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| Gong Xi Fa Cai - Happy Chinese New Year
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I have such wonderful memories of Chinese New Year. My father was Eurasian, born and bred in the Caribbean, spending his formative years in China as was the custom of children of wealthy parents. My Chinese ancestors married Creoles. These men came from Canton and Shanghai. I remember the incredible amount of food my father would cook, the firecrackers, the red lanterns, the dancing dragons and gifts received. Red is a popular color and denotes themes of happiness, longevity and wealth. It is a good time to reconcile, forget all grudges and sincerely wish each other peace and happiness. The Year of the Dragon coincides with my personal theme of harmony as we move ahead in our lives revitalizing our enthusiasm for life. I also grew up Catholic and around this time, there was always the blessing of throats on the Feast of St. Blaise. So we pray for relief and protection from unkind, speech, choking curses and lies. I like this combination of traditions: wishing peace and blessing of throats. May the Lord of all reconciliation touch our hearts and minds. "Gong Xi Fa Cai." In this Year of the Dragon, may we rediscover new energy, vitality and enthusiasm for what truly matters in our lives. "Han-ei."
Thank you! We love your blog and enjoy your writing and your pictures too.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing these special occasions, and for us to appreciate the traditions of your ancestry, family, and catholic faith in the same breath. It is a blessing to have an open mind, and to increase one's depth of understanding.
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