Chinese New Year

This is the year of the dragon, which promises a year of luck and prosperity.  Many families of Chinese descent gather together and celebrate the mark of a new year.  Food is the main priority however it is also an excuse to spend time with one another.  Menu items generally include fish, chicken and egg rolls shaped into a gold bullion, symbolizing prosperity, pork Siu Mai topped with black moss, signifying good fortune and wealth, and many other dim sum specials.  Even though I am not of Chinese descent, I feel honoured to have a few good friends and are very inviting to share their culture with me.  They have taught me that traditionally when youngsters wish the seniors good health, a red envelope with small amounts of money inside is given to the children to wish them in turn good luck and good fortune in the new year.  You are neither expected nor required to give a gift in return.  I was once a bridesmaid for my friend from Hong Kong and I was surprised I was given red envelopes left, right and centre throughout the whole wedding day.  Couldn’t complain about that x) This weekend it was a celebration with friends and family in which it was suggested to wear either gold or red.  But with me, I usually pull out all the stops and wear my wavy one shoulder red top, a casual grey blazer and placed my hair in a bun held by two chop sticks.  I ended up actually looking more oriental than others lol  Gung Hay Fat Choy! A very cheeky new year to you too xoxo d’Avelu