The meaning of Chinese (Lunar) New Year

[Scion]

to some, it may be superstitious... but many of the customs started with good intentions

 

and we should preserve them, our customs and traditions

 

pls contribute if you know more

 

 

1. Drums, Gongs and Firecrackers during CNY

 

origin: to frighten off Nian (Year), which was a mystical creature that created havoc to the farmers every start of spring

 

2. Pasting Fu (Happiness) upside down

 

origin: a illiterate servant working in a prince's mansion hanged the Fu upside down during CNY.. a quick witted housekeeper helped him to escape punishment by explaining to the prince that it symbolised Fu Dao (Happiness Arrives)

 

3. Shou Sui (Staying awake overnight on eve of CNY)

 

meaning: to pray for the longevity of parents

[Atonchia]

to some, it may be superstitious... but many of the customs started with good intentions

 

and we should preserve them, our customs and traditions

 

pls contribute if you know more

 

 

1. Drums, Gongs and Firecrackers during CNY

 

origin: to frighten off Nian (Year), which was a mystical creature that created havoc to the farmers every start of spring

 

2. Pasting Fu (Happiness) upside down

 

origin: a illiterate servant working in a prince's mansion hanged the Fu upside down during CNY.. a quick witted housekeeper helped him to escape punishment by explaining to the prince that it symbolised Fu Dao (Happiness Arrives)

 

3. Shou Sui (Staying awake overnight on eve of CNY)

 

meaning: to pray for the longevity of parents

 

To Eat all the Festives goodies! Indulgence with moderation!

 

Do not be like what HPB is doing now. Why be festivities specific? :angry:

and shouldn't it be the living habits, diet and routine exercises during the fulll year that matters?

These people are hypocritical, going on crash diet, relentless methods to dehydrate oneself, sudden increase of exercise intensity that may be even worst for the heart. I can't believe HPB is promoting these stupid reality shows copycats programme.

 

 

Some adopt healthier eating habits during LNY celebrations

SINGAPORE: Lunar New Year celebrations are not complete without the festive goodies. But there are some who are tightening their waistlines during this season of feasting.

 

Bak Kwa is a common snack at the Lunar New Year celebrations. One would have met the daily calories requirement by eating just seven pieces of the barbecued meat.

 

A piece of Bak Kwa contains 300 calories. According to Health Promotion Board (HPB) guidelines, an average male adult needs about 2,100 calories, while a female needs 1,600 calories per day.

 

But May Pang, 41, is looking at healthier options.

 

She said: "Drastic change in the menu (that) we offer to our guests. Instead of sugared drinks, we will just offer plain water and more fruits. And this year, I have quite a fair bit of savings because I refrain myself from buying Chinese New Year goodies."

 

May is one of the contestants of the third season of "Lose to Win", a HPB weight management programme to encourage individuals to lose weight the healthy way.

 

Her family was initially surprised at her no-festive-goodies policy, but is now giving her full support.

 

Her husband, Lim Boon Hock, said: "We like the Chinese (festive) goodies but (with) my wife taking up this programme, we cut down on all these food and we support her as a family."

 

"Lose to Win 3" started on 6 January, with over 1,000 people taking part in the three-month programme. So far, they have gone through group exercise sessions and nutrition workshops with dietitians.

 

The second season of "Lose to Win" in 2010 saw 93 per cent of participants losing their weight, while 99 per cent had an improved fitness index.

 

- CNA/ck