Hosted by Andrew’s family for Chinese new year, eternally grateful
First time we experienced an authentic Chinese New Year ceremony.
Kung hei fat choi!
We had Tikoy; sticky rice and sugar for lasting family bonds, mung bean bun for long life and Ponkan for wealth. I ate so much Ponkan coz I was desperate for more money and ignored the Tikoy and the Bun coz I wasnt really sure I wanted to live long anyway.
As for the Family bind effect of Tikoy, I have independent siblings and I like it that way. No clinging.
Andrew’s mother, prepping the tea. Thank you for having us Mrs Co.
Tikoy or sticky rice and sugar for firmer familial ties
Amusing story behind the Tikoy, apparently it’s used to bait angels and upon recieving it, the sweet sticky bind of Tikoy will prevent them from reporting one’s sins to the Gods which will ensure a blessed year ahead.
Mung bean buns for Long life
Isabella, Donna and her fiance Jp and JJ Ortoll enjoying the feast
Offering the incense that will burn for eight hours
1000 bows to the Buddha.
Buddhist offering to welcome in the year of the snake
Praying for Luck. A thousand bows to welcome in the year of the snake. Workout!
The Ceremony wasnt at all easy, bowing and standing up a thousand times is a total workout in itself, atleast for a religious ritual. It works though, we really felt the connection to the mantra. Like in yoga, the physical excercise is meant to quiet the mind to allow the divine energy to flow freely.