My family and I live on the fourth floor of a twenty-four-floor building, located on a hill overlooking a low-rise neighborhood. The other day, my husband and I went for a stroll through the neighborhood.
On our stroll, we found the beginnings of Chinese New Year decorations, placed on doors and gates.
Chinese New Year, or “Spring Festival,” is a two-week holiday. People visit with family and friends, enjoy festive foods and fireworks, give children “red packets” filled with money, or stroll through flower markets. For 2019, the first day of the holiday begins on February 5th.
According to the Chinese zodiac calendar, 2019 is the year of the pig. My husband was born the year of the pig. I was born the year of the rat. Neither sound too impressive. Especially given the fact my daughter was born in the year of the tiger and my son in the year of the dragon. However, among the zodiac animals, pig and rat mean wealth and industriousness, which is not so bad.
I don’t have any photos of the famous red lanterns yet, but got a few of the traditional flowers.
Chinese New Year is a time to begin again and look toward a new year filled with good luck and prosperity. On the first day of Chinese New Year, you greet one another with, “Kung Hei Fat Choi!”
“Wishing you luck and a good future!”
**This post is inspired by Thursday Doors, created by Norm Frampton. For more doors from all around the globe, check it out.
I like the wooden door beyond the steel gate in the first shot.
You had me scratching my head for a second with the title because I was pretty sure the holiday was still a few weeks away. The prep work that some people do is impressive.
By the way, I’m a dragon too.
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Oh, you’re so ‘lucky!’ 🙂 Yeah, the schools here are closed as of today for New Year holidays. Thanks for commenting. I liked the statue beside that door too!
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Lovely decorations! I have never been anywhere where Chinese new year was celebrated. Maybe one day. I was born in the year of a Dog and have always loved this fact, which coupled with the fact that I’m a Taurus makes me a bulldog. 😀
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Bulldog is good! Maybe someday you can travel someplace for Chinese New Year. It doesn’t have to be that far, most Chinatowns in major cities have celebrations and decorations. Thanks so much for commenting! =)
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Am glad you gave me a comment, because I somehow missed it! I remember when my son lived in China how important the New Year was, but I didn’t know they also dressed up their own house:) Looking festive! Which animal is the focus of this New Year?
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This is the year of the pig. It’s a very important time for people on this side of the world, not just China. We were in Vietnam during Lunar New Year a couple years ago and it was a very big do, then lived in Thailand so got to experience a few Songkran celebrations (their lunar new year) where the entire country has one big water fight. Quite entertaining though very soggy. 😊
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