Chinese New Year 2016

The Little China Company - Chinese New Year

 

Growing up in Sydney, Chinese New Year was always a festive occasion. Definitely a family meal at home with your family and extended family. For children it was the excitement of receiving a”red packet” with money inside. Lucky money - was I to spend it or treasure it? Not like the beautifully red packets available today, our money was wrapped in whatever red paper was available - sometimes the paper left over from Christmas. But nevertheless, the excitement and joy was still the same.   Read More ...

I looked back fondly to sharing those Chinese New Year dinners with my grandmother and my parents. Memories of my relatives - aunts, uncles, cousins and my immediate family all gathering for the dinner which my grandmother lovingly prepared. Soup, chicken, seafood, vegetables and special Chinese desserts. Just a time for all the extended families to gather, enjoy the eating, laughs and conversation.

The Little China Company - Chinese Dumplings

The most memorable Chinese New Year was one spent in Guangzhou with my aunt and uncle. During the lead up to the New Year, there was quite a lot of activity as people were making preparations. Spring cleaning their homes, spot painting here and there, buying flowers and potted plants, buying the special New Year fruits and treats. Quite a lot of excitement about. And of course, many firecrackers were being let off by the children to ward off the “evil spirits”. As you can imagine the cacophony of sound as you weaved in and out of the streets of Guangzhou!

Of course, Chinese New Year symbolises the beginning of a new year. So prior to the new year, we try to put our house and finances in order. Starting off with a clean slate. More importantly, It is a time to celebrate with family sharing a wonderful meal.

Gong Hey Fat Choy (Cantonese) or Gong Xi Fa Cai (Mandarin)

Wishing you prosperity for the New Year!

  • Deidre has a degree in Mathematics and Psychology as well as Traditional Chinese Medicine specialising in Acupuncture and Chinese Herbalism. She has a particular interest in the use of Herbs with food.