Kung Hei Fat Choi

Kung Hei Fat Choy! That's how they spell it here. Some spell it Gong Xi Fa Chai (this is how they spell it in China using Pinyin). It is the greeting you often hear from people wishing one another well during the celebration of the Chinese New Year. In China and other predominantly Chinese countries like Singapore, Chinese New Year is celebrated for a week. It is a full week's holiday and all sorts of celebrations are on. For some, it is the time to travel back home to be with one's family (much like the celebration of the Christmas season here in the Philippines).

For good luck, there are all kinds of customs and traditions. There is the wearing of the color red. There is the giving of the Tikoy. There is the careful menu planning (there are actually some foods that are supposed to be served at this time for good luck). Plus a whole lot more.

Well, just wishing everyone Gong Xi Fa Chai! or Kung Hei Fat Choy!