Gong Xi Galore !

Fortune - readymade!

I gotta share with  my readers this event which signalled the end of the Lunar New Year celebrations for me. In fact it took place a day after Chap Goh Mei.Yes, being 'elastic' is absolutely ok in this case! That evening was a heady mix of culture and fun, laughter and fellowship. Everything gelled  even with  Rotarians among  the guests ( host himself an inspiring Rotarian) belting out their District Rotarian song. The kids sang and  added zest before the Rotarians took to the mike.

Rotarians ( with their kids) singing their District song

Our host, Raymond pulled out all the stops to ensure everyone had a great time. The bang of 2 long strings of  firecrackers started a crackling evening for all.Then the lions danced. Not one but 2 lion dance troupes  danced  to the beat of the Chinese drums, gongs and cymbals. One 'red' lion pranced in the air  on a  solid  thick pole. The  prize dangling at the top end of the pole  was of course the lettuce which symbolizes prosperity and good luck. The other 'gold'  lion pranced agilely on stilts.

Troupe members steadying  the heavy pole  and themselves for the lion to prance higher

Dancing in mid- air

The 2 lions and the clown having fun with the audience. 

Our host  took over as a lion dancer! Spot his leg - the giveaway!!

Symbols of prosperity - pineapple, pomelo, oranges, lettuce, bananas - offered to the host and hostess (partially hidden in yellow dress) 

More excitement and dancing reigned when  the celestial dragon  entertained the guests. Chasing the ball of fire is no mean task. The troupe displayed great skill in weaving, loping and twisting its body. At one point,  it puffed 'fire' (really carbon dioxide)  to bless 2 new cars. It was all very new to me but I soaked it all in. One was the new Honda hybrid and the other, a Proton.

Chasing the ball of fire 

Twisting, turning, loping,  running - high energy 

The night when  the  celestial dragon danced  on earth!

Host  posing beside his new car, Proton. 

May  good fortune be upon all and the owner of the new Honda 

No one can say  they didn't feel lucky at all that  evening.  The good vibes were all around us. To top it all, the God of Prosperity visited us earthlings! Suddenly  attention was centred on this important figure. Just to be near him one would have some good luck rubbed off him! How the guests clambered  round him !  Better still, to receive a 'lai see'.You bet I got one too!  Our generous hostess, Esther later came round and wished us luck with an orange and and a 'lai see'. Wanna know what's inside? Money of course.If you are truly, truly lucky, you can win  the lottery jackpot!! Inside was a lottery ticket  for everyone. I wonder who the God of Prosperity picked to shower loads of money. Though I felt lucky, it wasn't me!!

Prosperity comes in a pair from Nigeria - helping hand to give  out the 'ang pows'

Happiness and good fortune all round

We were served yee sang  before the meal proper. That was my last toss in joining others and wishing each other everything good - health, happiness and wealth. As the guests partook of the local menu , we were entertained by a sweet Japanese lady playing on the koto.

Japanese music on the koto  to add to the festivity

Evidently we had a wonderful time with our gracious, generous host, Raymond and his wife Esther. In their great spirit of sharing, they brought  the Chinese New Year celebrations for me and others to a  thumping happy ending.

Truly an international gathering!