"Auld Lang China" ... Chinese New Year 2007

Ring in the New Year once again, during Chinese New Year in Thailand this February 18-20

Thailand may be the only country in the world that having celebrated three(3) New Years Days each year. The most high profile, of course, is "Songkran", that April the hottest month of the year -- all Thai traditional is water-throwing mayhem which marks the beginning of the traditional Thai year. Secondly, the Thais also recognize the western New Year on January 1st. Finally, though it may not be as high-profile as the others, if you're fond of the colour red and enjoy the taste like the moon, such as freeze-dried chunks of lava), then Chinese New Year may be the greatest one of all.

Ohhh!... and you must have a great fondness for wacky giant lion heads, oranges, and incense smoke. Then say "Happy New Year" or "Wan Trun Chin" as the Chinese Thais say.

Stereotypically hard-working as they are, many Chinese Thais take off work for one day during the three day New Year's Day festival. That's probably because most of the rituals involved in Chinese New Year are oriented towards prosperity in the coming year, and one cannot usher in properity siiting on their can. Given that 2007 is the year of the pig (considered an especially "prosperous" animal, despite its unkempt living conditions), this year's celebrations should be especially upbeat.

It goes without saying that the best place to enjoy Chinese New Year is in a Chinatown and Bangkok's (on Yawarat Road) is the most immense, thriving one, with Nakhorn Sawan's coming in second. Provincial versions (in Pattaya, Phuket, Hua Hin, Chiang Mai, etc.) are smaller, quainter, and often more relaxed, and run less of a risk of having to dodge frightening strings of popping firecrackers!

Highlights of the festival include: The god of wealth, Choi Sun, handing out red envelopes containing money (called "Ang Pao") to children, old people and the needy; the Lion Dance in which a giant and colourful papier mache lion puppet entertains the crowd and wards off demons (it is considered especially lucky if you put your head in its mouth); and lively performances of traditional Chinese opera and acrobatics. Activities at Chinese temples are particularly vibrant, featuring fortune telling, merit-making, and a veritable forest fire of smoldering incense sticks.

As with all festivals in Thailand, food plays a predominant part are available for the sampling. While some are partial to traditional moon cakes, others find them a bit reminiscent of building plaster. Nevertheless, they do look nice and make a thoughtful (if merely ornamental) gift.

Food can often be very symbolic as well: Noodles, for instance, must be cooked and served uncut, as this symbolizes long life, and chickens must be served whole (with head and feet) to symbolize completeness. Perhaps eeven more interesting, certain foods whose Chinese names are homonyms for auspicious words like wealth and health are also eaten, such as bamboo shoots and bean curd. You are, in this case, not only what you eat, but what you sound like you're eating.