Red envelopes and sweet traditions
The Hangout…
3, 2, 1… Xīnnián kuàilè!!!
Gong Xi Fa Cai! This past Wednesday the Chinese Lunar New Year was celebrated around the world and it is said that around 9 billion people in China go on trips around the country to partake in family gatherings and celebrations from January 28 to February 4. It is the Year Of The Snake and as there are 12 animals of the Chinese Zodiac. The last Year of The Snake was in 2013.
Thierry Chow, a Hong Kong-based feng shui consultant warned that this year could bring "significant clashes and conflicts" and "the overall atmosphere in the world will become slightly more chaotic” when speaking to CNN in an interview. Are you joking? Please tell me this is Mr Chow from The Hangover and that this person was day drinking when catching the feels on this one. This must all be about last year, right? Right?
Upon further research, unfortunately, Thierry Chow has all kinds of fancy degrees and knows what she’s talking about. Just when you thought the world couldn’t get any crazier!
The good news for 2025 and the Year of the Snake is that it’s also supposed to bring new beginnings, growth, transformation and wisdom. Bring it on!
I actually went out and had a little sweet and sour something on Wednesday to celebrate this beautiful occasion and it was absolutely delish.
I also gave the loved ones I saw this past week money in red envelopes and oranges because that’s what you’re supposed to do.
I did wonder whether I was even allowed to celebrate this occasion but apparently it’s all good and we can all get involved in this one. I thought the same thing about thanksgiving because the last thing you want to do is be disrespectful and jump on someone else’s bandwagon, you know?
Anyway, Otoshidama is the tradition of presenting children with a monetary gift in the form of a special envelope that bears the new year's zodiac sign which would be a snake this year and envelopes to loved ones should also be red which is known as "hongbao" in Mandarin.
The colour red symbolises good fortune, joy and prosperity and is said to ward off bad vibes and evil spirits.
You learn something new everyday.
I also painted my nails red and I’ll wear red for the next few days because I’m all about joy and prosperity for the year ahead.
The Chinese new year falls on a different day every year because the date is worked out by the New Moon and the celebrations last for a whole 15 days.
Woohoo:-)
It’s also known as the Spring Festival because it celebrates the start of Spring and the start of new life!
Guo Nian Hao!
Where to celebrate?
Today you can head over to Alberton Rugby Club in Elandsfontein until 9pm.
There will be Chinese New Year Celebrations going down with tons of entertainment for the whole family.
You can expect theme park rides, helicopter flips, yummy food stalls and craft stalls to shop at as well as jumping castles and a whole lot more. Check out www.tcagp.co.za or quicket for more information.
Tomorrow, you can go to the Nan Hua Temple in Bronkhorstspruit.
I love going to this beautiful and really special spot and I can only imagine how much more special it is on this important occasion.
You can go through from 9.30am to 3.30pm.
There will be meditation, exhibits, performances plus you can eat some dumplings or have some veggie soup while you’re there. These two meals are my favourite there and there’ll also be a wishing tree… yay!
Next week, sees the celebrations moving to Chinatown in Cyrildene on February 8 and there’ll be lion and dragon dances, a parade of Chinese costumes and of course loads of delectable Chinese food and drinks on offer and you can get to this party from around 4.30pm.
My favourite Asian restaurants in Joburg are:
Chunky Chaos in Rosebank
I just love the setting and the cocktails are super yum yum. Some even come in teapots and the Bento Boxes are exceptional! The oyster shots are superb and even if you just feel like some good old fried rice they have got you covered. It’s all abfab!
I’ve never had anything but fantastic service here and I just feel happier when I leave. Start off in the bar because the chairs are fancy and then weather dependant you can pop onto the square and keep on going there!
I don’t even want to tell you about Tea & Antique in Bedfordview because it’s a hidden gem. It took me a while to discover this one and I cannot tell you how ecstatic I am that I did. It is small, authentic and everything is tasty, fun and moreish. Try the clay pot and rice or the steamed garlic prawns with rice vermicelli and you cannot leave without getting a snow beauty mochi for dessert. You owe me one for sharing this little treasure.
Red Chamber in Hyde Park is also always a goodie!
The dim sum prawns and the peking duck are lovely but they also have so many excellent vegetarian options on the menu!
I always remember having lychees at Chinese restaurants as a kid and so I still go for this option when it’s on offer because memories and reminiscing and all that fuzzy tummy stuff. Fried banana is another that takes me back and finishing it all off with a fortune cookie is the best. They offer all three and a whole lot more. Enter the Red Chamber. You won’t regret it.
Top SA Tunes of the Week:
Full Swing- Captain Fantasy
The Muffinz- Pray Harder
Pema- You See Me
Evert Snyman- Storm in a Teacup
Kathryn Georgina- Accidents