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Happy hoppin’ new year!
By Ann | February 1, 2011
Happy Chinese new year, mes amis! Or, rather, I should say — gong xi fa cai! This Thursday, February 3, marks the dawn of the year of the rabbit, which just happens to be my zodiac sign (if you’re good at multiples of 12, you can figure out how old I am).
As it turns out, according to Chinese lore, it’s kind of unlucky when your sign rolls around. To counteract the bad juju, the truly superstitious wear red — all year long. But wait, you’re saying, red is a bright color — what if it clashes with my other clothes?
That’s where the red underwear comes in. According to this article, Chinese sales of red undergarments skyrocket around the lunar new year. In case you’re wondering — yes, I bought some. I may not be superstitious, but I’m not foolhardy either.
Whether or not you’re in need of red underwear, you may also want to consider eating noodles (for long life) and dumplings (for wealth) on New Year’s Day. In Paris, Les Pâtes Vivantes pulls their own handmade strands (I like the #4, smothered in sesame sauce). For drums and lion dances, you’ll have to wait until Sunday, February 6 when Paris’s dueling Chinatowns (in the 13e and Belleville) each host their own parade (details here).
And if you’re searching for the perfect Chinese New Year gift, might I suggest a copy of Kitchen Chinese?
May the Chinese year of 4709 (or 4708, or 4648 depending on your preferred calendar) bring you much happiness, health, and prosperity — not to mention great food shared with great friends!
Topics: Kitchen Chinese: a novel, Uncategorized | 11 Comments »
11 Responses to “Happy hoppin’ new year!”
Comments
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February 1st, 2011 at 1:39 pm
How funny that red undergarments surge during the New Year! I still have yet to try Les Pâtes Vivantes but I think the Chinese New Year makes a very good reason to go!
RE: Kitchen Chinese – just suggested it to my mother in the States. I’m “paying it forward”! Happy New Year, Ann!
February 1st, 2011 at 1:44 pm
Thanks for the reminder Ann, and I knew I liked you for a good reason – we were both born in the year of the Rabbit – but I lead you by leap years. Funny you should mention the red underwear. My French friends have been telling me the merits of French lingerie for months, the selling point being that it makes you feel good. We shall see. I’m looking for a good banquet style Chinese restaurant for a Chinese New Year dinner. Can you recommend one?
February 1st, 2011 at 1:51 pm
Happy New Year 兔 You!
本命年is a big one, you can also tie a red string around your waist, wrist, ankle…
I had to comment on that bunny, the CUTEST BUNNY IN THE WORLD!
恭喜发财！
February 1st, 2011 at 2:45 pm
That is hilarious about the red underwear. Happy New Year!
February 1st, 2011 at 6:55 pm
Happy New Year – I love how red counteracts bad juju.
Awesome bunny photo!
February 1st, 2011 at 10:29 pm
I’m a horse, so I have until 2014 to stock up on red underwear!
February 2nd, 2011 at 6:31 am
I LOVE LOVE LOVE “Kitchen Chinese”!!!
I want more – more words and more Ann Mah. Please?
Happy New Year! And may the red undies protect you from the bad juju.
February 2nd, 2011 at 7:27 am
Tip of the hat to Lee for the Hanyu-English pun — Happy New Year “Tu” You, too! By the way, am I the only one who finds the mere word “dumpling” appetizing?
February 2nd, 2011 at 11:52 am
Happy Chinese new year! I’ll remember the red underwear for next year.
February 4th, 2011 at 8:47 am
Gong hay fat choy, Ann and Chris! Hope you had lots of long, uncut noodles and plenty of fat, juicy dumplings. What a cute bunny photo!
February 5th, 2011 at 11:59 am
Lindsay — I hope you try Pâtes Vivantes — please let me know what you think! You are so kind to spread the word about Kitchen Chinese! Xie xie!
Janice — Yay, rabbit power! I think some beautiful new red French undergarments are definitely in order. I’m sorry I don’t know of a good Chinese banquet restaurant (my taste in Chinese food leans more towards peasant cuisine). I can recommend Likafo in the 13e for very solid Cantonese food, though.
Lee — You are 兔 clever! Happy new year to you, sweet pengyou. I have to admit I spent a good 20 minutes selecting the perfect bunny photo!
Sion — Many thanks and happy new year to you!
Voie de Vie — Juju is one of my favorite technical terms.
Camille — In my book, red underwear can add a little luck to any day, even if it’s not your zodiac year.
Laura — Awww, you are too kind! Thank you so much for reading. I’m at work on my second novel, about a female sommelier in Paris, which I’ll hopefully finish before the end of the rabbit year! Happy new year!
Chris — You are not alone. Yum.
Veron — Gong xi fa cai! I’m so happy to pass on the tip!
Dad — Happy new year! I have to admit we ate pizza. Surely, there’s a Chinese connection there, somehow. Via Marco Polo perhaps?