Goldie Grandmas Get-together Celebrating Chinese Lunar New Year

Another year has swung around. This time we welcomed the Year of the Rooster. There were only  seven of us this time as the others had prior commitments, this being a very busy period, especially for those who had house guests.

The place and food did not matter as much as the company of our girls, now grandmas in our seventies. We had been classmates since entering high school, The Methodist Girls' School, so we go back a long way and praise the Lord, we have been able to meet up at least twice a year to catch up.

                                                             MGS class of 1959

This year's lunch was slightly different as we witnessed a lion, in fact, two lions, performing their dance. Then they went from table to table to greet diners and of course collected their ang pau.

                                The drummer and hidden, next to him, is the guy with the cymbals.

                             Together they beat a very loud rhythm to which the lions perform. 

 

                                                                The God of Wealth

                                                     So thrilled to be right next to the Lion

The other significant difference was that my classmates had purchased copies of my latest book, a collection of poems entitled "Colors Of My Soul" and had brought them along to be autographed. I was truly touched by their magnanimous support. They had purchased the paperback from amazon.com.

To us, being able to meet up is very precious, now that we are advancing further into the winter of our lives. As one of us quipped, "We may not all be here the next time!"  Indeed, that truth struck home as we looked at one another, each with our own catalogue of age-related ailments, taking note of the extra lines on the face, the saggy jowls and shrinking frames, although a couple had blossomed sideways. The great thing is that no matter what we now look like, smiles always crease our faces when we see one another.  It is always such a pleasure to meet up and each occasion is a joyful one. 

Some Highlights of The Lunar New Year

It is a festive time where families gather in one another’s home and make merry. Below are some photos that speak for themselves.

                                       On the eve of the Lunar New Year, the younger generation

                                        toss the raw fish salad to wish for a prosperous New Year. 

                                            The oldies have their own tossing at the main table.

Ancestral worship. Honoring our ancestors is a cultural tradition which has nothing to do with religion.  A table laden with food and fruits are offered to our ancestors and they are served with liquor too. We ask for their blessings for ourselves and our children and grandchildren. After a period of time, a toss of two coins will reveal whether we can continue with the burning of Joss papers ( money for the departed ) and paper clothes, shoes, gadgets etc. When the ashes fly high into the sky, it is an indication that they are well pleased with us.

                      We had pot luck during the reunion dinner. Here are some of the dishes.

                              At my youngest sister's house on the 4th Day of the Lunar New Year

               Visiting my aunt who is seated next to me on the second day of the Lunar New Year.

Visiting old relatives and siblings are an important part of the Lunar New Year. This is where we catch up and bond once more. Sometimes it's just an annual visit but the old folks look forward to it.

 

A Magical Rainbow

The Lunar New Year has come and gone. After 15 days of celebration and feasting, it is quite difficult to come down to earth but a look in the mirror will do wonders to bring you down with a thump!!

Yes, a balloon face and a tight waistline will certainly prompt one to cut back on the calories and to begin exercising.

The Lunar New Year means something different to the young children and that’s what it’s all about. It’s a time for joy, for bonding and play. It’s a time for fire-crackers, fire-works, sparklers, pop-pop, ang pau (red packets containing money), mandarin oranges, new clothes, etc.  Furthermore, on the first day of the new year, you can be mischievous without being scolded for it is taboo to utter a bad word, to scold, etc.

                                     Various red packets containing money for children and singletons.

                         Isaac receiving his ang pau from Grandpa after wishing Gong Xi Fa Cai

                                      Little Abigail receiving her ang pau from Grandma

                                            Isaac shooting bubbles from his new toy gun

                                                    Isaac with 2 sparklers in his hands

For me, this was a beautiful new year, because all my four grandchildren returned home to celebrate this most important event of the year. This was truly a magical rainbow in my sky. Let the pictures speak for themselves.

                                                Isaac helping to pack goodie bags for visitors

                                     My children ,my grandchildren, my siblings, my nieces and nephews  

                                           Engrossed in the camera with his cousin KristiAnne . 

                                                              Isaac shot a few pictures.

                                              My daughter Grace and her niece and nephews

                                                  

                                                            Grace & her niece Abigail

                                   Isaac and I, his grandma. Behind us is my nephew Andrew