Don't Miss the Chinese New Year Spectacular

As far as Chinese New Year's entertainment goes, New Tang Dynasty Television's Chinese New Year Spectacular is a relatively new kid on the block, having made its debut only three years ago. It can't be described as a variety show, and it's not really a Broadway musical, but it is different from anything else out there.

Before I attended the Spectacular's Canadian debut in Vancouver last month, I had some idea of what to expect, because my Chinese friends were raving about it, plus I had read some promotional materials put out by NTDTV. What they're attempting to do with this traveling show is revive the true Chinese culture which was destroyed by Chairman Mao and his communist successors.

Good old Mao razed temples, burned ancient manuscripts, tortured and killed intellectuals, monks, and anyone else he didn't like. To add insult to injury, he made everyone wear black pyjamas. During his reign, counting famines and everything else, Mao directly or indirectly managed to slaughter more people than the two world wars put together.

Nowadays, the communist party of China uses the Chinese New Year, the biggest celebration of the year for the Chinese, as a way to glorify itself and promote the communist philosophy of fight and class struggle. But Chinese Central TV's four-hour Spring Festival Gala of acrobatics, conjuring acts and comedy skits pales in comparison the Spectacular's elegant portrayal of the best of China's ancient culture.

In other words, it is traditional Chinese culture without the communist rhetoric, which must be a refreshing change for the Chinese-many of whom are no longer aware of what their true culture is, especially those born after the Great Cultural Revolution.

It was refreshing for me, too, but not for that reason. On the morning of the Spectacular, I woke up depressed-an unusual state for me. I didn't even feel like going at all, but I talked myself into it. As I became absorbed in the unusual music, the myriad of colours, the graceful movements of the dancers, I started feeling uplifted. There was a purity about the show, something immaculate and flawless, that made a deep impression on me.

If I have a complaint at all, it would be that there was only one number played by erhuist Xi Xiaochun. The piece she played was so haunting and beautiful that the audience was riveted for every second of it. The erhu is an ancient two-stringed instrument that can produce an amazingly wide range of notes. Apparently, Chinese music aligns with nature in that it is based on the five elements of metal, wood, water, fire and earth.

The theme of the Spectacular is "Myths and Legends," and some of the acts draw on ancient legends from the time of Buddha, Dao and Confucius-those wise beings from way back in China's 5,000-year history who taught compassion, virtue and selflessness. China's semi-divine culture comes through in the performances, leaving one with a wonderful feeling of... righteousness.

In the new year there is now a regular on the popular modern society do. Traditionally red packets are also handed out to younger generation by their parents, grand parents, relatives, and even close neighbors and friends during Chinese New Year. Nowadays giving red packets as a bonus at the year-end by employers becomes popular and Chinese new year parcel is also a tradition of giving to business associates or relatives.

Giving Chinese new year parcel to employees prior to the New Year is also a good idea. This can be either a gift or a bonus. If it is as a gift, the money should be just right for a gift. If as a bonus, you may enclose a check in the parcel gift and hand it out in an office.

Article Source : http://www.articlealley.com/article_1342687_32.html

What is Expected of the 2010 Chinese New Year

2010 is the year of the Yang Metal Tiger. Predictions are made by assessing the first day of the Chinese New Year and it serves as the dominating theme of the year. By looking at the four pillars chart of Feb 14th, 2010, the Year Pillar, Metal is fighting with the Tiger which is predominantly wood with fire and earth. The Yin Wood self is surrounded heavily by wealth elements, in this case, it is earth. In BaZi analysis, it is a chart of a person who is a weak self with too much wealth.

The self is also sitting on top of a ruling officer (Rooster), unfortunately, the Rooster is fighting with the Rabbit next to it which results in a lost of discipline. As a result, the year will see a continuation of government spending and many more job losses. The poverty rate will continue to rise around the world. I have also mentioned the continuation and accelerated spending by governments around the world in one of my articles "Predictions for 2010 from the I Ching hexagrams". The Tiger itself is a travel star and there will definitely be a lot of movement especially for those born in the year of the Rat, Monkey and Dragon.

The Tiger year is symbolic of the eyes. Eye glasses, the microscope, and the telescope were all invented or experienced technological breakthroughs during Tiger years. In 2010, there will be enhancements or new inventions related to visual technologies. 1590 saw an early microscope made in The Netherlands (Source: Wikipedia); coincidentally enough, it was in the year of the Yang Metal Tiger. Coming closer to recent history, the European Southern Observatory (ESO) was founded in 1962, a Tiger year as well. An Orbiting Solar Observatory was launched in that same year by the British. In 1854, another Tiger year, the prisms of the Binocular were patented. The main theme in terms of innovations in 2010 will definitely come from visual technology.

Moving on to health, those who don't like Tigers in their chart will definitely feel aches and pains around the shoulder and neck areas. Just think about how Tigers attack their prey, they tend to climb onto the animals' shoulders and gnaw on the neck area!

For the first half of 2010, Metal and Water will be more prominent especially between mid-April and July. Those who have a Bazi requiring metal and water will be at a better advantage to get things completed as the flow is in your favor. Those who have metal as their unfavorable elements may run into metal related mishaps, sicknesses affecting the respiratory system and the throat, or skin irritations.

In the second half of 2010, the effects of the Tiger comes to the forefront. The ninth lunar calendar month (or from October 8 - November 5), fire will be the main cosmic flow as the Tiger combines with the Dog month to form a powerful fire combination with the Yang Fire. As a result, those uncomfortable with fire in their charts may experience abnormal heart issues. The eyes may also be affected, perhaps it would be wise to drop by a local optometrist during that period. Take some caution when using fire related objects during that month; the possibility of fire-related accidents is high.

Animals that are not in favor of having the Tiger around are the Monkey and Snake. For those who are afraid of offending the ruling Tiger of 2010, especially the Monkey, it would be advisable that you partner up with a Dragon or Rat. The Dragon and Rat forms a water team with the Monkey, therefore, the harm caused by the Tiger on the Monkey would be limited. If you are born of the Snake year, or believe you have a Snake in your chart, you should be aware of what you do between mid August and mid September. Staying low and avoiding the crowd would be a good idea.

2010 will be a turbulent year as governments work together to solve global financial issues and tackle epidemics. Inflation will continue and the value of the US dollar will continue to erode, therefore, investments in the commodity space such as gold, copper, silver and other base metals would be beneficial. Even though the year sounds gloomy, positive breakthroughs in laser and visual technology will be witnessed.

case in 2010 was a good year or not is not at issue made, which is important is how we do better than last year.

In the new year there is now a regular on the popular modern society do. Traditionally red packets are also handed out to younger generation by their parents, grand parents, relatives, and even close neighbors and friends during Chinese New Year. Nowadays giving red packets as a bonus at the year-end by employers becomes popular and Chinese new year hamper is also a tradition of giving to business associates or relatives.

Giving Chinese new year hamper to employees prior to the New Year is also a good idea. This can be either a gift or a bonus. If it is as a gift, the money should be just right for a gift. If as a bonus, you may enclose a check in the parcel gift and hand it out in an office.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jerry_G_King

Chinese New Year this year there was a tiger

Sunday, Feb. 14, some students will celebrate a holiday they hold near and dear to their culture. No, not Valentine's Day - Chinese New Year. This upcoming year is the year of the tiger, and many Chinese students will celebrate with a feast and a phone call home.

Chinese New Year is regarded as one of the most important Chinese holidays. The celebration starts on the first day of the first month in the Chinese calendar and ends on the day of the Lantern Festival on the fifteenth.

A big feast marks the Eve of Chinese New Year, complete with traditional Chinese dishes. The next day children receive money from their parents and everybody wishes each other good health in the New Year.

However, Chinese New Year is not all about food and cash.

"The first day of Chinese New Year is a time when families visit the oldest and senior members of their extended

family, usually their parents, grandparents or great-grandparents," said Yang Jie, a senior accounting major and member of the Chinese Students and Scholars Association.

Not everyone follows the same traditions for Chinese New Year. In northern China, families eat dumplings after dinner, while in southern China they eat rice cakes. Dumplings symbolize wealth, and rice cakes symbolize a prosperous year.

"What we usually do is get the whole family together and prepare a delicious dinner," said Emily Liu, a graduate chemical engineering student. "I always like the famous dumplings."

Some rituals go beyond food and gift giving and can include dances to ward off bad entities.

"Some communities may invite a lion dance troupe as a symbolic ritual to usher in the Lunar New Year, as well as to evict bad spirits from the premises," Jie said.

The Chinese Students and Scholars Associations will be celebrating the holiday with a feast at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 13 in Rudder Theater.

"It is a great opportunity for A&M's Chinese to know each other and for other people to learn about Chinese culture," Jie said. "People will get together and celebrate the year of the tiger."

Students at the University of Texas at Austin are having a celebration similar to that at A&M. UT sophomore psychology major Sean Wen said he will be calling family back in Taiwan.

"I am really looking forward to talking to family that I don't get a chance to see over there," Wen said. "I think we are having a dinner in Austin around then to celebrate."

In the new year there is now a regular on the popular modern society do. Traditionally red packets are also handed out to younger generation by their parents, grand parents, relatives, and even close neighbors and friends during Chinese New Year. Nowadays giving red packets as a bonus at the year-end by employers becomes popular and Chinese new year parcel is also a tradition of giving to business associates or relatives.

Giving Chinese new year parcel to employees prior to the New Year is also a good idea. This can be either a gift or a bonus. If it is as a gift, the money should be just right for a gift. If as a bonus, you may enclose a check in the parcel gift and hand it out in an office.

Article Source : http://media.www.thebatt.com/media/storage/paper657/news/2010/01/26/News/Chinese.New.Year.Celebrates.Year.Of.Tiger-3857748.shtml

Chinese new year celebrates year of tiger

Sunday, Feb. 14, some students will celebrate a holiday they hold near and dear to their culture. No, not Valentine's Day - Chinese New Year. This upcoming year is the year of the tiger, and many Chinese students will celebrate with a feast and a phone call home.

Chinese New Year is regarded as one of the most important Chinese holidays. The celebration starts on the first day of the first month in the Chinese calendar and ends on the day of the Lantern Festival on the fifteenth.

A big feast marks the Eve of Chinese New Year, complete with traditional Chinese dishes. The next day children receive money from their parents and everybody wishes each other good health in the New Year.

However, Chinese New Year is not all about food and cash.

"The first day of Chinese New Year is a time when families visit the oldest and senior members of their extended

family, usually their parents, grandparents or great-grandparents," said Yang Jie, a senior accounting major and member of the Chinese Students and Scholars Association.

Not everyone follows the same traditions for Chinese New Year. In northern China, families eat dumplings after dinner, while in southern China they eat rice cakes. Dumplings symbolize wealth, and rice cakes symbolize a prosperous year.

"What we usually do is get the whole family together and prepare a delicious dinner," said Emily Liu, a graduate chemical engineering student. "I always like the famous dumplings."

Some rituals go beyond food and gift giving and can include dances to ward off bad entities.

"Some communities may invite a lion dance troupe as a symbolic ritual to usher in the Lunar New Year, as well as to evict bad spirits from the premises," Jie said.

The Chinese Students and Scholars Associations will be celebrating the holiday with a feast at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 13 in Rudder Theater.

"It is a great opportunity for A&M's Chinese to know each other and for other people to learn about Chinese culture," Jie said. "People will get together and celebrate the year of the tiger."

Students at the University of Texas at Austin are having a celebration similar to that at A&M. UT sophomore psychology major Sean Wen said he will be calling family back in Taiwan.

"I am really looking forward to talking to family that I don't get a chance to see over there," Wen said. "I think we are having a dinner in Austin around then to celebrate."

In the new year there is now a regular on the popular modern society do. Traditionally red packets are also handed out to younger generation by their parents, grand parents, relatives, and even close neighbors and friends during Chinese New Year. Nowadays giving red packets as a bonus at the year-end by employers becomes popular and Chinese new year parcel is also a tradition of giving to business associates or relatives.

Giving Chinese new year parcel to employees prior to the New Year is also a good idea. This can be either a gift or a bonus. If it is as a gift, the money should be just right for a gift. If as a bonus, you may enclose a check in the parcel gift and hand it out in an office.

Article Source : http://media.www.thebatt.com/media/storage/paper657/news/2010/01/26/News/Chinese.New.Year.Celebrates.Year.Of.Tiger-3857748.shtml

Symbolizes Year of Tiger - Chinese New year 2010

The chinese new year calendar is celebrated for about fifteen days is one moment in the year. On this very special day the whole nation join hands and feel united to celebrate the coming happiness and the farewell of going year. The Chinese New Year gets recognized by the chinese new year calendar. In other words Chinese New Year calendar is also called as the Lunar New Year. As every one knows the significance of this day the working people in china can take weeks of holidays so that they can enjoy this day by grand celebration with there families and there near ones by some get together. Although with the changing times the celebration way of this New Year day is getting a bit changed but as everybody still very fervently follows all the customs that their elders have taught them. It is often called the Lunar New Year by people in mainland China and Taiwan. Chinese New Year is the longest and most important festivity in the Lunar Calendar.

The origin of Chinese New Year is centuries old and gains significance because of several myths and traditions. Ancient chinese new year is a reflection on how the people behaved and what they believed in the most. The New Year is the year of tiger as the religious myths says. It is also said that those who have born on this day have the nature of acceptance, broadminded and daring in nature. The New Year celebration includes the traditional dance form of china that is dragon dance performed by the people. On this day every one forgets the grudges there hearts and meet all the peoples whom they love.

The "Nian Gao" is New Year Cake which is specially made for this day with flour and eggs. It is said that as large as the cake the year would me more prosperous. This day have importance in every ones life as many made resolutions and follow them. At some places there are parties which are organized. It is the most remarkable day as the clock touches the 12:00 the day of New Year starts with the smile on every ones face and with lots of wishes. For people in china it is also known as ji-chou year. Here jji is the sixth of the ten Celestial steam and the yin is the third of two twelve territories branches and marks the year of tiger.

The Chinese calendar is based on the combination of lunar and solar movement. The lunar cycle is about of 29.5 days. It is also that the Chinese calendar and lunar calendar shows the different year for the New Year so as to match up both the Chinese calendar are inserted extra months that is seven years out of 19 year cycle. the track of the new moon changes from year to year that is why Chinese New Year can begin anytime between late January and mid-February.

All the people who have something special set for the day are ready to work on that. Like some have planes for engagements and some to start new work. The new year of china is the most amazing time to watch as every street is decorated with lots of flowers and lost of lights. It’s like new life in return of old days. The tiger in 2010is for any recent setbacks or obstacles can be overcome and is to look forward to a year in which there is a real shine either personally or professionally. People have many expectations from this year and look forward to make it the most of it. The next day of Chinese new year is special for the married daughters as they have opportunity to visit their parents because traditionally daughters who are married are not allowed to visit there parents frequently. In short note the Chinese New Year is a symbol of happiness and joy for every people and the live this moment at the fullest.

In the new year there is now a regular on the popular modern society do. Traditionally red packets are also handed out to younger generation by their parents, grand parents, relatives, and even close neighbors and friends during Chinese New Year. Nowadays giving red packets as a bonus at the year-end by employers becomes popular and Chinese new year parcel is also a tradition of giving to business associates or relatives.

Giving Chinese new year parcel to employees prior to the New Year is also a good idea. This can be either a gift or a bonus. If it is as a gift, the money should be just right for a gift. If as a bonus, you may enclose a check in the parcel gift and hand it out in an office.

Article Source : http://www.articlesbase.com/holidays-articles/chinese-new-year-2010-symbolizes-year-of-tiger-1780950.html

Finding a New Year Chinese Card is The Perfect - Gong Xi Fa Cai

In its way, Chinese New Year is no different from the New Year celebrated on January 1 by so much of the rest of the world. It is time of well wishes and love. People hope for good fortune, happiness, health, and wealth for the coming year. A lot of people offer these good wishes by sending their loved ones Chinese New Year cards.

This is a common practice no matter what your culture is or when your new year celebration takes place. You want the people you love to know you are thinking of them. You want them to know that you are wishing them well.

When choosing a card to send someone for the Chinese New Year you have a veritable wealth of fantastic cards from which to choose. It all depends on your relationship to the recipient. Sending New Years cards to friends and loved ones is a time honored tradition.

The same is true for those who celebrate Chinese New Year. Of course, with the advent of ecards and holiday greetings sent through the Internet, they are becoming immeasurably more possible. The only real difference here is the style and sentiment of the cards in question.

Many cards celebrating the Chinese New Year are decorated with the things you see during the two week celebrations associated with the holiday. For example, both paper cards and electronic cards often incorporate fireworks displays. These are common practice during Chinese New Year, which is why such cards are so popular.

Dragons, Chinese characters, and the symbolic foods popular during Chinese New Year also make for great greeting card designs. Basically, any type of design which is special to you and/or your family will provide just the right sentiment.

If all else fails, you should always feel free to design a card of your own. You can even include your own hand written fortunes and well wishes, which provide an extra, personal touch to the whole affair. This can be ideal, and it certainly presents you with a way to show your loved ones exactly how you feel.Gong Xi Fa Cai - Finding the Perfect Chinese New Year Cards.

In the new year there is now a regular on the popular modern society do. Traditionally red packets are also handed out to younger generation by their parents, grand parents, relatives, and even close neighbors and friends during Chinese New Year. Nowadays giving red packets as a bonus at the year-end by employers becomes popular and Chinese new year hamper is also a tradition of giving to business associates or relatives.

Giving Chinese new year hamper to employees prior to the New Year is also a good idea. This can be either a gift or a bonus. If it is as a gift, the money should be just right for a gift. If as a bonus, you may enclose a check in the parcel gift and hand it out in an office.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Henry_Fong

Chinese Valentine's Day - Get Details about Chinese New Year

Like in the rest of the world a day is dedicated to love and romance even in China. The Chinese do not celebrate the day on the 14th February rather the Chinese Valentine's Day is celebrated on the 7th day of the 7th month according to the Lunar Calendar that has been chosen for the occasion. Qi Qiao Jie is the local name for the occasion and is also popular as the Seven sister's festival and the festival of the double sevens. There are several legends and fables that the Chinese associate with this festival. The best two variations have been mentioned below for you: It so happened that during one of the visits to Earth by the seven daughters of the Goddess of Heaven, a young cowherd saw them taking bath by a riverside. Astounded by the beauty of the fairies, and on being encouraged by his pet ox, he silently stole their clothes and hid behind a tree. The elder sisters persuaded the youngest one to go and get the clothes back from the cowherd, Niulang. The youngest sister Zhinu who was also the most beautiful among them all went to Niulang to get back the clothes and also accepted his proposal for marriage. When the goddess of heaven came to know of this she was furious and distanced the two forever. Therefore, both are believed to be sitting on either side of the Milky Way, waiting to meet each other throughout the year. However, it is also believed that once a year, the magpies form a bridge and the two can unite. This is the day of the Chinese Valentine's day. In China the two stars; star of Vega and star of Altair are believed to be the representations of Zhinu and Niulang respectively. In the second variation of the Chinese Valentines day legends, the emperor of heaven united Niulang and Zhinu on realizing that they were lonely, only to separate them once more after finding them too engrossed in each other and neglecting all work. He therefore made it a rule for them that they could only meet once in a year, on the 7th day of the 7th month of the year. Therefore the Chinese celebrate Qi Qiao Jie as the yearly union of the two. Chinese valentines day cards are one of the most popular gift items doing the rounds on the day. Images of Niulang and Zhinu are the most common elements of the cards. Several variations of flash cards, animated cards and also post cards are available with all online portals offering Chinese valentines day cards. Chinese valentine's day gifts include a wide range of selection. From fortune cookies to flowers, to cards and various other souvenirs, all form great gift options to be given on the Chinese valentine's Day. Chinese valentine celebrations are a blend of both the traditional as well as the contemporary. A few of the noteworthy Chinese valentine celebrations have been mentioned below for you: - Exchanging of gifts and goodies between lovers - Visiting the temple of Matchmaker - Offering of prayers by the unmarried girls to the Weaving Maid Star - Demonstrating domestic arts like melon carving etc. - Decorating of the Ox's horns. - Watching the movements of the twinkling stars, Vega and the constellation Aquila signifying Zhinu and Niulang respectively.

Like in the rest of the world a day is dedicated to love and romance even in China. The Chinese do not celebrate the day on the 14th February rather the Chinese valentine's day 2010 is celebrated on the 7th day of the 7th month according to the Lunar Calendar that has been chosen for the occasion. Qi Qiao Jie is the local name for the occasion and is also popular as the Seven sister's festival and the festival of the double sevens. There are several legends and fables that the Chinese associate with this festival. The best two variations have been mentioned below for you:

It so happened that during one of the visits to Earth by the seven daughters of the Goddess of Heaven, a young cowherd saw them taking bath by a riverside. Astounded by the beauty of the fairies, and on being encouraged by his pet ox, he silently stole their clothes and hid behind a tree. The elder sisters persuaded the youngest one to go and get the clothes back from the cowherd, Niulang. The youngest sister Zhinu who was also the most beautiful among them all went to Niulang to get back the clothes and also accepted his proposal for marriage. When the goddess of heaven came to know of this she was furious and distanced the two forever. Therefore, both are believed to be sitting on either side of the Milky Way, waiting to meet each other throughout the year. However, it is also believed that once a year, the magpies form a bridge and the two can unite. This is the day of the Chinese Valentine's day. In China the two stars; star of Vega and star of Altair are believed to be the representations of Zhinu and Niulang respectively.

In the second variation of the Chinese Valentines day legends, the emperor of heaven united Niulang and Zhinu on realizing that they were lonely, only to separate them once more after finding them too engrossed in each other and neglecting all work. He therefore made it a rule for them that they could only meet once in a year, on the 7th day of the 7th month of the year. Therefore the Chinese celebrate Qi Qiao Jie as the yearly union of the two.

Chinese valentines day cards are one of the most popular gift items doing the rounds on the day. Images of Niulang and Zhinu are the most common elements of the cards. Several variations of flash cards, animated cards and also post cards are available with all online portals offering Chinese valentines day cards. Chinese valentines day gifts include a wide range of selection. From fortune cookies to flowers, to cards and various other souvenirs, all form great gift options to be given on the Chinese valentine's Day.

Chinese valentine celebrations are a blend of both the traditional as well as the contemporary. A few of the noteworthy Chinese valentine celebrations have been mentioned below for you:

- Exchanging of gifts and goodies between lovers

- Visiting the temple of Matchmaker

- Offering of prayers by the unmarried girls to the Weaving Maid Star

- Demonstrating domestic arts like melon carving etc.

- Decorating of the Ox's horns.

- Watching the movements of the twinkling stars, Vega and the constellation Aquila signifying Zhinu and Niulang respectively.

In the new year there is now a regular on the popular modern society do. Traditionally red packets are also handed out to younger generation by their parents, grand parents, relatives, and even close neighbors and friends during Chinese New Year. Nowadays giving red packets as a bonus at the year-end by employers becomes popular and Chinese new year parcel is also a tradition of giving to business associates or relatives.

Giving Chinese new year parcel to employees prior to the New Year is also a good idea. This can be either a gift or a bonus. If it is as a gift, the money should be just right for a gift. If as a bonus, you may enclose a check in the parcel gift and hand it out in an office.

Article Source : http://www.articlesbase.com/humor-articles/chinese-valentines-day-get-details-about-chinese-new-year-1673919.html

Chinese New Year of 2010, Are You Ready?

February 14, 2010 marks the start of the Year of the Tiger on the Chinese Lunar Calendar, while it is also the Valentine Day in some countries on this day. Chinese New Year is the most important traditional festival in China as well as the Christmas Day in Western countries.
New Year is also called “GuoNian” by Chinese people. It legends of that there was a big monster “Nian” who usually came out to hurt and eat people in the village. But one day people occasionally found that the monster was afraid of the red things and big sound during the fighting against him. At last, the villagers defeated thoroughly of the monster with this way. Therefore, people would celebrate the monster ran away and prevent it come again with red things like wear red cloth and firecrackers on this day in the ancient time. And the word “Guo” in Chinese has both the meaning of "pass-over" and "observe".
For the modern people of China, they may neglect the meaning on preventing monster, but they are treat this day as the most important festival which is celebrated with big family gatherings, gift giving, the eating of symbolic foods and display of festive decorations--all focused on bringing good luck for the new year and celebrating the coming of Spring.
In a word, Chinese New Year is full of funs. People will buy all kinds of things to decorate their home, such as variety “?” picture whether on paintings, Chinese knot or others to paste on walls, antithetical red couplets to paste the both side of the door, Chinese paper cutting and so forth. No matter where you go, you can find festival atmosphere.
The New Year of 2010 will come soon, and it is time for people to prepare the things for Chinese New Year. Have you fell behind? 2010 is also the year of tiger, so the tiger will become the main popular goods except those basically things for New Year. If you want to experience some atmosphere of Chinese New Year and buy special Chinese things to your girl/boy friend on Valentine Day, welcome to our Chinese gifts shop.

In the new year there is now a regular on the popular modern society do. Traditionally red packets are also handed out to younger generation by their parents, grand parents, relatives, and even close neighbors and friends during Chinese New Year. Nowadays giving red packets as a bonus at the year-end by employers becomes popular and Chinese new year parcel is also a tradition of giving to business associates or relatives.

Giving Chinese new year parcel to employees prior to the New Year is also a good idea. This can be either a gift or a bonus. If it is as a gift, the money should be just right for a gift. If as a bonus, you may enclose a check in the parcel gift and hand it out in an office.

Article Source : http://www.articlesbase.com/crafts-articles/chinese-new-year-of-2010-are-you-ready-1770821.html

Celebrating The New Year In The City Of Angles 2010

Where are we going to celebrate the New Year this year? is the common question that takes place when the end of the year is approaching. If you are in Thailand for the New Year then you are fortunate as there is one certain thing Thais know how to do and that is celebration. Thailand is actually one of the few countries in the world that celebrates a New Year three times a year! The Chinese New Year is celebrated in February, Songkran Festival or the traditional Thai New Year in April and the western New Year affords a great reason to have fun. Bangkok really offers a jovial experience, thus lets make this yearend festivity a complete New Year phenomenon. Leave the old year behind and herald the new one with friends and families.

As with many hectic cities worldwide, celebrating New Years Eve in the City of Angels can be extremely gratifying. Each of the New Year countdown celebrations has its own charisma so you can be sure to find something to fulfill your preferences. Whether it is traditional, contemporary and stage performances, world music, clubs and pubs or simply by the glorious Chao Phraya River, there are ample entertainment options to take you right through to the countdown when firework displays magically light up the sky.

Afterward the party continues on into the early hours. The center of Christmas and New Year celebrations in Bangkok is the Ratchaprasong Intersection, home to CentralWorld, Gaysorn Plaza and Erawan Bangkok.

All through this remarkable Bangkok shopping vicinity, along Ratchaprasong, Ratchadamri and Ploenchit around the Chitlom area, the streets are draped in a gleaming light display that would compete that of nearly any western city. Colorful chains of lights are strung across the roads from buildings and street lights, not to mention the tall Christmas trees with plenty of pretty decorations. You can also relish a long row of palm trees with their trunks wrapped in lights and still more lights strung from the branches.

So as to best enjoy these sites, it is always superb to combine viewing the decorations with shopping. The choice and diversity of stores and products sold is so astonishing and the holiday sales make for even greater value.

Should you yearn for reveling the New Year in public or outdoors then the Bangkok Countdown is grandly held at Bangkoks CentralWorld. The event typically magnetizes a myriad of people with the party focused on Ratchaprasong Intersection right in front of CentralWorld on Ratchadamri Road. An emphasis includes breathtaking light-and-sound multimedia shows and live on-stage performances by renowned Thai artists, actors and performers. You can too marvel at the perfect atmosphere, be part of a global TV audience as well as delight in the beer garden, lucky draws and countdown to 2010 with other countries around the world. The citys governor and other leaders will also bless the coming year. The event is broadcast live.

Those who do not fancy big outdoor crowns can head for one of Bangkoks chic and stylish clubs where parties are bound to blow up. The younger crowns usually visit places around Silom Road and RCA. It will be quite amusing, boisterous and perspiring as these venues get packed to the max and party hard. Besides, there are numerous smaller bars and fine restaurants around Khaosan Road. These dinning spots present an extensive range of entertainment to satiate the international tastes. The club scene in Bangkok is as well excellent. If it is high class sophistication or a hip club, you can find it all provided with that hospitable Thai mood. The live music scene is top class. Thai musicians deliver a performance to match any band.

Several leading hotels in Bangkok meanwhile proffer something a little quieter. They have shows or parties organized. The marvelous places to make for are on the Chao Phraya River. Here the ambiance is more private with a sumptuous gala dinner, light entertainment and dazzling views of fireworks displays over the citys sky. By the riverside is one of the best places to be in Bangkok, but how about being on the river? There are various dinner cruises on the Chao Phraya River where you can rejoice a silent and romantic New Years Eve dinner away from the throngs and in the best possible vantage point for admiring the fireworks. Bear in mind that both hotel parties and dinner cruises are well-liked and require advance booking.

Not only in Bangkok, but also across the country you will find celebrations that send out the past year and welcome the New Year in their own outstanding style. How about the next day? No doubt there will be some consequences from the previous nights event, but you can always indulge yourself in one of the delectable New Years Day buffet brunches at some of the famous hotels especially if you overslept and missed breakfast. This is a fabulous way to start the first day of 2010 that will make you feel a whole lot revitalized. Or you can kick off the New Years Day with nice day shopping at one of Bangkoks fantastic shopping malls such as CentralWorld, Central Chidlom, Siam Paragon and The Emporium, to mention just a few.

For the sake of absolute relaxation and rejuvenation to begin your New Year spoil yourself at a spa. The pampering treatments at one of the citys lavish spas would stimulate your senses as well as enable your body and spirit to chill out to the utmost. Assorted high-end hotels also have their own spa sanctuaries and you cannot go wrong here.

Otherwise you can seek retreat in one of Bangkoks nail boutiques or massage shops to luxuriate in a healing foot massage. Whilst being immersed in the world of indulgence you will be enchanted by the professional staff to nurture you with a smile and cater to your every personalized session, nothing seems to be much trouble. This is a terrific escape to start the day with a great treat.

In a more traditional and cultured manner to greet the New Year, lots of Thais drop by the nearby temples for merit-making to ensure a bright and prosperous New Year. Many major provinces including Chiang Mai, Pattaya, Phuket and Krabi organize the celebrations on New Years Day in a grand religious style in the early morning. Also, with half and the regular Bangkok crowd upcountry visiting family or on vacation, it can be a good occasion to relax and tour Bangkok with attractions a little less jam-packed than usual.

In the new year there is now a regular on the popular modern society do. Traditionally red packets are also handed out to younger generation by their parents, grand parents, relatives, and even close neighbors and friends during Chinese New Year. Nowadays giving red packets as a bonus at the year-end by employers becomes popular and Chinese new year parcel is also a tradition of giving to business associates or relatives.

Giving Chinese new year parcel to employees prior to the New Year is also a good idea. This can be either a gift or a bonus. If it is as a gift, the money should be just right for a gift. If as a bonus, you may enclose a check in the parcel gift and hand it out in an office.

Article Source : http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/Countdown-2010-Celebrating-The-New-Year-In-The-City-Of-Angles/844243

What do you know about Chinese New Year?

1. The calendars that most of us are familiar with—twelve named months, consisting of sequentially increasing numbered dates—bear little resemblance to Chinese calendars. The Chinese calendar is lunar dependant, meaning its composition has a lot to do with the cycles of the moon. Subsequently, the Chinese New Year doesn’t fall on the same date from year to year. In 2010, in fact, the Chinese New Year falls on February 14th, a day that most of us know as Valentine’s Day. So this year while you’re picking out your favorite Valentine ecards to send, you can pick out your Chinese New Year cards at the same time.
2. The story of the Chinese New Year celebration is just as interesting as how it’s decided when it will fall. According to Chinese popular culture, long ago villagers had regular battles with monstrous creatures known as the Nien. To prevent the Nien from eating them and their family members, people began leaving big pots of food outside their houses on the first day of the new year. The thinking was that the monster would eat all of this food, and leave the villagers alone.
3. But once, as a Nien was making its way through a village, a few people noticed that the Nien seemed to be scared by a little girl wearing a red coat. The villagers then discovered that the Nien was terrified of the color red. Thus, a great New Year’s celebration was had—because not only could the Chinese people use this information to keep themselves safe, but they also didn’t have to give all their food to the Nien, either.
4. Today, one of the popular traditions associated with Chinese New Year is the wearing of the color red. Much like the color green on Saint Patrick’s Day, the Chinese people make sure to wear as much red as possible during the New Year’s celebration. And if enough people get in on the act, we can add giving free printable Chinese New Year cards to the list of traditions, to.
5. An annual tradition known as Chunyun also coincides with the Chinese New Year. For a 40-day period surrounding the Chinese New Year, residents of China, and people of Chinese descent from all over the world, leave their jobs and regular lives en masse, and make incredibly long journeys over thousands of miles to see extended family members. Chunyun is the largest-scale regularly-occurring human migration.
6. And Chinese New Year is different from the Western celebration of New Year’s in one other big way. Whereas the New Year’s celebration that many of us are used to lasts the better part of an evening, and leads up to a great crescendo at the strike of midnight, the Chinese New Year is a 15-day celebration. Not only that, but each and every day has specific traditions associated with it.

in the new year there is now a regular on the popular modern society do

Traditionally red packets are also handed out to younger generation by their parents, grand parents, relatives, and even close neighbors and friends during Chinese New Year. Nowadays giving red packets as a bonus at the year-end by employers becomes popular and Chinese new year parcel is also a tradition of giving to business associates or relatives.

Giving Chinese new year parcel to employees prior to the New Year is also a good idea. This can be either a gift or a bonus. If it is as a gift, the money should be just right for a gift. If as a bonus, you may enclose a check in the parcel gift and hand it out in an office.

Article Source : http://www.articlesbase.com/history-articles/what-do-you-know-about-chinese-new-year-1716705.html

Chinese New Year – The biggest and most important of all events in China

The most important event in all of China, the marking of the New Year on the lunar calendar is an event that brings about massive celebrations throughout the nation. The upcoming Chinese New Year is set to fall on the 26th of January 2010 and visitors to the country will be privy to a host of Chinese culture and celebrations put on display. When it comes to Chinese tradition the city of Xiamen and the surrounding hillside are famous for representing Chinese heritage and the New Year is no exception to this rule.

To celebrate the Chinese New Year a special festival known as the Lantern Festival is put on each year during the respective date. Interestingly Chinese New Year unlike its traditional counterpart is celebrated over a period of over 2 weeks (15 days) in which the festival is held.

The streets of Xiamen come to life with the instantly recognisable traditional Chinese red lanterns which are draped around the streets on the last day of the festival. Other items that can be seen include Chinese knots and Chinese calligraphy displaying popular Chinese idioms.

Parades featuring dragon and lion like creatures make their way through the roads with dancers and other performers providing stimulating visuals that are quite unmistakeably Chinese to all observers. These parades are accompanied with the beating of a Chinese drum which is meant to drive away evil spirits. Fortune Gods also make an appearance in static images that are located in various locations in cities across the nation.

During the festival locals will exchange gifts and undertake the time honoured activity of cleaning their homes which is also meant to wash away the bad luck of the previous year allowing good luck to take its place for the coming one. The windows and doors of houses are also decorated with red coloured couplets (traditional wall hangings) and paper cuttings, echoing themes of wealth, happiness and longevity.

China being a nation renowned for its fireworks tradition does not shy away during the biggest celebratory event of the year and the skies of Xiamen and the rest of China come to life with creations of all colours and shapes.

in the new year there is now a regular on the popular modern society do

Traditionally red packets are also handed out to younger generation by their parents, grand parents, relatives, and even close neighbors and friends during Chinese New Year. Nowadays giving red packets as a bonus at the year-end by employers becomes popular and Chinese new year parcel is also a tradition of giving to business associates or relatives.

Giving Chinese new year parcel to employees prior to the New Year is also a good idea. This can be either a gift or a bonus. If it is as a gift, the money should be just right for a gift. If as a bonus, you may enclose a check in the parcel gift and hand it out in an office.

Article Source : http://www.articlealley.com/article_1311102_29.html

Welcome the Chinese New Year in With a Great Celebration

The Chinese New Year, or Spring Festival, like Christmas, is the most revered holiday of the year. This is when family and friends gather to have lavishly prepared meals and celebrate the New Year. There are specific foods used for this celebration that are considered important elements for the meal if a prosperous year is to be ushered in. Daikon, a white radish, will ensure a long healthy life. Red of the red chilies symbolizes good luck. And, rice ensures harmony.

To add a little fun for the Little Ones, you can have them make Chinese dragon masks, and then put on their own Chinese New Years Dragon Parade! Or, they could learn what year the guests were born in, and what that means for them. Anything you choose to do will surely add good feelings to your party!

The colors used in the dinner for Chinese New Year are very significant if you wish to bring health, luck and harmony into your new year. The colors are beautiful and easily added to any meal or decorations. Take a little bit of time to research all the different colors and see what you can use to bring these wonderful elements into your party and the New Year for all who you are celebrating with.
Traditionally fireworks are set off for Chinese New Year, but where can you get fireworks in January? Think ahead. Buy some extra firework in July, make sure to get a lot of sparklers, so you have some for your Chinese New Year’s celebration. Sparklers are wonderful and relatively safe firework for any age! They look FANTASTIC on desserts as well!

If you’re going to celebrate Chinese New Year, planning an enjoyable and memorable occasion isn’t difficult if you make use of simple ideas like those above. Your /chinese-new-year/party will be remembered fondly for a long time to come.

in the new year there is now a regular on the popular modern society do

Traditionally red packets are also handed out to younger generation by their parents, grand parents, relatives, and even close neighbors and friends during Chinese New Year. Nowadays giving red packets as a bonus at the year-end by employers becomes popular and Chinese new year parcel is also a tradition of giving to business associates or relatives.

Giving Chinese new year parcel to employees prior to the New Year is also a good idea. This can be either a gift or a bonus. If it is as a gift, the money should be just right for a gift. If as a bonus, you may enclose a check in the parcel gift and hand it out in an office.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gail_Leino

Delicious Menu Ideas For The Chinese New Year

Tradition is how we have gotten many of our menu items for holidays. Chinese New Year is no different. Delicious Asian delicacies form a big part of Chinese New Year, and here are just a few ideas:

Some items you may find during Chinese New Year are a vegetarian dish called jai, whole fish, chicken, nian gao, rice pudding, and man tou. The menu items have more meaning than most foods available at a traditional New Year in the United States. The Chinese believe their food symbolizes many things. Among the symbolization of food is the attitude that the amount of food prepared shows abundance and wealth for the household.

Spring rolls are another traditional and symbolic food you may find on the menu for Chinese New Year. To make spring rolls you need 1 cup shredded cabbage, ¼ cup shredded carrots, 2 tablespoons oyster sauce, 4 Chinese garlic chives, 1 cup bean sprouts, ½ bell pepper, ¼ pound pork, 1 teaspoon chopped ginger, 1 teaspoon chopped garlic, and a pinch cornstarch to create 24 spring rolls. You will also need 24 wrappers.

Other menu items you may find at a traditional Chinese New Year celebration include lettuce wraps, Lion’s Head Meatballs, Pecking Duck, Sweet & Sour Pork, and Tea Eggs. It is important to note that most of the menu items will have some significance to their culture and that is why it is made on the Chinese New Year. Rice pudding is considered a dessert among the Chinese and will complete the meal for you and your friends.

Whether you use these ideas or throw in some of your own, with a bit of preparation and creativity you can serve up a Chinese New Year feast that will have your guests coming back for more.

in the new year there is now a regular on the popular modern society do

Traditionally red packets are also handed out to younger generation by their parents, grand parents, relatives, and even close neighbors and friends during Chinese New Year. Nowadays giving red packets as a bonus at the year-end by employers becomes popular and Chinese new year parcel is also a tradition of giving to business associates or relatives.

Giving Chinese new year parcel to employees prior to the New Year is also a good idea. This can be either a gift or a bonus. If it is as a gift, the money should be just right for a gift. If as a bonus, you may enclose a check in the parcel gift and hand it out in an office.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gail_Leino

Red Envelopes For Chinese New Year Containing Lucky Money

During the Chinese New Year, young people who greet their elders with a happy and abundant new year are handed lucky red envelopes by the elders. These envelopes are really good luck for a youngster because these have money inside. The lucky red envelopes are called "hong bao" in Mandarin, or "lai see" in Cantonese.

Symbolism of the Lucky Envelope

Giving money during Chinese New Year is considered lucky for both the giver and the receiver. Those who give will also invite the flow of money in during the entire year. Giving these envelopes also symbolize that the family luck is also passed on to the children and the unmarried teens/ adults.

Red as usual is the luckiest color, as it symbolizes life, so it's appropriate that Chinese New Year items are colored red. Hong paos have assorted designs, such as that of happy children, Chinese characters for abundance and greetings, animals of the zodiac, etc. The Chinese word for red ("hong") also sound like "plenty". Thus it is believed that money wrapped in red will make money multiply.

The money inside the hong bao is called Ya Sui Qian. Ya mean suppress; Sui sounds somehow like evil spirit. Qian means money. Therefore, Ya Sui Qian means money that can suppress evil spirits. It is believed that this lucky money can also help kids be safe and healthy for the year.

Giving the Hong Bao/ Lai See

Money in even amounts, except for 4, is considered lucky. 4 is not a good amount to put into the lucky envelopes because the Chinese word for "four" sounds similar to the sound of "death". A good way to gauge the amount to put into a hong bao is roughly the same amount as a candy bar. An adult can give 1 envelope, while married couples usually give 2 envelopes. It is said that in some parts of China, only mothers give away the hong bao.

The young people accept these lucky envelopes graciously on Chinese New Year with a sincere thank you (that's "xie xie" in Mandarin or "doi jeh" in Cantonese.) They often give thanks while kneel-bowing 3 times.

For good manners sake, the hong bao should not be opened in the presence of the giver. The receiver may only do so after leaving the giver.

The lucky money inside the hong bao is recommended to be kept and not spent immediately. Young people are encouraged to save their money. And besides, it is believed that this money brings luck and wellness so might as well keep it.

in the new year there is now a regular on the popular modern society do

Traditionally red packets are also handed out to younger generation by their parents, grand parents, relatives, and even close neighbors and friends during Chinese New Year. Nowadays giving red packets as a bonus at the year-end by employers becomes popular and Chinese new year parcel is also a tradition of giving to business associates or relatives.

Giving Chinese new year parcel to employees prior to the New Year is also a good idea. This can be either a gift or a bonus. If it is as a gift, the money should be just right for a gift. If as a bonus, you may enclose a check in the parcel gift and hand it out in an office.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=RR_Ritchey