Gong Xi Fa Cai!!

The excitement is fever pitched amongst the Chinese kids at our condo tonight.  It is the beginning of a 14 day celebration to usher in the Luner New Year.  This weekend kiddies here in Singapore and throughout the world will be chowing down some pretty delicious grub, setting off fire crackers and most importantly receiving the all important Hong Baos or "Red Packets".  Hong Baos are generally given to children containing a monitory gift and there are quite a few rules around how to give Hong Baos.   Here tis' in a nutshell

- Money is generally just one single note
- The figure must be an even number
- Money must be new (ie not just any old crunched up note from the bottom of your wallet
-  Number 4 is extremely unlucky and should be avoided
- Packet must be red to denote good luck for the year to come
- Packets must not be opened in front of the giver

Goodness all these rules!

No body actually BUYS red packets from what I understand.  There is an abundance of red packets around at this time of year.  Banks hand them out, as do hotels, service stations and department stores.   Plenty of business' take a lot of pride in designing a custom red packet each year as part of their marketing strategy.

Old red packets are great for kids to craft with.  Check out these amazing red packet lanterns and origami fish on you tube...

We made our own lanterns today using bubble wrap. lego and mandarin's to stamp.  Thanks Miss S for sharing in all the glittery fun with us!

Gong Xi Fa Cai