The Eurasian

Celine

She brings much joy to the family.

Of Dutch and Chines descent, she puts her Chinese cousins to shame.

It is her annual obligation to put up the couplets; her wishes for her grandparents.

This year after a flight from Taipei, she reached the family home this morning at 3am via Singapore.

Last night all loved ones from Singapore arrived safely and we had a 'jamless' trip.

That was the best surprise for the season.

Last year she diligently posted them; this year she says a change is needed for the new Lunar Year.

She wrote the calligraphic expressions on her flight back home. Por por is very impressed; "Celine, Celine , how come you are so clever?" She ranted away.

 

She proudly puts them up. What has she say this year?

The one on the right says : Chut Pao Pin Ann

The one on the left says: Nei Fu Yin Choon

So we need the grand old man to tell us the stories behind the couplets.

"Chut Pao Pin Ann" has a story back to warring China when during Cao Cao's period, the soldiers found shed and safety behind the bamboo shoots. So the Chinese regard the bamboo trees as points of safety and peace. Kong Kong at 94 still remembers his facts very well and chips in here and there to make the story complete.

"Nei Fu Yin Choon" is a simple expression to greet the latent blessings that flows out to greet the season.

All are expressions of good feelings.

 

Kong Kong and Por Por want to know what is "ulala'...; they need the younger ones to tell them that it is only a sound befitting the snake year in the Lunar calendar.

During ths time of family get together may the old learn from the young and the young from the old.

 

Happy holidays.