my lil'Chomel

CNY used to be a big thing for my family with weeks of cleaning, baking and going to the market at 5 am with my father on CNY eve so that we don't have to rush with the crowd. I can still feel the cold chilly air as a pillion rider on the motorcycle (easier to park and avoid jam) and it was still dark outside. The whole town seems to be still fast asleep but as we got near the town market, there were many aunties and uncles busy choosing their stuffs. The market place were lighted up amidst the dark surrounding. Those were the days when CNY was THE event of the year.

For me this year, it was just a moderate celebration. I did write a post on it and it was not a happy post. So, I decided not to publish it but instead write on what I wish for (a better) CNY celebration next year!

I wish that I can do a proper house cleaning.

I wish to celebrate CNY with my family members. I've not celebrated CNY with my brother for a few years already. Or go back to my grandmother's place to eat her chicken gulai, acar, ju hu char, perut ikan, chai boay... yum yum yum.

May my wish comes true.

Chinese New Year is not just about big feasts, family reunions, firecrackers and ang pows. The hype about what the animal sign of the year has to offer is beginning to get a lot of attention. One can read about it in newspapers, magazines, websites, books, tv and other communication mediums written by many feng shui masters. Just to prove that I am right, Hubby just bought 3 books on this subject matter. I, myself are drawn to one particular feng shui master who speaks on how the elements of the environment affects your feng shui. Personally, I feel feng shui is about the (dis)harmony of the elements in one's environment and how they work together to one's (dis)advantage. Thus, by educating oneself about that, it is hoped that by moving around these elements can help improve the harmony of the elements to the advantage of that person.

Each year I try to make sense of what they say because I don't practice feng shui. Should I practice what they say? Sometimes, unconsciously I do. Sometimes only the practical ones. I follow most of what my father believed in. I don't think it is 100% feng shui teachings but just some mixture of custom beliefs and modern day practicality.

1. Do not wear black during Chinese New Year (eventhough I protested against this when I was young). Well, CNY is all about celebration and black is usually worn when one is mourning. So, go figure.

2. Have something alive in the house like a plant or a pet. This gives some freshness in the house. I used to buy flowers and put them in the house. Not only they add colours but fresh flowery smell as well.

3. No dark corners. For me, dark corners have stale air. Airing the house is good to rid of germs.

4. Don't be loud when having meals and don't shake your legs. (According to my father, you will scare the God of wealth away). Hahahaha... personally, more noise you make, more air will get into your stomach thus causing stomach discomfort. As for shaking of legs, well, you will just distract people from enjoying a peaceful meal with the family members. So don't be rude.

Well, I guess one can practice anything that brings good to the person and everyone around them. As much as it is fun to know what is in store for you this year, do take it as a rough guide only. Do not let it dominates your life but you are in control (according to God's will). Hope that everyone will have a good year ahead. Gong Xi Fa Cai 2008!

How can I not write anything about Chinese New Year? Its just around the corner!

I'm just going to do (and force Hubby to join in) some basic cleaning. Maybe because my body and mind are still in retaliation in doing tons of work just before CNY. After over 20 years of cleaning and cleaning and cleaning, I just need a rest... for another year or two. I don't know about others, but we chinese will start cleaning the house weeks before the big day! Seriously, one day clean the kitchen cabinet, another day wipe all the grills, another day clean another cabinet, another day clean the bedroom and wash the porch, and paint the gates, and clean the windows and wash the curtains, and wash everything.

Of course, after the all the work is done, it is time to celebrate. Well, its CNY la. Its time for eating, getting together, get money, loose money and watch TV till morning. I miss my dad's house during CNY. Everything will be decorated with red decorations, lanterns, cookies on the table and everyone will come over to visit. The young visiting the old bearing gifts, oranges and all dressed in red coloured clothes (Note: Jonathan, do remember this chinese custom).

Which reminds me to check on Jonathan's clothes and see if he has enough new clothes. Preferably red or orange or something real bright. Call me old fashion, call me anything. Its Chinese New Year!