Rat was the first animal represented in the Chinese Zodiac. There are a total of fifteen days of Chinese New Year according to the lunar calendar. This year has marked the start of a round of 12 years. Here, I would like to make a review on the 15 days of celebrations as well as the New year eve.
Usually, my family will pay a visit to relatives' house. Nevertheless, it was a good time for me to gather with friends. For Chinese, gamble has become an activity that would not be missing out during Chinese New Year.
To me, my mum was a good cook. She was spending a month to do all the preparation includes making cookies. she has been busy until no time for meal and rest. Among the foods that I like most are pineapple tart and butter cake.
I did not feel the New Year mood although there are a few days to go. This is because; I have been started to work in The Star since 04 of January. Working life had driven my attention. This New Year seem to be a usual holiday. On 5th of February, I went back to Taiping by my cousin's friend car.
On 5th February night, I hang out with my buddies at Prima cafe. Chinese New Year is the time for us to meet up. Normally, we ordered a cup of drink and spent the whole night there. I am happy to meet everyone. Thong Jian was always not present for our gathering. However, he was there for that night.
Previously, our reunion dinner was together with relatives. This year, we had separated. We took it ourselves. Although less people, the crabs cooked by my mum brought us the satisfaction.
In midnight, we visited to several temples to pay our respect to God. It has become one of our cultures. After that, my parents gave me and my sister ang pow. Both of us must wait for them to go for bed before us. It is a sign of their longevity.
Every year, we will skipped meat on the first day of Chinese New Year. My aunt will cook us delicious vegetarian foods on that day. We also visited our grandma and uncles stayed in Selama. My sister and I would not miss the change to catch several favourite TV programmes.Of course, I am quite enjoyed to chat with my cousins.
On the second day, we went to my mother hometown, Trong. I met my aunties and cousins. Ang Pow will not be miss out including to get from my lovely grandma. After having lunch, we started to gamble and chit chat with each others. Night time, my friends called me out to visit to some friends. Normally, we spent our time to gamble. This is the time, where our parents will not restrict us from that.
The same things I did on third day of Chinese New Year. (with my friends and relatives)
Unfortunately, This time round I have to go back to KL earlier than usual. This is because; I have to continue my work.
On 8th day, again I went back to Taiping to pray on the Birth day of Jade Emperor. This is the time where my mum will busy with all the preparation for the praying ceremony. For Hokkien community, that was the biggest day for them compare to the entire 15 days of Chinese New Year. on the 8th day night (sharp 12 midnight), We will start the ceremony. After that, we will gather to enjoy the foods especially roasted pork.
Indeed, it was a great year of Rat Chinese New Year celebration.
