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nad1a

nad1a

Greece

January 25, 2009

Being a great fan of Chinese cuisine and culture, I especially enjoyed this article I came across on CBS about delicious Chinese New Year traditional dishes and the way people celebreate that holiday.

What I liked most about it, is that each ingredient used in the meal, bears a special meaning. Noodles for example, represent longevity and the longer the noodle, the longer you will live. Whereas the Chinese for "shrimps" and "smile" happens to be the same word and that's why shrimps symbolize happiness.

Video and story on CBS.

I just loved it. And it's a great listening practice too.

PLUS: 2009 is the year of the Ox and President Obama was born in the year of the Ox too.

And this is what the Chinese Zodiac says about the Year of the Ox:

"The Ox, or the Buffalo sign symbolizes prosperity through fortitude and hard work. Those born under the influence of the Ox or Buffalo are fortunate to be stable and persevering.  The typical Ox is a tolerant person with strong character.  Not many people could equal the resolution and fearlessness that the Ox exhibits when deciding to accomplish a task.  Ox people work hard without complaints at work or at home.  They know that they will succeed through hard work and sustained efforts, and do not believe in get-rich-quick schemes."

So we can expect a prosperous and fulfilling year ahead!

More entries: FCE Writing Guide (2), Listening Exercise - Song Lyrics - "Shackles (Praise You)" (4), Keeping Your Job in Tough Financial Times (1), Cultural Differences Explained (4), I don't understand!, Thank you English, baby! staff and members! (5), Background Notes on American and British English (2), Chinese New Year (2), 13 Places To Watch TV Online for Free (3), New Year's Resolutions

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04:21 AM Jan 25 2009

nad1a

nad1a
Greece

Shad, it's actually tomorrow, so it's not belated. But that's a good question! How do we greet folks on that day?

Happy Chinese New Year? or just Happy New Year?

04:18 AM Jan 25 2009

shad84

shad84
United States

do i say HAPPY BELATED NEW YEAR or uhmmm i dunno....HAPPY NEW YEAR to y'all chinese folks down there