Gong Xi Fa Cai 26 Jan 2009 (Mon)

26 Jan marked the beginning of spring which is the Chinese New Year. It's a time of great rejoicing, as we thank God for having seen us through the past year of the rat, and we pray that the new year of the golden ox will be one in which we will be blessed with health, wealth, happiness and everything that is good.

The best part of Chinese New Year is the family get-togethers and the "open house" hosted by relatives and friends. For the children, nothing beats the excitement of receiving red packets ("ang pow") and watching the dazzling fireworks in the night sky. Gone are the days when fire crackers (dropping in a string from 1st floor balconies/roof tops to the ground) were let off and the whole street was covered with a sea of red paper (from the fire crackers) in the aftermath of the lunar new year celebration. Today, we have to settle for the tamer firework displays.

Pictures from the top:

1. Some of my favourite relatives: (seated from left) - Major Goh Choon Beng (Henry's brother), his wife Siew Hong, Stella (Henry's eldest sister), Shamuz (Stella's son) with William (my son) on his lap. (Standing from left) - Angela (Shamuz's wife), me and Henry. My family decided to go traditional on the 1st day of the Ox year to keep our culture alive.

2. Henry's parents (both deceased) on their wedding day. This pic was taken by Henry on the 1st day of the New Year at his family house. The Peranakan outfits that his late parents wore on their wedding day were truly amazing! The photo reminds me of our roots and rich heritage.

3. "Open house" at Sam and Christine Koh's residence takes on a very different concept. There is good food and cheer as in other houses but what makes it so special is the live music that the musically inclined and talented host family provides for their guests. On the piano is Christine and she is ably accompanied by her children (from left) Vanessa, Sebastian and Kenneth. Their repertoire of songs range from Chinese to English, rock 'n roll to waltz - you name it, they play it!