posted by Kate at Monday, May 28, 2007

Dragon Boat Festival

Dragon Boat Festival is celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, and together with Chinese New Year and Mid-Autumn Festival forms one of the three major Chinese holidays. Since the summer is a time when diseases most easily spread, Dragon Boat Festival began as an occasion for driving off evil spirits and pestilence and for finding peace in one's life. The festival was later enriched by the legend of the patriot Chu Yuan.

Dragon Boat Festival is highlighted by the dragon boat races, in which competing teams drive their boats forward rowing to the rhythm of pounding drums. This lively and colorful tradition has continued unbroken for centuries to the present day.

The festival's significance as a time for warding off evil and disease is symbolized by a number of customary practices such as hanging calamus and moxa on the front door, and pasting up pictures of Chung Kuei (a nemesis of evil spirits). Adults drink hsiung huang wine and children are given fragrant sachets, both of which are said to possess qualities for preventing evil and bringing peace. Another custom practiced in Taiwan is "fetching noon water," in which people draw well water on the afternoon of the festival in the belief that it will cure illness. And if you can successfully stand an egg on its end exactly at 12:00 noon, then the coming year will be a lucky one.

The most popular dish during Dragon Boat Festival is tzung tzu, originally eaten in memory of the patriot Chu Yuan, but gradually evolving into a snack eaten during normal occasions as well.

Of all the major holidays celebrated in China, Dragon Boat Festival has the longest history. Occurring at the beginning of summer when insects thrive, the festival was distinguished from other occasions in earlier days as a time for reminding family members to take care of their health. The Chinese continue to heed this wisdom, however, by replacing the traditional customs of hanging calamus and moxa, drinking hsiung huang wine, and giving sachets, with more advanced methods for protecting one's health.

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Saturday, February 17, 2007
posted by Kate at Saturday, February 17, 2007

This is that time of the year when you may try out some oriental cuisine for a change of taste, in some of the best known restaurants and hotels that offers a range of special dishes to court you on the occasion of Chinese New Year.

I checked the internet and found names of few food joints serving special menu on the occasion of Chinese New Year, for all to savor.

However, if you want to try out the best of authentic chinese cuisine then a visit to Chinatown, New York City is a must.

Hope you have a great time devouring all the yummy stuff that's offered at your platter and have a great time partying at one of these food outlets.

Here's wishing you all a very Happy New Year....may you have a rocking weekend!!!

Keep Smiling All Through !
A cute and fun-filled New Year wish for your friends/ family/ loved ones.


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Luck, Laughter And Fun !
Celebrate the New Year with this fun-filled wish.


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Friday, February 16, 2007
posted by Kate at Friday, February 16, 2007

With the Chinese New Year just a day away, it is but natural to be in a complete chaotic state of mind as you try to figure out what could have been missed out. Time to make a check list and find out what you could do at this last hour to ensure that the New Year is ushered amidst lot of joy and hullabaloo.....

While I was making my checklist I figured out that I missed on buying nice, cute lil gifts for my chinese friends to wish them happiness and good luck in the coming year. Here are some of the gift ideas that you could possibly buy for your freinds and relatives:

1. As china is renowned for its silk and porcelain, this is an ideal gift idea for those who loves to stick to conventional gifts.

2. A chinese good luck bracelet to fend away all evil is a unique way to wish your friends success in the forthcoming year.

3. For youngsters who wants to go experimental, they can gift a cool customized tee with the friend's name in front and the zodiac sign he belongs to sporting at the back of the tee. This I feel is truly a funky gift idea. What say you?

4. For those of your friends who are loyal followers of Feng shui, presenting them with feng shui related decorative items is not a bad idea at all. Listed below are some of them -

a) Bagua-shaped things like an ornate mirror or showpiece that can be placed in a strategic place to deflect negative chi.
b) Crystal pendant for your friends to flaunt on the festive day or crystal showpiece to attract positive chi into one's environment is definitely a great idea. Gifting one with a crystal singing bowl to be placed at strategic locations in one's homes and offices, is an ideal gift idea for it helps to achieve the desired balance between yin and yang.
c) A set of chinese coins for attracting money into your life is also a wonderful way to greet your friends a Happy New Year.


Last but not the least, don't forget to wrap these gift items in beautiful red cases or red color gift wrapping papers as red in chinese is considered to be an auspicious color, representing good luck and success. Hope you find some of these gift ideas helpful!

Sending You Sweet Wishes...
Begin your dear ones' New Year with this sweet wish.


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Gift Of Joy !
A fun-filled ecard to stuff the New Year of your dear ones' with laughter and smiles.


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posted by Kate at Friday, February 16, 2007

Till We Are Together...
Reach out to a loved one who is far away on Chinese New Year with this touching thought.

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Wishing You Were Here...
A cute ecard to bridge the distance between you and a loved one who is far away on Chinese New Year.


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Thursday, February 15, 2007
posted by Kate at Thursday, February 15, 2007

Chinese New Year is that time of the year when many people may want to get that oriental feel by experimenting to venture into the East, namely Asia. Among the different Asian destinations like Bangkok, Pattaya or Chiang Mai cities and the tropical beach in Phuket Island, all belonging to the beautiful country Thailand, one can essentially be a part of famous
Chinese new year celebration in Hong Kong.

People from all over the globe hop into the city as it turns into a visual delight during Chinese New Year as the festival is celebrated amongst a lot of revelry and carousal. This year Hong Kong Disneyland has designated February 17th to March 4th as special days as Mickey Mouse and his friends wil be garbed in beautiful chinese outfits and traditional Lion Dance will be a part of the jubilation process.

Macau is also another new holidaying destination that has been attracting many tourists oft late, on the occasion of Chinese New Year.

Best New Year To You !
A beautiful and touching New Year wish for your friends.


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Best New Year To You !
A beautiful and touching New Year wish for your friends.


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