Thursday, November 12, 2009

connection pg 79 - 80

In Cambodia, New Year's is our biggest and most important holiday. For three days, stores, restaurants, businesses are closed. There is nothing to do but enjoy the food and festivities. Everyday there are parties at friends at friends' houses. At these gatherings, the host serves roast pig, duck, beef,sweet cakes, and beautiful candies. The part I liked best was when the parents took the children around to their friends. Children are not given presents during this holiday. Instead, we are given money- brand-new crisp bills in decorated red paper pouches.

This part of the book kind of relates to me because on Chinese New year I go visit my family and we give each other a red envelope wit money. There is no gifts given to each other. Family and friends usually gather together and eat. Chinese New year last for 15 days. On Chinese New year the tray of candy is known as " the tray of togetherness," which the trays are usually round or shaped like and octagon. The candies that are in the "tray of togetherness" are Candied melon(growth and good health), Red melon seed( dyed red to symbolize joy, happiness, truth, and sincerity), Lychee nut( strong family relationships), Cumquat( prosperity[gold]), Coconut(togetherness), Peanuts(long life), Longnan(many good sons), and a Lotus see(many children.) Mainly my Chinese New years is spending time with my family and having dinners.

2 comments:

  1. i agreee with the book aswell, on newyears most thinks are shut down or close really early. my family and friends always have parties for new years eve aswell. celebrating anothe ryear together and a year gone by is important to many people no matter what new year you celebrate. for e.x. victoria celebrates chinese new year

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  2. New years is a really big holiday for Chinese Culture, and now knowing how similar Cambodia culture and Chinese culture is, this does not surprise me one bit. And as Ante said, New Years is a fun time for a lot of people.

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