we are,
2e4♥♥
Kelly Lee Jia Hui (o3)
Nurul Adilah Jumati (13)
Brian (??)
Foong Kai Zhi (??)
Teo Jin Wei (4o)
This is a literature group project
☺This is partly our CA2
☺Questions a+b=individual work
☺Question c = group write-up
☺Thanks , Goodbye !:D
this concerns,
MRS BOY !(:
And US! ofcourse.
This Is How I Celebrate
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
5:30 AM
Well, didn't have a family picture. But friends are family too aight ?
[Part A]
I've always been looking forward for Hari Raya Puasa. New baju kurungs, scrumptious malay dishes, yummy delicacies, green packets $$$ and even a house makeover. Before we celebrated this blissful festival, we are supposed to fast for a month during the month of Ramadhan. It is mandatory for Muslims endure without food or drinks from dawn to dusk. Not only we have to fast, we also have to refrain ourselves from using any vulgarities, control our temperament, help the poor if possible and ofcourse, abstaining from any lingering temptations. Well, it is also an advantage for slimming. :D
Two weeks before the actual day, we will actually give the house a teensy-weensy bit makeover every two years such as repainting the whole house or refurnishing. So as to impress our relatives or just giving it a new look ! We will also purchase new baju kurungs of any colour, for my case. As for my family, it doesn't really matter what colour as long as you have a pair of it. But, it will be much joyous if your whole family are of the same colour.
Eve of Hari Raya, my family and I would gather at home to weave about 100 ketupats, fill them up with rice and finally boil them overnight for 8 hours. It is challenging yet fun to weave ketupats. As for me, it will take hours just to weave one ! Everything including the cooking of malay dishes and all will usually end till the weeeeee hours. It is worth while spending time with my family than going to Geylang as the place will be crowded with 'human traffic jams'.
On the first day of Syawal also known as the first day of Hari Raya Puasa, Muslims(mostly the guys) around the world will attend the Eid prayer in the morning to consecrate together harmoniously. Usually the ladies will finish up their cooking at home or start consuming the malay dishes such as ketupat and rendang(my favourite !). After the prayers, my family and I will get ourselves ready to visit our elderly. But before that, we congregate at the living room, seeking for forgiveness, admit our wrong doings and hopefully not to repeat the same mistake again.
asking for forgiveness = red eyes + tears + smudged make-up = great relieve ! = HAPPY:DD
We will then together proceed to my maternal grandparents house and maybe have the chance to meet up with my other relatives. We usually spend loooooooong hours at a house as we seriously have alot to talk about with each other. For the first day, minimum houses visited would be two- grandparents & my paternal uncle's family. Amazing but true(: The best part about visiting houses is that we get to bond our relationships and eat mouth-watering FOODS ! My tummy would be bloated i tell you. The adults(whom worked already or married) will get ultra bighearted and give you green packets. Green packets are quite okay for me, as for a day I would get about $150. Well, it isn't really important to me anyways. There are more people who need it more than I do, why not donate ?
By the end of the day, I'll just land flat on my bed, worn-out. Although it is that exhausting, I had fun spending time with my cute nephews and cousins. Getting closer realtionships with hardly-ever-meet-cousins is actually such a joy. Family relationships are important as without family, everything would be plain, dull and quiet. Add some spark to it and it will be as colourful as a rainbow. Family bonds also educates us how to be when we have a family of our own. Thus, I can maintain my family very much the way I was raised. Family is also a NUCLEAR unit of the whole structure of the world. I am proud to say that I am indeed lucky to have an awesome family(:
[Part B]
Festivals Jess and I celebrated are just like poles apart. He rejoiced Christmas while I celebrated Hari Raya Puasa. My family and I managed to visit houses but Jess stayed at home. I sympathize Jess as his festival might be such a bore for him. But with Leslie around, i think it would be a better place for him.(: Another comparison is that, he exchanges presents whereas I get green packets. :B
I think he should like be in my shoes as he needs the money more than I do. And I actually prefer presents but both are still the same. As the saying goes, money cant buy happiness ! The main point for both festivals is that they get stuffs. Christmas is known as the festival of giving but in my opinion is that you should be giving everyday. Giving your love, kindness etc. It doesn't always have to be on that particular day. Jess goes to the church during Christmas while we, muslims go to the mosque to consecrate. Similarly, our festivals both show the family bonding spirit whereby we spend time with our family members. This is definitely number one on my list !(:
[Part C]
Research on two festivals.
CHINESE NEW YEAR
The Chinese New Year celebrations are marked by visits to kin, relatives and friends, a practice known as "new-year visits" .New clothings are usually worn to signify a new year. The colour red is liberally used in all decorations. Red packets are given to juniors and children by the married and elders. See Symbolism below for more explanation.
All these festivities may vary from region to region and from family to family.
Days before the new year
On the days before the New Year celebration Chinese families give their home a thorough cleaning. There is a Cantonese saying "Wash away the dirts on ninyabaat" but the practice is not usually restricted on ninyabaat(年廿八, the 28th day of month 12). It is believed the cleaning sweeps away the bad luck of the preceding year and makes their homes ready for good luck. Brooms and dust pans are put away on the first day so that luck cannot be swept away. Some people give their homes, doors and window-panes a new coat of red paint. Homes are often decorated with paper cutouts of Chinese auspicious phrases and couplets. Purchasing new clothing, shoes and receiving a hair-cut also symbolize a fresh start (though, as described below, it may be considered bad luck among some.)
In many households where Buddhism or Taoism is prevalent, home altars and statues are cleaned thoroughly, and altars that were adorned with decorations from the previous year are also taken down and burned a week before the new year starts, and replaced with new decorations. A paper effigy of the Kitchen God, the recorder of family functions, is also burned in order to report to the Jade Emperor of the family household's transgressions and good deeds.
The biggest event of any Chinese New Year's Eve is the dinner every family will have. A dish consisting of fish will appear on the tables of Chinese families. It is for display for the New Year's Eve dinner. This meal is comparable to Christmas dinner in the West. In northern China, it is customary to make dumplings after dinner and have it around midnight. Dumplings symbolize wealth because their shape is like a Chinese tael. By contrast, in the South, it is customary to make a new year cake after dinner and send pieces of it as gifts to relatives and friends in the coming days of the new year. Niangao literally means increasingly prosperous year in year out. After the dinner, some families go to local temples, hours before the new year begins to pray for a prosperous new year; however in modern practice, many households hold parties and even hold a countdown to the new lunar year.
First day of the new year
The first day is for the welcoming of the deities of the heavens and earth. Many people, especially Buddhists, abstain from meat consumption on the first day because it is believed that this will ensure longevity for them. Some consider lighting fires and using knives to be bad luck on New Year's Day, so all food to be consumed is cooked the day before.
Most importantly, the first day of Chinese New Year is a time when families visit the oldest and most senior members of their extended family, usually their parents, grandparents or great-grandparents.
Some families may invite a lion dance troupe as a symbolic ritual to usher in the Lunar New Year as well as to evict bad spirits from the premises. Members of the family who are married also give red packets containing cash to junior members of the family, mostly children and teenagers.
While fireworks and firecrackers are traditionally very popular, some regions have banned them due to concerns over fire hazards, which have resulted in increased number of fires around New Years and challenged municipal fire departments' work capacity. For this reason, various city governments (e.g., Hong Kong, and Beijing, for a number of years) issued bans over fireworks and firecrackers in certain premises of the city. As a substitute, large-scale fireworks have been launched by governments in cities like Hong Kong to offer citizens the experience.
Second day of the new year
Incense is burned at the graves of ancestors as part of the offering and prayer ritual.
The second day of the Chinese New Year is for married daughters to visit their birth parents. Traditionally, daughters who have been married may not have the opportunity to visit their birth families frequently. On the second day, the Chinese pray to their ancestors as well as to all the gods. They are extra kind to dogs and feed them well as it is believed that the second day is the birthday of all dogs.
Business people of the Cantonese dialect group will hold a 'Hoi Nin' prayer to start their business on the 2nd day of Chinese New Year.The prayer is done to pray that they'll be blessed with good luck and prosperity in their business for the year.
Third and fourth days of the new year
The third and fourth day of the Chinese New Year are generally accepted as inappropriate days to visit relatives and friends due to the following schools of thought. People may subscribe to one or both thoughts.
1) It is known as "chì kǒu" meaning that it is easy to get into arguments. It is suggested that the cause could be the fried food and visiting during the first two days of the New Year celebration.
2) Families who had an immediate kin deceased in the past 3 years will not go house-visiting as a form of respect to the dead. The third day of the New Year is allocated to grave-visiting instead. Some people conclude it is inauspicious to do any house visiting at all.
Fifth day of the new year
In northern China, people eat Jiǎozi (dumplings) on the morning of Po Wu. This is also the birthday of the Chinese god of wealth. In Taiwan, businesses traditionally re-open on this day, accompanied by firecrackers.
Seventh day of the new year
The seventh day, traditionally known as renri , the common man's birthday, the day when everyone grows one year older.
It is the day when tossed raw fish salad, yusheng, is eaten. This is a custom primarily among the overseas Chinese in Southeast Asia, such as Malaysia and Singapore. People get together to toss the colourful salad and make wishes for continued wealth and prosperity.
For many Chinese Buddhists, this is another day to avoid meat.
Ninth day of the new year
The ninth day of the New Year is a day for Chinese to offer prayers to the Jade Emperor of Heaven in the Taoist Pantheon. The ninth day is traditionally the birthday of the Jade Emperor.
This day is especially important to Hokkiens and Teochews (Min Nan speakers). Come midnight of the eighth day of the new year, Hokkiens will offer thanks giving prayers to the Emperor of Heaven. Offerings will include sugarcane as it was the sugarcane that had protected the Hokkiens from certain extermination generations ago. Tea is served as a customary protocol for paying respect to an honored person.
Fifteenth day of the new year
The fifteenth day of the new year is celebrated as Yuánxiāo jié, otherwise known as Chap Goh Mei in Fujian dialect. Rice dumplings Tangyuan, a sweet glutinous rice ball brewed in a soup, is eaten this day. Candles are lit outside houses as a way to guide wayward spirits home. This day is celebrated as the Lantern Festival, and families walk the street carrying lighted lanterns.
This day often marks the end of the Chinese New Year festivities.
New year cuisine
Reunion dinner
A reunion dinner is held on New Year's Eve where members of the family, near and far away, get together for the celebration. The venue will usually be in or near the home of the most senior member of the family. The New Year's Eve dinner is very sumptuous and traditionally includes chicken and fish. In some areas, fish is included, but not eaten completely (and the remainder is stored overnight), as the Chinese phrase "may there be surpluses every year" sounds the same as "may there be fish every year."
In mainland China, many families will banter whilst watching the CCTV New Year's Gala in the hours before midnight.
Red packets for the immediate family are sometimes distributed during the reunion dinner. These packets often contain money in certain numbers that reflect good luck and honorability. Several foods are consumed to usher in wealth, happiness, and good fortune. Several of the Chinese food names are homophones for words that also mean good things.
HARI RAYA PUASA
Usually on the eve of the celebrations, family members, especially mothers and housewives, will be busy preparing food, cakes, sweets, biscuits and various delicacies to be served on the day of Hari Raya. Delicacies such as ketupat or rice cake and a meat cuisine called rendang are among the most famous cuisines that are served during this day. Other family members will help in other chores such as decorating and cleaning up the house.
Days before Hari Raya, house compounds, particularly those in the countryside will be lit up with oil lamps known as pelita or panjut. This display of oil lamps will reach its height on the 27th night of Ramadan, called the Tujuh Likur night. 'Likur' literally meaning a figure between 20 and 30, hence 'tujuh likur' means twenty seven. Originally during the early days of the arrival of Islam among the Malays, the purpose of lighting the oil lamps was to attract spirits and angels to descend to people's homes during the night of Lailatulqadar. However after ages has passed, such misconception is regarded counterfactual as much understanding of Islam were obtained. Nowadays the oil lamps are lit solely for decorational purposes.
It is customary for Malays to wear traditional Malay costumes. The dress for men is called baju Melayu while the women's are known as baju kurung and baju kebaya. Traditional textiles such as songket and batik are worn favourably during this day.
Muslims will attend Eid prayer in the morning and consecrate together harmoniously while taking the chance to meet and greet each other. Once the prayer is done, it is also common for Muslims in Malaysia to visit the grave of their loved ones. During this visit, they will clean the grave, perform the recital of the Yasin — a chapter from the Qur'an and also the tahlil or prayers for the deceased. All these are done in hope that their loved ones are blessed by God and they are spared from the punishment in the grave.
The rest of the day is spent visiting relatives or serving visitors. Hari Raya is a very joyous day for children for this is the day where adults are extra generous. Children will be given token sums of money, also known as duit raya from their parents and elders.
During the night, there are often celebrations with sparklers and firecrackers, albeit restrictions on playing firecrackers enforced by the authorities. Most firecracker stocks are purchased and smuggled illegally from black markets. Safety issues, especially among children are raised and alarming cases relating to injuries caused by playing firecrackers are often reported, which initially led to the banning of playing firecrackers. Despite of the enforcement of banning firecrackers, more Malay children turn to home-made firecrackers such as meriam buluh (bamboo cannon) as alternatives to commercial fireworks. Usually the lighting of firecrackers begins a few days before the end of Ramadan, and continues for about a week afterwards.
END :D
Nurul Adilah Jumati(13)
Labels: Nurul Adilah Jumati(13) 2e4
How i spent my chinese new year with my family
5:14 AM
Part ADuring every Chinese New Year, i and my family members went to my relatives houses in parts of singapore like Sengkang, tampines, etc. I love celebrating chinese new year because of those chinese new year goodies like pineapple tart, sweets, love letter, etc but mostly importantly i get to receive red packets which usually contain about $2-10 when i visit my relatives house. I feel very happy when i celebrate chinese new year and i usually cannot wait for the arrivel of chinese new year and i feel that during chinese new year, my family will stay at my relative's house for a very long time as they have lots of things to say to each other.
Part B
As compared to the celebrations that Jess had, his family members rarely celebrated with him and he only can celebrate those occasion with his best friend leslie, example:During chirstmas (in the book), Leslie went to Tribitha to celebrate chirstmas with him, and during easter day, he went to church with his family and Leslie and the day was not a good one as brenda and Ellie always talk and try to irriate jess' parents. After comparing, i felt that i am luckier that Jess as i got people to spent or share those occasion with and to feel happy during the occasion.
Labels: Teo Jin Wei
How I Spend MY Chinese New Year
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
11:19 PM
During Chinese New Year, my family and i went to a lot of my relative's house to celebrate. My sister and I receive red packets and we were quite happy. A lot of our relatives gathered together to play blackjack, mahjong. There were also a lot of food for us. They were mostly tibits and desserts. My mother made yam paste for everyone.At my grandmother's house, we stayed until quite late befor going to my father' s uncle's house. i quite like Chinese New Year as there is a kind of excitement for everyone. Everyone is happy.Labels: Brian
My CHRISTMAS experience ! =D
1:19 AM
Part AThis is how i spent my Christmas last year, 2007. Last year, during Christmas, i went to my church for a Christmas drama, early in the morning. Many of the church members had signed up for roles of the drama. There was also Christmas carols sung by the church choir. There was one particular performance which i remembered very clearly, as it was very interesting and creative.
The 'praise kids' had worn sheep costumes and danced to the rhythm of the Christmas carols and worship songs. There was also a drama put up by the church members who had signed up, telling about the story about the birth of Jesus Christ. After the whole service had ended, there would be a buffet lunch. Not forgetting about my one of my favourite parts of Christmas.. PRESENTS ! We would always receive lots of presents like clothes, stationery of all kinds. But of course, my parents also bought gifts for their colleagues and friends. After eating the lunch, we will go for some Christmas shopping too! We bought lots of stuffs, like clothes and all sorts. my family also celebrated Christmas at home, as Christmas eve was my mother's birthday, we celebrated both occasions together.. BY EATING A FEAST AT A RESTAURANT ! Yum yum .
Also, during volleyball training in the holidays, we also exchanged presents with our teammates. some of them even brought bags of goodies packed nicely in wrappers and gave them out. Some gave candies , chocolates and all sorts. I will always remember the wonderful Christmas i had last year !! =)
Part B
I think that my Christmas experience is much more fortunate than Jess. during Christmas, Jess gave Leslie a puppy that he got for free. Although the puppy was free, at least it was the thought that counts. But the different thing is that i am more fortunate as i can buy something for my friends with my own money instead of having to get something that is free. Also, during Christmas, we spent time with our family members whereas Jess was different. His family did not really spent time with him, only the rest of his siblings.
KELLY LEE JIA HUI , 2E4, REGISTER NUMBER 3 ...
Labels: Kelly Lee Jia Hui
Sunday, February 24, 2008
5:22 AM
Kaizhi's post Q1
How I celebrated my Christmas
On Christmas day, all my relatives come to my house for potluck party. My oldest auntie would always bring home cook turkey with a delicious apple sauce that is very delicious. My grandmother would make some dessert. My youngest auntie would bring some ham and we will cook some finger food. After eating, we would go play some card games like UNO.When we are done we would go to the fake Christmas tree which is about 10 years old to open the present. After opening the present, we will play some games before we say our goodbyes and go home.I always look forward to Chrismas day because it is one of the few day that we can come together and talk and eat. The best part about Christmas is not about the present or food(I know you all think I will put food as my favourite part of Christmas), it is about family.
Part B
I celebrate My Chrismas different from how Jess celebrate Christmas. He celebrate his christmas with his immediate family while I celebrate my Christmas with my extended family.We have a potluck dinner for Christmas while he have a home cooked food. The presents we give we exchange are quite expensive, but the present they exchange is cheap.
Part C
Christmas
Christmas is the celebration of the rebirth of Jesus. The holiday's connection to Christ is obvious through its Old English root of "Cristes maesse" or Christ's Mass. For Christians, it is the time to renew one's faith, give generously and consider the past. But Christmas is also a secular celebration of family.One that many non-practicing Christians and people of other religions are comfortable accepting as their own.Over the centuries, classic Christmas traditions would accumulate: perhaps beginning with the Christmas and finally winding up in the present day with giant inflatable snowmen and icicle lights.Christmas traditions have a way of feeling timeless.You can see the same ornaments, sung the same songs and eaten the same foods for your whole life. Some Christmas traditions are, in fact, ancient. They have pre-Christian roots and originate from pagan winter-solstice celebrations or Roman festivals. Other traditions are relatively modern--either rescued from oblivion or conjured up in the surprisingly recent past. Some significant holiday traditions include decorations, activities and food. Outdoor light displays and other decorating traditions have created Christmas activities of their own. Decorators sometimes compete over the most ornate lighting displays and spectators walk or drive through neighborhoods to marvel at the exhibits. Schools and churches often stage Christmas pageants that reenact the Nativity. Saint Francis of Assisi started this custom in 1223, believing a life-size staging of the Crèche would make Jesus' story clear and accessible. Christmas pageants might also include traditional carols which are still sometimes sung door to door by groups of friends or neighbours.
Labels: Foong Kaizhi
1:21 AM
ALERT !Rule 1
Please remember to look under MELODY and press play.
While looking at the posts .
Rule 2
There is only 1 rule needed to read .
HAPPY READING AND POSTING ! =D
this is a notification
Friday, February 22, 2008
1:57 AM
To the ones-whom-may-concern-the-most,Number One
You are supposed to do a write up on your respective festival celebration (Chinese New Year, Hari Raya Aidilfitri, etc. Pictures are optional.
Number Two
Post by Wednesday,27 February, midnight latest.
Number Four
Remember to indicate your name plus register number and what question you are doing.
Number Five
There is no number three.
Number Six
Thank you for spending 5 minutes of your time reading this.
Number Seven
Goodbye.
Yours sincerely,
you-know-who. :B