Chinese New Year is just about to kick off here in Malaysia - and around the world. (Yup, the Google doodle is all about it today!) With the diverse population here we are lucky to celebrate a multitude of holidays - and this is another new one for us! It's been great fun learning a little bit about this holiday - although, I don't think we've even learned a fraction of what we could/will! We have our lanterns hanging at the house, the kids have been sure to tell me that this is the Year of the Horse (You can go here and learn what year you were born in. I was born the year of the dog as was Grayson - oy vey! No wonder he's my mini-me in personality!), and they've been saying, "Gong Xi Fa Cai!" a lot!
The malls are all decorated. Some of them are just beautiful.
Some of the gorgeous decorations
The boys showing a giant rabbit some love!
Lanterns and horses everywhere!
Some of the neat plants that are often given as gifts
Another thing we've learned about is ang pao or red envelopes. These little envelopes with money in them are often given to younger, unmarried people and children. Yes, the boys scored some ang pao and now think that Chinese New Year rocks - even if you're not Chinese.
Ang pao envelope
There is a lot of gift giving that goes on during this holiday - food and hampers (gift baskets). Mandarin oranges are very traditional and you see them being delivered places by the cases and cases. They are a symbol of good fortune and abundance.
Oranges and hampers
Blaine's office has been overwhelmed with hampers and oranges and other gifts. His secretary, Ser-Pin made the most amazing cookies (which she sells at this time of year) and gave Blaine about 5 different kinds - which we have been happily eating all week. He's had vendors give him various things - even a case of Coke. (I'm sure that's because it's red - the dominant color of the season.)
Just a few of the cookies and treats we've received!
Anyways, in conjunction with the holiday - school is closed tomorrow and Monday. Lots of businesses are closed and we're going to enjoy a quiet weekend here in KL. Wishing all of our family and friends much prosperity in the new year!
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