Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year, or the "Lunar New Year" is bigger than New Year's Eve here in Singapore. This year, the date was 14th of February - Singaporeans have two days off work (National Holidays) following the busy weekend. During the celebration, restaurants and stores close down, but the streets come alive (especially in Chinatown which is around the corner from me). One of the days before the actual new year, families gather (much like our Thanksgiving) and cook all day and spend quality time indoors.

This year is the year of the Tiger - so all the stores have been and are still selling stuffed tigers, Tiger figurines, the TV is reporting on how to save the wild tigers, etc. I feel at home since I'm an Auburn Tiger. And, of course, I've been told the last wild tiger in Singapore was caught underneath a pool table in Raffles Hotel in 1902.

As you walk through the city, all the stores have orange trees with red ribbons outside. And, everyone carries around red bags with oranges in them and the fruit stands are filled with oranges. I've asked and it seems oranges represent Spring and renewal.

There are all kinds of parades and celebrations. I caught a street performance with drums, symbols, and performers dressed as mythical dragon creatures and of course, a Tiger.

Gong Hei Fatt Choy (congrats and be prosperous)!