February 08, 2005
my cut flowers
These are the flowers I picked up at the market- only about 6 USD for all of them. That's cheap even by HK standards- usually one stemful of lilies costs like $8 USD.
The open lily flowers are the largest I've seen- practically the size of my face and are quite fragrant.
Here is something I read in a HK newspaper about Lunar New Year traditions:
taboos concerning LNY:
-clear all debts by Lunar New Year. Don't lend on the big day or you'll continue to do so all year.
-don't talk about the previous year: a New Year is a new beginning- so don't look back
-Don't eat fresh bean curd or tofu, white symbolizes death and ill fortune
-The words of the first person you meet will determine your luck for the rest of that year.
-Don't greet anyone in his or her bedroom, it's unlucky
-Don't use knives or scissors in New Year's Day- it's bad luck.
-no cleaning (as you can wash away good luck) or crying (cause tradtion says you will cry all year) on Lunar New Year.
home decorating tips:
- happy, poetic couplets with black or gold ink on red paper to go on walls.
- fresh flowers, such as pussy willow, azalea, peony, water lily or narcissus, as a symbol or revival and growth
-oranges and tangerines with leaves, which represent joy. The leaves symbolize a secure relationship: an extra leaf means newlyweds will have many children
-candy tray with 8 varieties of dried fruit: peanuts for longevity, candied melon for wellbeing, lychee nuts for a good family relationship, kumquats for wealth, coconut for togetherness, red melon seeds for bliss and honesty, longans for many good sons, lotus seed for lots of children.