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Top Ten List:
The True Meaning of
Chinese New Year

From the Home Office at Chinatown, here's the Top Ten list -

Top Ten Things about Chinese New Year we have to explain to tourists

We grew up with Chinese New Year, and things pretty much makes sense to us... or we never really asked about them. Then along comes a nosy tourist, and suddenly, you have to explain everything. Here now are the top ten things you may find yourself explaining to those darn tourists

Heeeeere we go,

10. Exchanging of oranges - There's nothing wrong with the oranges.

9. Red packets - only time of the year Chinese give tips.

8. Lion Dances - No actual lions were harmed in the performance.

7. Reunion dinners has nothing to do with one's alma mater.

6. Cantonese are not all born on the eighth day of Chinese New Year.

5. Pussy willows are not obtained from cats, and they are not used as sex aids.

4. "Loh Hei" is not just an excuse for us to play with our food.

3. Love Letters - not meant to be sent on Valentines; meant to be eaten.

2. Chinese are NOT obsessed with wealth, fortune, prosperity, and good luck.

And (drum roll) the number one thing you have to explain to the tourists about Chinese New Year,

1. Chingay is not the Chinese Gay pride parade.

[Cue music, Lion dance music]

THE END

Contributed and Written by Gabriel "Loco Lobo" Goh

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