Welcoming The Year of The Snake

Even if any of us felt squeamish or shivery down the spine just talking about snakes, this activity got us all excited. You got to be 'coz welcoming in the Year of the Snake is no small matter. And we did it a month ahead of the auspicious day.

First, at the regular activity session, there was the introduction by Sunshine lady, Janneke to the 12 animals of the Chinese Zodiac calendar. There are a few variations of how the year was named but that story told went down well. So, if any of the residents or the Sunshine ladies had had vague notion of the order the animals trot in year after year, it will be remembered. At least while the story is still fresh in their memory.

In the midst of the session, prodded by the teasing of one of the ladies, that  there's still some'culture' left in me, I rattled off in Hokkien : 'it choo ( one, rat), ji gu ( two, ox), sar hor (three tiger)... till the last animal, which, of course is the pig. Aha, a mini  'score'  won!

After some simple instructions  on the snake (pre-cut) from a paper plate, the residents decorated the snakes to their fancy. Some painted the 'poisonous ' colours that warn of the danger lurking should one encounter a live reptile.

Soon the coils of the snakes changed to springy creatures as they were hung from the centre of the multipurpose hall. The light breeze set them in motion as they swirled their slithery bodies suspending in the air. That unique  decor will be the centre piece for our planned Chinese New Year party for the residents on the 10th day of the New Year.

Janneke also recited a simple rhyme about the snake and we gustily sang it  to the tune of 'If you're happy and you know it'.

By then, some habits of the snakes were learned and hopefully any phobias were dispelled. One thing to remember : they do no harm unless threatened.

Back to ushering in the Year of the Water Snake. May you enjoy good health and and from it enjoy wealth ; for health and wealth  are entwined as snakes come! Wishing all my Chinese friends,'Gong Xi Fa Cai!'

A snuggy snake .

Sssuchh a lively activity.

Adding colours for a bright year ahead

Coils of good luck for the New Year!

Gong Xi Fa Cai!