Chinese New Year (III)

The Chinese people greet each other on the occasion CNY by wishing 'Guo Nian Hao' or 'Xing Nian Hao', which means Happy New Year. Some of the common forms greetings that Chinese greet each other with r : 'Gong Xi Fa Cai' n 'Nian Nian You Yu', which is a wish for excess n abundant harvests every year.

A night before the beginning of the new year, the children in every household is given money in a red pouch or paper. This is supposed to ward off evil.

The Chinese character, "fu", meaning luck, blessings, happiness, n good fortune. The character "fu" is everywhere during the festival.

"Fu" is written on the paper squares, which can be pasted normally or upside down. In Chinese the "reversed fu" is homophobic with "fu dao le", which means "fu comes". The upside down "fu" becomes a pun that implies "good fortune has arrived". Thus, the paper squares represent the "arrival" of spring n the "coming" of prosperous year.

Nowadays, 'Fu', literally meaning auspiciousness, blessing or happiness, usually appears as a cultural symbol to express people's wishes for the coming new year. Yet, in the past, the character mainly meant luck n fortune, which also represented the unanimous hope of the society...

Chinese New Year (II)

CNY, a time for renewal, family gatherings, eating rich foods n paying respect to ur ancestors n elders. Also, what u do n how u act during the period is crucial in determining how the rest of ur year will go. So, eating the right foods, such as black moss seaweed, which is a homonym for exceeding in wealth, n dried bean-curd, which is another homonym for fulfillment of wealth n happiness is a must.

Many os the traditions of CNY centre around food either being cooked or eaten. As at all traditional Chinese gatherings, food plays an important role in the CNY festival. Dinners tend to be very elaborate involving tables laden with auspicious foods.

On new year's eve, families have a reunion feast which includes 'nian gao', a sticky rice pudding cake which is said to make people "advance towards higher positions n prosperity step by step".

A new year's tradition from Northern China, dumplings (jiao zi), look like the golden ingots 'yuan bao' used during the Ming Dynasty for money n the name sound like the word for the earliest paper money, so serving them brings the promise of wealth n properity! Also, long noodles r used to guarantee that all at the table will hav a long life.

Almost every dish has a symbolic meaning or name that sounds like a Chinese characters for fortune, happiness, longevity, n prosperity. In many homes, a platter with either 5 meat or 5 vegetables dishes might be served. This dish is called "the 5 blessing of the new year", referring to longevity, riches, peace, wisdom, n virtue.

On new year's eve, when everyone gathers around the table for the "Family Reunion Dinner", carp is a typical main course, because it symbolises a profitable year ahead. the fish is never fully eaten to ensure that the family will have an excess of good fortune thru the year. Fish balls n meat balls, on the other hand, r symbolic of "reunion".

During the new year month, auspicious ingredients such as oysters, seaweed, abalone n sea cucumber r added to the feast as symbols of good fortune. Fish represent "having enough to spare", while the word for garlic chives has the meaning of "everlasting", wishing ur family n guests a long life. Turnips mean "good omens". 'Hao', oysters, sounds like the word for "an auspicious occasion or event".

Lastly, i would like to, once again wishes u all a very Happy New Year n hav a good year ahead!!!

Chinese New Year (I)

CNY is celebrated as the symbol of spring's celebration. It is celebrated after the fall harvest n before the spring planting season. The date of the CNY is always changing n is dependent on the Chinese calendar. Although celebrations of the CNY vary, the underlying message is one of peace n happiness for family members n friends.

It is popularly recognised as the Spring Festival n celebrations last 15 days. Preparations tend to begin a month from the date of the CNY as people start buying presents, decoration materials, food n clothing. A huge clean-up gets underway days before the new year, when Chinese houses r cleaned from top tp bottom, to sweep away any traces of bad luck, n doors n windowpanes r given a new coat of paint. Here, traditions n rituals r very carefully observed in everything from food to clothing.

CNY SYMBOLS

CNY is associated with many symbols n customs. Each of these CNY symbols has its own importance.

1) 'Hong-Bao'

Money is placed in these envelopes n given to children n unmarried young adults at CNY's time, much in the spirit as Christmas presents.

2) 'Fu'

The single word 'Fu', or fortune, is often displayed in many homes n stores. They r usually written by brush on a diamond-shaped piece of red paper. This is supposed to be a lucky CNY symbol.

3) Plum Blossoms

They stand for courage n hope. The blossoms burst forth at the end of winter on a seemingly lifeless branch. In Chinese art, plum blossoms r associated with the entire season of winter n not just the new year.

4) Spring Couplets

This CNY symbol is a very old one n holds traditional significance. Spring couplets r traditionally written with black ink on red paper. They r hung in storefronts in the month before the CNY's Day, n often stay up for 2 months. They express best wishes n fortune for the coming year.

5) Tangerines, Oranges n Pomelos

Tangerines r symbolic of good luck, n oranges r symbolic of wealth.

6) Tray of Togetherness

Many families keep a tray full of dried fruits, sweets n candies to welcome guests n relatives who drop by.

7) Water Narcissus

This CNY symbol signifies good luck n fortune, flower that blossom at new year's time. If the white flowers blossom exactly on the day of the New Year, it is believed to indicate good fortune for the ensuing 12 months.

8) Chinese Zodiac

This is a folk method for naming the years in traditional China.

Lastly, i'll update more facts about CNY very soon. Happy reading!!! And now I would to wish all of u a very HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR!!! Stay tune...

Never Eat these Fruits on Empty Stomach..

One word of advise... NEVER EAT THESE FRUITS ON EMPTY STOMACHS... Fruits r not only tasty, but healthy, as they r rich in vitamins, minerals, n other nutritious subtances. but some fruits contain subtances harmful to the human body, so it is necessary to be careful when selecting fr the wide choice available...


1) PINEAPPLE

Fresh pineapples contain a special protease n 5-hydroxyptamine. The latter make blood vessels (especially those in the brain) shrink, which may cause headaches n a rise in blood pressure. That is why some people experience headaches after eating too mush fresh pineapple. Some people r even allergic to pineapple; after eating only a little, their skin may turn red n itch, n their limbs, mouth n lips become numb. They may also feel bilious n vomit, or develop severe stomachaches. In cases of extreme pineapple allergy, difficulty in breathing, the onset of shock n even death may result.

It is easy to avoid such abnormal situations. First, people may know they r allergic to pineapple should avoid this fruit. Second, cut the pineapples into small pieces n soak them in cool salt water for 20 - 30 mins before eating them. The salt water dissolves n eliminates the harmful subtances. Nevertheless, eating too much pineapple should be avoided in any circumstances.

2) BANANA

Bananas r sweet n soft, n high in calories. But peoplewith weak stomachs should not eat too much of this fruit, for the carbohydrates can ferment in the stomach, causing a bloated feeling n diarrhoea.

3) SUGARCANE & LYCHEES

Sugarcane n lychees contain large amounts of sugar. If too much is taken on an empty stomach, the body may absorb too much sugar, resulting in a sharp rise in the blood's osmotic pressure n possibly causing "high osmotic coma".

4) TANGERINE

If we eat a tangerine on an empty stomach, the large amount of sugar n organic acid it contains will stimulate stomach mucous, causing stomachache n stomach distension.

5) PERSIMMONS

Persimmons contain certain subtances that easily react with hydrochloric acid in the gastric juices, depositing sediment. Too many persimmons taken on empty stomach will cause the sediment to accumulate n form stones that will affect the digestion. The stones may block the exit of the stomach n cause acute stomach expansion.

Just a Joke of the Day!

Dear son, Vahe Guru.

I'm writing this letter slowly, because i know u can't read fast.

We don't live where we did when u left home. Ur dad read in the paper that most accidents happen 20 miles fr ur home, so we moved. I won't be able to send u the address as the last Singh who stayed here took the numbers with them for their next house, so that they wouldn't have to change their address.

This place is really nice. It even has a washing machine. I'm not sure it works too well, I put in 3 shirts, pulled the chain n haven't seen them since. The weather here isn't too bad. It rain only twice last week. The first it rain for 3 days n second time rain for 4 days.

The coat u wanted me to send u, ur aunt said it would be a little too heavy to send u in the mail with all the buttons. so we cut them off n put them in the pocket.

We got another bill fr the funeral home. It said that if we don't make the last payment on Grandma's funeral, she will come up again.

Ur father has a new job. He has 500 men under him. He is cutting grass at the cemetry.

Ur sister had a baby this morning. I haven't found out whether it's a girl or a boy, so i don't know whether u r an aunt or uncle.

Ur uncle, Jatinder fell in a whisky vat. Some men tried to pull him out, but he fought them off n drowned. We cremated him n he burned for 3 days. Three of ur frens went off the bridge in a pick-up truck. One was driving, the other 2 were in the back. The driver got out, he rolled down the window n swam to safety. The other drowned because they couldn't get the tail gate down.

There isn't much more news this time. Nothing much has happened.

Love Mom

P.s: I was going to send u some money but the envelope was already sealed.

Smiles...

And now for today's smiles...

To realize the value of one year, ask a student who has failed a final exam...

To realize the value of one month, ask a mother who has given birth to a premature baby...

To realize the value of one week, ask an editor of a weekly newspaper...

To realize the value of one hour, ask the lovers who r waiting to meet...

To realize the value of one minute, ask a person who has missed the train, bus or plane...

To realize the value of one second, ask a person who has survived an accident...

To realize the value of one millisecond, ask the person who has won a silver medal in the Olympic Games.

Treasure every moment u have. And, remember that time waits for no one. 'The past is history, the future is a mystery, the present is a gift.' Friends r a very rare jewel, indeed. They make u smile n encourage u to suceed. They lend an ear, they share a word of praise, n they want to open their hearts to u. Show ur frens how much u care...

Money..

Here's what people have said about money :)


Money is a guarantee that we may have what we want in the future. Though we need nothing at the moment, it insures the possibility of satisfying a necessary desire when it arises. (Aristotle)


Money is the sixth sense which enables u to enjoy the other five.


Money is the cause of good things to a good man, of evil things to a bad man.


Lovey Howett : "You know, I really wouldn't mind being poor, if it weren't for one thing."
Thurston Howell III : "What is that, my dear?"
Lovey Howett : "Poverty".


Lack of money is the root of all evil.


From birth to age 18, a girl needs good parents, from 18 to 35, she needs good looks, from 35 to 55, she needs a good personality, n from 55 on, she needs MONEY!!!

A Joke..

A man stops into this little backwoods restaurant for lunch, n after finishing his meal he inquires the way to the rest room. Told that it's around the back of the building he heads through te back door, finds the outhouse n takes a shit, only to discover there's no toilet paper. But there is a sign on the wall that reads,

'Wipe yourself with ur finger, then insert the finger into this hole, n ur finger will be cleaned with great attention'

So the man wipes up n sticks his finger through the hole. On the other side is standing a little boy holding a brick in either hand, who claps them together at the sight of the finger poking through. The guy screams in pain, yanks his hand back, n starts sucking on his finger.....

Dragonfly..

A dragonfly is a beautiful n colourful insect. Dragonflies r adaptive insects. They r more powerful during the hot weather, under the effects of sunlight n warmth. Their lifecycle starts in water n they move to air after maturity. However, they tend to live close to water.


A dragonfly represents monsoon n rain. It also represents uncertain or unexpected changes in the climate or weather of a particular place. Being a creature of the wind, the dragonfly totem represents change. Its iridescent wings r extremely sensitive to the slightest breeze. They remind us to heed where the proverbial wind blows.


A dragonfly is also a creature of the water n hence, it is a symbol of subconscious or dreaming mind n thoughts.


What does a dragonfly symbolise?

A dragonfly is a symbol of sense of self, which comes with maturity. It represents renewal, positive forces n power of life. A pair of mating dragonflies is believed to be a symbol of love. The animal symbolism of a dragonfly is associated with good luck, prosperity, swiftness, strength, peace, purity n harmony. These symbolic meanings of a dragonfly r popular, specifically, with the Japanese n Native Americans. In Japanese paintings, dragonflies represent new light n joy. Dragonflies help u see through ur illusions n allow ur own light to shine in a new version.


They remind us to pay attention to our deeper thoughts n desires. In Japanese culture, dragonflies r considered as a symbol of strength, happiness n courage. They r often mentioned in Japanese literature n art, especially haiku. In ancient mythology, Japan was recognized by the name, Akitsushima that means 'Land of the Dragonflies'. According to the Japanese people, a dragonfly is associated with the rice plant's spirit.


To some Native Americans, dragonflies r the souls of the dead. In england, dragonflies were considered to be evil n dangerous. they were nicknamed as 'horse stingers'.


A dragonfly lives a very life n it tries to live to the fullest with what it has. This is the greatest lesson for all of us. We should try to enjoy every moment of life with what we have.

Jokes for the Day!

Ah Beng went for interview, the boss told him that he need someone who knows how to speak English, Ah Beng said, "No problem, Boss!".

The boss said, "okay then, use these 3 colours to form a sentence, green, pink and yellow"

Ah Beng said, "that's easy... I heard the telephone GREENS, I PINK up the call and say "YELLOW!"".

**********

One day, Ah Beng n Ah Teng were walking down the Chinatown when the saw something in their path.

"Wait!" cried Ah Beng. "Wat is lat ho..?"

"Yah ho! Be carefool lo," warned Ah Teng. "Wat is it?"

They approached the thing n looked at it very closely.

"Eee.. look like shit lah!" say Ah Beng.

"Hmmm..... smell like shit also!" say Ah Teng after taking a deep breathe.

Ah Beng then poked the thing with his one finger, raised the finger to his lips, tasted it n said, "Tastes like shit!".

Ah Teng pushed his finger right through the thing n stick out his tongue to lick. With confident, he said, "Confirm is shit!"

Then they smiled at each other, "Wah! lucky we didn't step on it."

**********

Sam had just completed his first day at school.

"What did u learn today?" asked his mother.

"Not enough," said Sammy. "I have to go back tomorrow."

**********

Where do birds meet for coffee??

- In a nest-cafe.

**********

What do u find in the middle of India??

- the letter 'D'.

Organic Food

I read a few articles lately, which i think is quite useful n very knowledgeable... actually, through reading articles does not only help to improve one's general knowledge, but also help in improving our vocabulary...

So, here it comes...

I read about organic food few days ago... "Organic food" is processed n distributed with method that retain freshness n nutritional quality without the use of the synthetic ripening agents, fumigants, perservatives or irradiation. Organically grown food is produced from natural farming system that do not damage environment. Organic farming relies on the development of natural biological cycles n the use of animal manure, compost n sound soil husbandry.

S0, why organic food???

1. Keep chemicals off ur plates - organic product is free fr pesticides, fungicides n other harmful chemicals n they r save to be eaten.

2. Protect future generation - a child receives 4 times more exposure than an adult to at least 8 widely used cancer-causing pesticides in food.

3. Restoration of natural ecosystem - organic farming does not contaminate the soil with synthetic chemicals.

4. Protect water quality

5. Save energy - organic farming reduces the need to produce, transport n dispose of dangerous chemicals.

6. Improved lifestyle n value systems

7. Maintain optimum nutrition

8. Taste better - organic farming starts with the nourishment of the soil which eventually leads to the nourishment of the plant n ultimately, our plates.

9. Support a true economy

10. Promote biodiversity

Conventionally produced food has sacrificed quality for quantity n low cost. Farmers r forced by competition to use method that produced maximum yields without regard to possible health risks or damage to our environment.

Organic foods r definitely safer because chemical pesticides r never applied.

Getting Started

First of all...

Welcome to my blog, everyone!!!

Just now, I was sitting in front of my computer.. thinking what to do today... while reading my frens blog... suddenly i was thinking... "Why don't I blog too..?".... haha... then, here i come...

Thinking of the title for my blog... at an instant... "Spice of Life" popped up in my mind as i just read of this word in the newspaper this morning... making me quite satisfied with this name... so, i decided to use it... haha...

Spice means to add a different element or to give interest or variety to sth. Therefore, in my opinion, "spice of life" is just simply having various types of excitement n interest in our life...

Finally, hope all of u will enjoy my blog n hav a nice day everyone!!! ^.^