CNY Means ... (1/5) - Red!

Chinese New Year means everything is red. With a capital R.

Chinese New Year, which starts on Sunday 14 Feb, is an annual festival celebrated by more than one billion Chinese people around the world. Red, being an auspicious and lucky colour for the Chinese, dominates everything from decorations to food.

For those who are not familiar with this festival, Chinese New Year is like Christmas. Except that you get cash gifts in red packets instead of presents. And except that you do not have to give anything in return if you are not married. See, it's already 10 times better.

Jokes aside, I have not always liked this 15-day celebration. During my angsty teenager years, I tried to avoid social gatherings with extended family members at all costs. But over the last few years, I have learned to embrace and appreciate its significance. Mainly because it is the only time of the year that I reunite with my family and childhood friends in Ipoh, Malaysia.

So, over the next few posts, I will share with you what Chinese New Year means to me now. Stay tuned.