THE Chinese New Year weekend transformed Lacson Street in Bacolod into a flamboyant display of all things lucky, with every corner, building, and even houses decorated in red and Chinese lanterns hanging all over to attract good fortune.
With red believed to be an auspicious color, it was all over the major streets and even local malls to attract good luck this year. In popular Chinese establishments along downtown and Bacolod’s China town along Shopping Road, how attractive and pleasing is it to see images of prosperity pushing you to stop and wish for something great that may come along.
This year’s BacoLaodiat festivities were made more memorable as the festival, dubbed as one of the biggest Chinese New Year fests in the country, already marked its 10th year. I could remember how it started along Narra Avenue, along the city’s local Chinatown, with a wide array of Chopsticks Alley, sticky food corners and Chinese cuisine I covered then as a campus journalist.
It was a feast to the eyes to see people in colorful costumes, humungous head dresses and attractive illuminated lanterns placed in significant locations for good luck. I even have some friends from Manila who dedicated their leave to witness the annual streetdancing competition.
This month, goat-related decorations were commonly seen as it is the center of the occasion. I could not help but praise the artistry of our local artists for pulling all the resources and being ingenious with images and larger-than-life figures that are equally eye-catching. However, there were no red goat dolls for children. Giving animal dolls for children has been an annual practice in China. I could just imagine how memorable it would have been for our kids in Bacolod to receive dolls and toys during BacoLaodiat as well.
If we missed the traditional zodiac and animal doll gift-giving, you surely have not failed to get red envelopes (called ampao or ang pao) this time. Exchanging red envelopes is like gift-giving during Christmas time. They say, the more you get ampao, the luckier you become. The luck, however, is even doubled when you give twice as much as you receive.
Apart from ampao, there are many taboos during this season, like not washing your hair. It sweeps away good luck, Chinese people say. During New Year, young children, especially babies, should be pacified from crying. It may cause bad luck to the family.
You may know this already, but anyway, red underwear is a must during this season. It wards off negative experiences. If you have not worn one, maybe you should start buying red undies and try them on every day for good fortune.
Indeed, Chinese New Year is also a season of superstitions. It is one time we become really cautious of what we do to predict a better year ahead. Well, it pays to be cautious and mindful about the things that may bring us better lives. Good luck and have a fruitful 2015 ahead!*