarly 'unique' days: 101010, 111111 and 121212."

In about three months' time, Nov 11 2011 or the "111111" day, will be here. This time, I shall write about it ahead of time.

November 11 is the 315th day of the year. Just like any other day, it is one of the 365 days (366 for leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. However, in 2011, the day will make a never-to-be-repeated date combo of 11-11-11.

Planning to tie the knot on 11-11-11? [Pic]

Many people would have found the date special and have made plans months ahead to spend the day in a memorable way. Among other things, I expect many couples to tie knots on 11-11-11. Well, if that is your plan as well, you have 10 weeks to file your application for marriage at the Registry of Marriages (ROM) ie. Aug 11 to Oct 20 2011.

If you are one of those who are fascinated by the number combo, I have some fascinating facts (and fiction) to share with you.

Make a wish at time 11:11 and see your
wish come true? [Pic]

Time 11:11

When it comes to time, the number 1111 has some strange significance.

Some people believe that if they make a wish each time they see 11:11 on the clock, their wish will come true. I am unable to verify the origin of this belief but I do see people playfully make wishes at the 11th minute of the 11th hour.

So, does it mean that on 11-11-11, at 11:11, your biggest wish will come true? At least, someone must have believed it enough to create a Fecebook page with the title 'Nov 11, 2011, at 11:11 your biggest wish will come true.11/11/11 11:11'.

Remembrance Day

At the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, World War I ended. Today, Nov 11 is marked as the 'Remembrance Day'. It is a memorial day observed in Commonwealth countries to remember the members of their armed forces who have died on duty in the war.

Leonardo DiCaprio: 37th Birthday
on 11-11-11 [Pic: Wiki]

Happy Birthday!

Leonardo DiCaprio, well known for his lead role in Titanic, was born on 11 Nov 1974. He will be celebrating this 37th birthday on 11-11-11.

The 'Palindrome Number' game

When you multiply '11', '111', '1111' and so on, with itself, you will get a palindrome number.

A palindrome number is a number which remains the same when read from left to right or the other way round. '123454321' is an example.

Take out your calculator now and see some creation of palindrome numbers when you use the fascinating 'ones':

111111 x 111111 = 12345654321

111111111 x 111111111 = 12345678987654321

"11-11-11" the movie will be released
on 11-11-11. [Source]

"11-11-11", the movie

Well, no prize for getting it right, the movie will be officially released on 11-11-11. The storyline evolves around the '11:11 phenomenon' with strange happenings and constant sightings of the number 11. In the story, '11-11-11' is more than just a date. It is a 'warning'.

The movie is directed by Darren Lynn Bousman, the same director for Saw II, Saw III and Saw IV. I do not suppose the movie is meant for the fainthearted. Watch the trailer.

The 'Singles Day'

This day is also known as 'One's Day' or 'Guang Gun Jie' (光棍节) and it is celebrated by singles in China. This pop culture is believed to have originated from the Nanjing University in 1993.

'Guang Gun' (光棍) means 'bachelor' in Chinese. The date 11-11 is chosen because it consists of four 'ones'.

Demographically, China is experiencing one of the worst gender ratio imbalance in the world. It was reported that, the 2010 figures showed a ratio of '119 boys born per 100 girls'. The ratio went as high as 140:100 in some rural areas. At this rate, we can expect more bachelors to be celebrating the 'Singles Day' in the years to come.

Pepero Day in Korea is celebrated like
Valentine's Day. [Source]

The 'Pepero Day'

While the bachelors in China celebrate their 'single' status, young people in Korea celebrate the 'Pepero Day' on the same day.

Pepero is a brand of cookie stick dipped in chocolate sauce and it has been a popular snack in Korea since the 1980s. The day is so-called because 11-11 resembles four Pepero sticks.

In Korea, 'Pepero Day' is akin to 'Valentine's Day'. On this day, couples exchange Pepero sticks and other gifts to reaffirm their special relationship. Some would even time their exchange at 11:11. (see article)

The world is going to end on 11-11-11? [Pic]

The unknown

There are many other suggestions in the Internet about the meaning of '11-11-11'. Many of them are mysterious and mind-boggling, relating to prophecy, astrology and divinity. Some people question if that day would be the 'end of the world' while some believe it will be the day a 'New World' will be created.

I do not know enough to believe or dismiss any of those suggestions. However, I do believe that the special number combo has triggered many unusual ideas.

11-11-11 is three months away. You have time to decide how you would like to make that day special for you. For me, it is going to be just another 'TGIF' day.

"Men willingly believe what they wish." ~Julius Caesar~

Lunar New Year Ang Pow 101

Traditional Lunar New Year dish - Yusheng (raw fish salad) [Pic]

The Chinese Lunar New Year is celebrated over a period of 15 days.

From 3 Feb to 17 Feb this year, I join billions of Chinese around the world celebrate our most important traditional festival. As in all traditions, what we do today is largely a reflection of what how our forefathers think in the past. One of the most common practices during the Lunar New Year is the giving of red packets.

What are Red Packets?

Red packets are red envelopes enclosed with money. Generally, they symbolize 'good luck'.

It is hongbao (红包) in Mandarin but we like to call it ang pow here in Singapore. Else where, it is also known as li xi (利是 or 利事) or lai see as pronounced in Cantonese. Li xi can roughly be translated into 'good for business'. Ang pows are also given out during other happy occasions such as wedding and birthday celebrations.

Red envelopes are usually decorated
with motifs related to abundance, luck,
health and happiness. [Pic]

How to give ang pows during Lunar New Year?

This is a centuries old tradition and many variations have evolved over time. Today, it would be difficult to get all the Chinese to agree on a common set of practice.

There are possibly many variations around the world but here are 12 seen in Singapore:

12. Who should give?

Tradition: Married couples or the elderly give ang pows to unmarried juniors.

Variation: Young unmarried adults give ang pows to their parents once they begin to receive their own income.

11. Who to give to?

Tradition: Ang pows are given to juniors or unmarried young adults.

Variation: Some elderly continues to give ang pows to younger relatives even after they are married. As a gesture of goodwill, bosses give ang pows to workers. Appreciative customers may also give ang pows to service personnel such as waiters.

10. Must ang pows contain money?

Tradition: Ang pows contain money. This tradition originated as giving Ya Sui Qian (压岁钱) to children to ward off bad luck. Ya Sui Qian roughly means 'money used to suppress the evil spirits'.

Variation: Sometimes, chocolate coins are found in ang pows. It would be rude to do this to friends and relatives. However, shops may give them out to please their customers in a more affordable way. Some businesses give ang pows containing lottery tickets and hope that their customers will have some luck with them.

This Lunar New Year is the Year of the Rabbit. [Pic]

9. What is an appropriate amount of money to give?

Tradition: The amount varies with circumstances (See 8). In Singapore, it is not uncommon to give from a couple of dollars up to several hundred. Even numbers are preferred because odd numbers are usually associated with cash given during funerals. A point to note, even numbers here are not in the mathematical sense. For example, 30 is odd but 20 is even. "8", sounding similar to 'fortune' is welcome while "4" sounding similar to 'death' is to be avoided.

Variation: It is acceptable to give a single bank note of S$10 or S$50. It is also common to find ang pows containing S$4 made up of two S$2 notes.

see Numbers in Chinese culture

8. How to vary the amount?

Tradition: Amounts vary based on the closeness of relationship. For example, a higher amount is given to nephews and lesser to children of acquaintances.

Variation: A higher amount is expected from a wealthier person. A higher amount is also given to friends and relatives with lesser means. Working singles usually get less compared to their non-working counterparts.

7. When to give?

Tradition: Give ang pows during the 15 days of celebration.

Variation: Give ang pows a few days before or after the 15-day period as well. This is especially so if there have been no opportunities to meet up during the new year period.

Pineapple tarts are hot favorites
for Lunar New Year. [Pic]

6. Can you request for one?

Tradition: A married person would not turn down such a request as it is unlucky to do so. However, parents regard the act of request as rude and would guide their children not to do it.

Variation: Youngsters cite greetings such as gong xi fa cai , hong bao yi ge lai (恭喜发财 红包一个来) and request for ang pows in jest. The phrase means 'Wishing you happiness and prosperity. May I have an ang pow from you please?' 

5. When do you open the ang pows?

Tradition: Avoid opening the envelopes in front of relatives as it is considered not courteous.

Variation: Parents may open their children's ang pows (discreetly) so that they can reciprocate in terms of amount of money.

4. Must ang pows contain new notes?

Tradition: Brand new notes are enclosed in red envelopes.

Variation: Newer-looking notes are issued by banks to cut down printing and to be more environmentally friendly.

Mandarin oranges are traditional symbols of
abundance and good fortune. [Pic]

3. Must ang pows be red?

Tradition: Ang pow literally means 'red package' or 'red envelope'.

Variation: Golden, yellow or orange packages are used in place of red ones.

2. Can you give coins in ang pows?

Tradition: Cash is given discreetly in red packets and the amounts are not immediately known. In the past, it was common to have coins in sealed envelopes.

Variation: Usually one or two notes instead of heavy coins are used so as to make it difficult to guess the amount inside. The envelopes are usually not sealed.

1. Must you give ang pows in person?

Tradition: Juniors receive ang pows when they visit the elderly.

Variation: Ang pows are given to absent relatives through those who visit in person.

Red is considered a 'lucky' color. [Pic]

When I was a kid, I paid little attention to how ang pows were supposed to be given. My main preoccupation then was the amount of my annual harvest. Today, I continue the tradition my ancestors have passed down. This time, I exercise some discretion. While I do observe parts of the tradition, I also adapt the practice with a modern twist. I believe our future generations will do likewise, continue to adopt and adapt.

No matter how traditions evolve over time, they remain an important glue to our social fabric. Let's not lose them.

See another article on Lunar New Year:

Don't Buy Rabbits in the Year of the Rabbit

The 15 Days of Lunar New Year

 

"Tradition is a guide and not a jailer." 
~William Somerset Maugham~