Happy New Year, Folks!

It’s the Year of the Pig

Chinese New Year is a time for celebrating it big

It’s a festival of joy and celebration

Family reunion is cause for jubilation.

 

Everyone strives to make it home for reunion dinner on New Year Eve

Bringing home all sorts of goodies as gifts

As the clock strikes midnight

Fireworks light up the sky bright.

 

New year visiting has become a tradition

Open houses require no invitation

Sticking to your diet is not going to be easy

When you are served with so many delicacies.

 

Prancing lions roam the shopping malls

Looking for angpows big or small

Loud music from lion dance drums

Assault your senses and eardrums.

 

Deafening pilipala sounds from exploding firecrackers

Can drive many people bonkers

The smell of sulphur permeates the air

Smelling like rotten eggs it lingers on your clothes and hair.

 

In many a home mahjong sessions are in full swing

On this auspicious festival everyone hopes to win

Youngsters indulge in card games

Loaded with angpow money they can afford to try their hands.

 

Mandarin oranges seem to be omnipresent

New year cookies and niangao are popular presents

People exchange gongxifacai greetings

Having a happy new year means everything.

 

Red lanterns hang in garages

A custom handed down through the ages

Red paper-cuts and couplets adorn the main door

Inviting prosperity and guarding against demons according to folklore.

 

Gong Xi Fa Cai and Happy New Year

May your new year be filled with joy and cheer

May the God of Prosperity bring you wealth

May you be blessed with great health.