Suz in the City : Giddy Up: Ringing in the Year of the Horse

Chinese New Years, for native Hong Kongers, is by far the biggest and most celebrated event of the year. Two weeks are designated to welcoming in the year of the horse (and Spring) and saying good riddance to that filthy serpent the snake, or as I like to call it, 2013.

Along with bursts of colorful lanterns hanging about, the city also plays host to a smattering of covered tables that serve as alters to demonstrate sacrifice and honor to the tenants of the spirit world. They are adorned with incense, platters of fruits, vegetables and sometimes fully roasted pigs. DO NOT make the mistake of snagging an orange at snack time, this is not a community offering type situation. The gods WILL serve their vengeance via a terrifying four foot wrinkly, yet spry, Chinese woman. *shudder*

Families take time away from their busy schedules to gorge themselves on feasts of dim sum. Little red pockets stashed with hundred dollar bills are distributed from elders and married couples for good luck. Lion dances are performed throughout the city. The official start to a new year commences with the explosion of millions of dollars of fireworks to the backdrop of Hong Kong over Victoria Harbor.

Although a very big deal to the native population, Chinese New Years is a great opportunity for foreigners to have a solid four days to do as they please. For many of my friends it meant a golden opportunity for traveling beyond the island, for me it just meant four days of glorious resting, eating, and enjoying many of Hong Kong's various attractions.

During the next two weeks I'll be greeted by everyone from my door man to my vegetable dealer with a warm and sincere,"Kung Hei Fat Choi" (Happy New Year) which is accompanied with a slight bow, hands clasped together, shaking gently. My vegetable guy will attempt to teach me to say: "May all your wishes of your heart and your head come true," and "I wish you all the best in happiness and health" in Cantonese. I will say it back to them once, in the moment, and then it will fall out of my brain and land on the pile of tomatoes never to return to my oh-so-limited Canotonese vocabulary.

Here is an example of a few offerings Hong Kongers typically leave for their ancestors. It's quite a large display, which is more typical to see in a temple. Each household has their own ways of giving sacrifice, but mostly one sees lots of oranges, apples, and incense at the foot of people's apartment entryways.

The Victoria Park flower market is an example of the spring celebration side of Chinese New Year. These huge flower markets are set up in a few select locations and are buzzing with commerce from dusk to dawn. The flowers signify renewal, fresh growth, new life.

Hoards and hoards of people waiting to cross the road to get into TST to see Hong Kong blow up millions of dollars in fireworks. Worth it.

Luckily, I was dubbed partner in crime to this chick, Stephanie (who was also the host of my Thanksgiving, and fashion show birthday celebrations and swell person all around). We attended a fabulous New Years spectacle on the rooftop of some friends of ours.

It. was. magical.