A New Year - Part 3

Prang, Prang, Prang, Prang, Prang! goes to sound of the firecrackers. And these are not just the one or two, but the long series one which goes on for quite a bit. During this period, lion dance troops will comb the various commercial and residential areas for a bit of pocket money. And it is customary to throw firecrackers at the feet of the "lions" to scare away evil spirits (if you have the firecrackers that is). To me, Chinese New Year without the sound of the firecrackers or fireworks is somehow simply not Chinese New Year.

Again, what is Chinese New Year without the lion dance? Actually, you see that little horn on the lion's head? It's really not a lion, but a "Ki-Lin". This shot was taken from my cousin's house, with her two broods enjoying themselves tremendously showing off their lion dancing skills, with background "toong, toong, toong, chiang" as well (yes, there was a chinese drum set which someone else played). Even to the extent of the lion peeling and eating (literally in this case) the oranges. Quite cute, although my cousin and her hubby told us that during the run-up to Chinese New Year, the neighbours sort of complained of the noise the two wonderful terrors made, but was very tolerant during the actual festive season itself. Incidentally, I made a video recording of the two doing their lion dance. No mean feat for two boys aged 7 and 5. Ahh, the wonders of youth, with energy aplenty.

A simple, but elegant (at least I think so) Chinese New Year decor at my cousin's house. Yes, same cousin with the two boys doing the lion dance. Incidentally, the firecrackers hanging towards the back of the picture was made by the younger (5-year old) nephew as part of his school project. Cool!

Incidentally, the Chinese places so much importance on protocol. An Aunty is not just an Aunty for example. There is rank, as is eldest aunty, or eldest uncle. Relatives are differentiated by "rank" from both the father and mother side. Seriously, where else would you hear "cousin brother" or "cousin sister"? Such a contrast to the western usage of "cousin" etc.

And during such festive period, the young ones are taught the proper name calling by rank. In Hakka, an uncle can be "KuChong", "SukSuk", or even "PaPak", depending upon the seniority of it all. And that's not even putting the seniority number in front, eg, "TaiPak" (eldest uncle on the father's side - an uncle who is older than your father), "YeePak" (second eldest uncle, older than your father), and assuming that your father is the third eldest male child, "SeeSuk" (refers to the fourth uncle, younger than your father). And the list goes on. Can be "a bit" daunting to the young ones who have to learn all these, but I guess with repetition, the names will register somehow or rather at a certain point in time. Phew!