Chinese New Year In Down Under
I am not sure how to describe the CNY celebration atmosphere in Down Under. This is because I am not sure if it is celebrated on a grand scale or on the quiet side. The weeks leading to CNY they are organized celebration in the suburbs of Springvale, Richmond, Footcrays or in the city during the weekends. Chinese migrants from China, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Phillipine will join in the celebration. Yep, Chinese from all around the world. There will be dragon dance, fire crackers, food stalls selling food and drinks, musical show and speeches from politicians etc.
I remember when we first came to Down Under and celebrated CNY, we were very excited to go into the city for the celebration. After one or 2 trips, it became boring. Most of it are opportunists out to make some quick bucks. Guess you seen it once, you seen it all.
I am one of the few lucky ones with some relatives living over here. So on New Year Eve we get to gather around to eat & drink and give Ang Pow to the nephews and nieces. Every year we rugi - give only. The only consolation we always tell ourselves is "It is more blessed to give than to received." Those who have no relatives either have no celebration or if they are lucky, they get invited to a friend's place.
Every year the dinner will be at BIL or SIL place. Their houses is bigger with large dining area, thus it makes sense to have it there. A few years ago, something happened and one of the BIL will not come to the CNY dinner at any of the above place. Any other time it is fine with him but not CNY. I won't get into the nitty gritty of it. So to have everyone for the CNY eve celebration, this year, it is held on the neutral ground - my place.
With some nephews and a niece studying over here, the number of people celebrating this CNY swell. We have a whooping 20 people to celebrate CNY eve in a small house and dining room. The young ones have standing room. I would love to invite more people, especially those who are alone. But that would be pushing it a bit.
Off course, you do get some remark, " Extend your house, lah, you alway have so many people coming in and out." Oi, as though I don't know. Wah, some people think I am a "OKK" (orang kaya kaya). Money don't grow on trees, you know!
Anyway the evening went well and already plans are made to have it here again next year. Pengsan, lah. If God is kind enough, let us hope some lost Uncle or Aunty has left us in his or her will a large sum of money so we can extend the house. Hmm, on the second thought I think I have better chance striking a lottery.
Cheerio!
I remember when we first came to Down Under and celebrated CNY, we were very excited to go into the city for the celebration. After one or 2 trips, it became boring. Most of it are opportunists out to make some quick bucks. Guess you seen it once, you seen it all.
I am one of the few lucky ones with some relatives living over here. So on New Year Eve we get to gather around to eat & drink and give Ang Pow to the nephews and nieces. Every year we rugi - give only. The only consolation we always tell ourselves is "It is more blessed to give than to received." Those who have no relatives either have no celebration or if they are lucky, they get invited to a friend's place.
Every year the dinner will be at BIL or SIL place. Their houses is bigger with large dining area, thus it makes sense to have it there. A few years ago, something happened and one of the BIL will not come to the CNY dinner at any of the above place. Any other time it is fine with him but not CNY. I won't get into the nitty gritty of it. So to have everyone for the CNY eve celebration, this year, it is held on the neutral ground - my place.
With some nephews and a niece studying over here, the number of people celebrating this CNY swell. We have a whooping 20 people to celebrate CNY eve in a small house and dining room. The young ones have standing room. I would love to invite more people, especially those who are alone. But that would be pushing it a bit.
Off course, you do get some remark, " Extend your house, lah, you alway have so many people coming in and out." Oi, as though I don't know. Wah, some people think I am a "OKK" (orang kaya kaya). Money don't grow on trees, you know!
Anyway the evening went well and already plans are made to have it here again next year. Pengsan, lah. If God is kind enough, let us hope some lost Uncle or Aunty has left us in his or her will a large sum of money so we can extend the house. Hmm, on the second thought I think I have better chance striking a lottery.
Cheerio!
posted by Silent Reader at 10:59 PM
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