Chinese New Year (2006-01-29)
The last time I experienced Chinese New Year in Hong Kong was in 1993. I almost forgot what it's like to see every shop and eatery hang red and gold-colored decorations on the doors and walls.
We saw people busy buying preserved sausages, ducks and pork to make
special rice dish to be eaten around the New Year.
Locals were also hoarding candies and melon seeds from food stores, two must-have
items in the traditional candy tray to be served to guests who come to
visit the first few days of the New Year.
There were many people in clothes stores picking out something
bright (preferrably red) to be worn in the New Year. Putting on a
piece of new clothing, even as little as underwear, on New Year's Day
is a practice my
family steadfastly followed when we were living in Hong Kong.
I didn't sense a particularly festive mood on the streets or in the stores, but people we came into contact with were all smiley and courteous anyway.
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