Chinese New Year ’09

Chinese New Year is around the corner on the 26th, and decorations have flooded the city during these past few weeks. 2009 brings us the year of the Ox which is a sign of prosperity through fortitude and hard work. Although this will be a tough year for all, perseverance shall see us through to good fortune.

Red envelopes are used to hold money usually given from older folks to younger. The amount put in is at the discretion of the sender. The youngins wish the elders a year of good health and fortune and receive the envelope for the good saying.

Caught this at the MTR. Hello Kitty and her boyfriend?

Lanterns aren’t only used for the Mid Autumn Festival, but can be seen throughout the Chinese New Year celebration.

Lions were on display at Langham Place in Mong Kok.

Lion dances along with beating drums are used to scare away evil spirits. I noticed the green dragon has black framed lenses to blend in with all the other Chinese here. Isn’t that just clever…

The lions scared the shit out of me as a kid, especially when firecrackers were lit at the same time.

Don’t have any plans for the new year yet, but I wish to those who celebrate, a start to a successful and healthy year.