Gong xi fa cai! Happy year of the goat!
Today is Chinese New Year, the most celebrated holiday in Singapore.
Here are some of the things I’ve experienced every CNY.
A hong bao or ang pow (red packet) of cash and 2 mandarin oranges are distributed to each employee at our office.
Traditionally, married couples give hong baos to younger single people.
Mandarin oranges symbolize prosperity and are given as gifts as well as used for decor. As for me, I just really love to eat them so I really enjoy this time of the year when there are a lot of these in grocery stores!
Yu sheng is tossed for prosperity. I already talked about the funny overenthusiastic toss we made last time, which ended up as the messiest lo hei I had ever seen.
Almost all shops are closed, so you can’t buy food or go shopping. You can always count on good old 7-11 to be open, though.
Singtel is giving free unlimited data to its postpaid customers today. So I’m taking advantage of it and using it for this post.
Bailie @ The Hemborg Wife says
I love reading about these traditions! If your office does not follow local holidays which ones does it follow?
Polly says
Looks like a lot of amazing food! I'm also a huge fan of new year in Russia since they're also big mandarin eaters during that time!
Dee @ A Deecoded Life says
It depends. If a team has clients that are all from the same country, then they can follow that country's holidays. If not, nothing. We do follow the globally recognized holidays – New year, Christmas, and Good Friday.
Dee @ A Deecoded Life says
Oh wow, I didn't know that! That's interesting trivia, thanks!
Elizabeth Than says
Oh dear, I feel bad that you are one of the hardworking ones during PH, but at least you guys are compensated with free food. Those yu sheng makes me hungry, like now.
Dee @ A Deecoded Life says
Yeah, don't worry coz we also get a leave in lieu so we get to plan our own holiday! 🙂
Dee @ A Deecoded Life says
It depends. If a team has clients that are all from the same country, then they can follow that country's holidays. If not, nothing. We do follow the globally recognized holidays – New year, Christmas, and Good Friday.
Polly says
Looks like a lot of amazing food! I'm also a huge fan of new year in Russia since they're also big mandarin eaters during that time!
Bailie @ The Hemborg Wife says
I love reading about these traditions! If your office does not follow local holidays which ones does it follow?
Dee @ A Deecoded Life says
Oh wow, I didn't know that! That's interesting trivia, thanks!
Elizabeth Than says
Oh dear, I feel bad that you are one of the hardworking ones during PH, but at least you guys are compensated with free food. Those yu sheng makes me hungry, like now.
Dee @ A Deecoded Life says
Yeah, don't worry coz we also get a leave in lieu so we get to plan our own holiday! 🙂