恭禧發財!! Gong Xi Fa Cai! Wishing you a prosperous new year! This is the traditional Chinese greeting for Chinese New Year. Today, we celebrate the new Chinese Year: the Year of the Fire Monkey.
恭禧發財!! Gong Xi Fa Cai! Kung Kei Fatt Choy! Keong Hee Huat Chai!
The child figurines clasp their hands together, the traditional way to greet Gong Xi Fa Cai!
Today Deployant takes a break, and celebrates Chinese New Year. The greeting Gong Xi Fa Cai (in Mandarin) or Kung Hei Fatt Choy (in Cantonese, or Keong Hee Huat Chai (in Hokkien) rings all round. For some background, here is an interesting article, including how to pronounce and to write these characters in Chinese.
Much like the giving of gifts for Christmas, the practice of giving is also prevalent in Chinese culture for the New Year. The gifts are usually cash in small envelopes, decorated with auspicious colors and symbolism. The envelopes are called Hongpau (Mandarin) ” meaning Red Packet. In the background of the photographs above is a selection from this year’s Hongpau from various watch companies in Singapore. Can you identify them?
We will return to our full reviews from this year’s SIHH from tomorrow. Have a Blessed Year of the Monkey, may you have health, wealth, and happiness!
