Today is the first day of the Chinese New Year and this is probably the first year that I have been conscious of it on the actual day - and given some thought to what is probably going on in Chinese families and communities all around the world.
It's one of the many international festive occasions that Australians are beginning to embrace -- a case of any excuse for a party! Of course it has always been a big occasion in Sydney, because of its higher proportion of population with an Asian ethnic background, but elsewhere it has taken off too.
I remember that when we lived in Broome around 18 years ago, everyone in the highly multi-cultural community there got involved with the Chinese New Year street procession. We were amused that there were more black and brown legs sticking out from under the cavorting dragon than legs that could feasibly have been pure Chinese.
I've become more aware of Chinese New Year celebrations since we experienced the real thing whilst staying in Shangahi some 10 years ago. Since then I have become friends with a Chinese-Vietnamese family who have included us among the recipients of their traditional New Year gifts - elaborate packages of candies and other foodstuffs such as their favourite Kuan Yin tea.
Then this year, for the first time, I received a greeting card from a long-time friend - an Australian born woman with Chinese immigrant grandparents. I found it delightful that, at almost 60, she had decided this year to share the celebration of her ethnic origins more widely among her friends.
So I've learnt that this is the Year of the Dog. With the arrival of a new grandchild sceduled for a few months hence, I took a peek to see what kind of little person we might expect. The personality profile started out in a most positive vein:
"People born in the Year of the Dog possess the best traits of human nature. They have a deep sense of loyalty, are honest, and inspire other people¡¦s confidence because they know how to keep secrets...."
After that it was all downhill - quite negative in fact. Our new little puppy-dog is likely to be 'selfish', 'stubborn', 'eccentric' and 'cold and distant' - and as well as that, fault finding and have a sharp tongue! At least we can be prepared!
Anyway I'm wishing a Happy New Year to those of you for whom it means something special.
I'm taking the opportunity of revising one or two of my not so realistic (read 'already broken') resolutions. And I'm toasting in the year with a cup of Ti Kuan Yin.
Gong Xi Fa Cai, to you too.
You had me going for a minute. Reading the description of the personality of people born in the Year of the Dog reminded me very much of myself.
But it's OK. I checked. 1948 was the Year of the Rat.
Posted by: Tjilpi | January 29, 2006 at 02:16 PM
Mmmm, so you're actually supposed to be 'charming, hardworking, thrifty and successful'. Hopefully, that is more like the real Tjilpi.
Posted by: Jude | January 30, 2006 at 06:22 AM
Thanks for those links, Jude. When I followed up the link to Sydney's celebrations, I saw that they have a lantern festival. They have one in Auckland that my dad and I visited a couple of years ago. It was the first time I had come across one, and it was magical! I've never heard of one in Melbourne or Bendigo, where the Chinese communities also celebrate in a big way - I'll check that out.
Posted by: Val | January 30, 2006 at 08:06 AM
Charming, yes. The rest I missed out on!
Posted by: Account Deleted | January 30, 2006 at 10:02 AM