Chinese New Year is approaching and Hong Kong is getting all decked out and ready to celebrate. 2013 is the Year of the Snake. This is the biggest holiday in the Chinese culture. Everyone goes home to spend time with their families and eat traditional foods. Gift giving is a very big tradition. The local stores have large displays of nuts, cookies, candies and biscuits in decorative tins. It's exciting to see all the displays and bonus - we get three and a half days off from work!! Zack and I are taking that opportunity to head to Sydney, Australia for a few days. We are very excited about that trip. In the meantime, let me share what is happening here...
Flower shops are getting ready for the big rush selling mandarin trees and beautiful flower arrangements. Mandarin oranges are considered traditional symbols of abundance and good fortune. There are several large flower markets that will open later this week and stay open late into the evening to accommodate the demand.
Lanterns and firecracker decorations are very common.
Window decals and festive displays are also common.
You see these golden bowls everywhere. They symbolize prosperity.
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| This character is the God of Wealth |
Walkway overpasses...
Figures on display...
And of course, many buildings are covered in lights!! You may recognize these buildings from the Kowloon Christmas display.
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| Santa has been replaced with the God of Wealth and the beach ball with the golden bowl. |
That's it for this posting. We are off to see more today and will share soon. IFC Mall on HK Island has a big panda display :)
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