"Kung Hei Fat Choi" (Happy Chinese New Year)!

Coming close on the heels of the Christian celebrations of Christmas and New Year is the  Chinese New Year  which starts on Feb.10 and the celebration lasts for 15 days thereafter.

 It is the  Year of the Water Snake  which, according to knowledgeable sources, will be a wise and enigmatic period.

We know of the phrase  "inscrutable Chinese,"  but as to how mysterious 2013 will be, we don't know.

The snake has a coiled body, which perhaps symbolizes its many facets, some of which could be, yes, enigmatic.

The Snake is ambitious and wise.

It is supposed to have much intelligence and gracefulness but is materialistic and analytical, and will scheme and plot to get what it wants.

(Hmm, no wonder some people are called snakes?!) 

They enjoy being recognized and awarded.

In their career, it is said that those born in the year of the Snake are diligent and creative.

Ethnic Chinese pay a visit to a temple in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia,

 as it is decorated with Chinese traditional lanterns in celebration of the Chinese New Year.

(Photo Credit: AP/Voice Of America)

The celebration of the  Chinese New Year  normally starts with a grand lantern parade followed by festive meals and most specially the distribution by the elders of ang pao, red envelopes with lucky money, to the younger family members and friends.

The Chinese have "lucky food" they normally serve during the festivities.

By tradition, the following, among others, are served, with interpretations that depend on their appearance and sounds of their names in Chinese.

Chicken is served whole to symbolize togetherness.

Fish must also be whole for abundance;

dumplings for wealth as they are shaped like gold bars,
 noodles must not be cut for long life,
 desserts like sticky rice for family union.

May the gracious, intelligent and diligent Snake reign in 2013.

Kung Hei Fat Choi!

Round fruits for Chinese New Year ~ for good luck! ♥

Dumplings are served ~ to signify wealth. ☺