For good luck & prosperity & to scare away monsters & bad spirits there is a traditional Lion Dance (see pics/video below). This Lion Dance is done all over town during the 15 day celebration. It's preformed at homes, offices & malls.
Mandarin Oranges are given in even pairs during this festive time too. They are considered lucky because they look like gold, the color of wealth. Adam got a nice basket of them from 3M.
Chinese families get together for Reunion Dinners where they enjoy what is called a Steamboat Dinner. Adam & I had the pleasure of eating two Steamboat Dinners. It's sort of like fondue; you cook a lot of raw meat, fish, & veggies in a pot on a hotplate in a broth.
Another tradition during this celebration is the Hong Boa (also known as Ang Pow or Lai See). It's a small red envelop that contains a sum of money in an even-number amount, given by married couples to children & unmarred adults.
There is also the tossing of the Yu Sheng salad (also known as Lo Hei). This is done to bring on good luck & prosperity for the coming new year. It is a raw fish salad with many other ingredients (see pics/video below) & while you toss it you give each other blessings (i.e. "here's to good health, wealth, happiness", etc.)
You also see red everywhere during these 15 days. Red paper lanterns & decorations as this is the "auspicious" color of the Chinese New Year celebration.
Adam & I enjoyed learning about this holiday & celebrating it. Hope you all enjoy what we've learned & seen.
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