Chinese Xmas and Santa Claus
The Year of the Snake has slithered its way here today. Had been living in Singapore for over 3 years, but this is the 1st time we actually do something that would resemble what the locals do in CNY (Chinese New Year). We bought some CNY candy and biscuits, also reminding me how my mum prepared them during CNY in Sydney or Saigon (there's no bloody way i call it Ho-Chi-Ming City. Never! Never! Ever!). And even went to visit the Float @ Marina Bay on CNY's Day on 10 Feb.Every CNY, Singaporean government would put on a lantern display during the Spring Festival (春节 as Chinese New Year is sometimes called). And it had been a tradition to place the Float at Marina Bay on a floating platform. Float on Float, only the Red Dot could've thought of that !
When we arrived at the Marina Bay, rains had resumed, albeit only drizzle. Despite the rain, it didn't dampen the spirit of a scattering crowd there. The highlight (pun intended) of the Float this year is the giant lantern of the God of Fortune (='cai shen'='財神'), who stands 18m tall. He's said to be the tallest lantern in Asia.CNY isn't complete without the appearance of the God of Fortune. CNY in East and SE Asia is the closest thing to Xmas (than the New Year) in the West.
In the West, you get the full commercialisation of Xmas like Xmas musics and decorations in shopping malls. Likewise, you get CNY music, decorations and merchandising in shopping malls the weeks leading up to CNY. Don't forget Xmas and CNY food and movies. And both festive occasions are about families gathering for dinners, and exchanging gifts.
But last but not least, you also get to meet God of Fortune. It's Chinese Santa Claus. They're both bearded old men who wear red outfits and head gears, give away things, and are very popular with children. And they only pop up to visit us once a year during the festive seasons. They're the 'human' faces, the respective ambassadors of Xmas and CNY festivals.
You would usually see God of Fortune walking around shopping malls and whatnot handling out Red Packets, which usually contain chocolate coins instead of Luck Money. It isn't the actual value in the Red Envelop that matters, it's receiving anything from God of Fortune would bring luck to the whole year. Who can't use some luck throughout the year?
The giant lantern above, along with all the other lanterns were designed by Singaporean, but made in China (like everything else).
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These 3 God of Fortune are decidedly shorter than 18m (methink lower than 1.8m). If we were here last night (CNY's Eve), there would be stage performances from the Guangzhou Arts Troupe as well as fireworks. But it would also be a considerably much larger crowd than today.
You know what? The rain reduced the crowd and makes the photos extra pretty.
This lantern screen above depicts a lotus pond with gold fish, which says to bring fortune. Furthermore, 'fish' (='Yu'='魚'), in Mandarin puns with 'adundance' (='Yu'='餘'). More fish motif below. Other pun like 'Fu', which sounds like 'bats', and so you tend to see them in CNY decorations.
While It drizzled the whole time we were there, its dazzling colour were enhanced by the shimmering wet ground as well as flashes of colourful umbrellas, making it more picturesque.
Of course, no CNY float is complete without the 12 Chinese animal zodiacs inside what look like hollowed out vases.
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This CNY float definitely hooks me to attend future ones. You could see the rest of the photos here.
