Different Names for Santa Claus | LadyMermaid.com (Reblog)

Simply must reblog the link to this post because not only does it share some fun info about the holiday traditions surrounding Father Christmas Or Saint Nicholas or Santa Claus; but Lorelei Cohen, the blog publisher, has earned extra points on my unofficial blog post ranking chart for visual appeal. The images are vintage and gorgeous!!  (NOTE:  The image immediately below the text is not an image found at the original post.  But it was so irresistible I couldn't resist sharing it along with the link reblog.)

Different Names for Santa Claus |
Ladymermaid Fantasy and Folklore

POP QUIZ!

Saint Nicholas was real.
True or False.

His birthday is celebrated in December.
True or False.

Santa Claus is English for Sinter Klaas in Dutch.
True or False.

In Morocco, Santa Claus is called Black Peter.
True or False.

How many names for Santa Claus do you know?
Write down the ones you do know and then check them against the post.  Have fun!

Dates to Celebrate Mother's Day Around the World

In the USA and Canada, Mother's Day is celebrated every second Sunday in the month of May.  This year the date is May 9, 2021.  Below are the Mother's Day dates by other countries for the year 2021.

Image credit:  Mom Gifts for Mother's Day and other special ocassions

- February 14: Norway

- March 3: Georgia

- March 8: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Romania, Serbia, Bulgaria, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan.

- March 14: Ireland and United Kingdom

- March 21: Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt, Lebanon, Morocco, Syria

- April 7: Armenia

- May 2: Angola, Spain, Hungary, Lithuania, Portugal, South Africa.

- May 8: South Korea

- May 9. Germany, Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Brazil, Belgium, Chile, China, Canada, Colombia (except Norte de Santander), Croatia, Cuba, Denmark, Ecuador, United States, Estonia, Philippines, Finland, Greece, Netherlands, Honduras, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, New Zealand, Peru, Puerto Rico, Czech Republic, Switzerland, Taiwan, Turkey, Ukraine, Uruguay, Venezuela.

- May 10: Belize, Qatar, El Salvador, United Arab Emirates, Guatemala, India, Malaysia, Mexico, Oman, Pakistan, Singapore

- May 14: Samoa

- May 15: Paraguay

- May 26: Poland

- May 27: Bolivia

- May 30: Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, Haiti, Sweden, Norte de Santander (Colombia), France, Tunisia

- August 12: Thailand

- August 15: Antwerp and Costa Rica

- October 14: Belarus

- October 17: Argentina

-November 16: North Korea

- November 28: Russia

- December 8: Panama

- December 22: Indonesia

• NOTE:  South Koreans do not celebrate Mother's Day or Father's Day. Instead, each year on May 8 they recognize Parent's Day. 

Whatever the specific day is in which you honor your mother, who would disagree that our mothers are worthy of double honor all year long?

Original Content Source: Found on Noise.Cash, posted by ferniruman

Holidays and Celebrations: Why I Don't Celebrate Kwanzaa?

The holiday or tradition called Kwanzaa celebrates seven (7) principles:

* Unity

* Self-Determination

* Collective Work and Responsibility

* Cooperative Economics

* Purpose

* Creativity

* Faith

It was established by Dr. Maulana Karenga, a professor of Black Studies at California State University, Long Beach, USA.  Many people who do not consider themselves African-American or of African descent do not celebrate this holiday.  In other words, *It’s a black thang!*

It’s not really.  Just look at the principles in the list.  *Are they not applicable to all humankind?*

Kwanzaa is celebrated from December 26th through January 1st.

Like the Christmas holiday, it also includes gift-giving, a gathering of family and friends, and good eating!

There are those who object to or disagree with celebrating Kwanzaa.

They feel that instead of promoting unity, it encourages division, more specifically racial division.  Some say it was just made up for people who don’t want to celebrate Christmas and don’t want to acknowledge Jesus Christ or Christianity in any way.  There are other reasons but these two have been mentioned most often.

Here's why I don’t celebrate Kwanzaa.  

My reasons are very practical.  By the time the Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas holidays are over, I’ve usually run out of money!  Also, it was not a tradition I grew up with and since I practice the Kwanzaa principles so many other ways in my life already, I see no need to add on a new holiday.

I think that Peace and Goodwill could have been incorporated into the list of principles.

However, one might argue that those principles are under the umbrella of “Unity”.

OK!  I wouldn’t cause a division or split hairs over it.  

Overall, I like the concept of this holiday and can appreciate the symbolism. Especially!  I really like the candles.  I’m a candle lover!

Reference and Image Credit:  Holiday Calendar: Kwanzaa.

"The symbols of Kwanzaa include crops (mzao) which represent the historical roots of African-Americans in agriculture and also the reward for collective labor. The mat (mkeka) lays the foundation for self-actualization. The candle holder (kinara) reminds believers in the ancestral origins in one of 55 African countries. Corn/maize (muhindi) signifies children and the hope associated in the younger generation. Gifts (Zawadi) represent commitments of the parents for the children. The unity cup (Kkimbe cha Umoja) is used to pour libations to the ancestors. Finally, the seven candles (mishumaa saba) remind participants of the several principles and the colors in flags of African liberation movements -- 3 red, 1 black, and 3 green."

Quote Reference:  Edited by Dr. Ali B. Ali-Dinar, Ph.D., Kwanzaa- What Is It?, The Africa Center, University of Pennsylvania, Mar. 1990, www.africa.upenn.edu/K-12/Kwanzaa_What_16661.html.

Suggested #reading to encourage #culturaldiversity in children or yourself. “Together for Kwanzaa” by Juwanda G. Ford ~ https://t.co/mYspRqiv5G ~ #Kwanzaa is celebrated from Dec 26th through Jan 1st. #giftsunder5dollars #reading #booksforchildren #holidaysandcelebrations

— My Fox Nooze (aka Joie de Vivre Magazine) (@FoxMarks_ATX) January 3, 2020

Halloween History, Traditions and Superstitions

Presenting a quick discussion highlighting some interesting and fun facts about the Halloween holiday; mainly, its history and the superstitious beliefs associated with it.

The History (and My History) of Halloween

I attended Catholic school and can remember that one of my teachers was very adamant about NOT celebrating the Halloween holiday. She insisted that it supported pagan practices and traditions and it was a work of the devil. I did not want to disrespectful so I did what most well-mannered and well-behaved children did when their teachers said things they did not believe or agree with. I ignored her. Hey! I just wanted a pumpkin full of candy! LOL.  Plus, I enjoyed making jack-o-lanterns with my big sister.

But as an adult, I was a little curious about the history of Halloween. It turns out my teacher was right. It was derived from pagan customs. More specifically, it is a modification of activities associated with an ancient Celtic ritual of Samhain, which was a festival that celebrated the changing of the seasons from summer to winter. Uumm? That doesn’t exactly sound devilish.

Amanda Pagan wrote a post titled “A Brief History of Halloween”, which was published in the official blog for the New York Public Library. Her explanation of the holiday’s history is very colorful. As it is a library blog, she also provided a list of a dozen books as recommended reading if you want to know more. Halloween may have had religious import or application in the beginning but as of today, for most people (including me), the day no religious significance at all. It’s just a day set aside for apple-bobbing, eating tricks and treats, visiting haunted houses that simultaneously frighten you and make you laugh, dressing up in funny costumes, and maybe binge-watching some scary movies. Nothing more.

Halloween Superstitions

Black cats, witches, and pumpkins? Oh my! Where do all of these superstitions come from? Obviously, since the holiday is derived from a Celtic ritual, the superstitions that are prevalent to this day have Celtic roots. I personally don’t believe these superstitions, especially not the one about black cats being bad luck. Some believed black cats were witches in disguise or witches reborn or they were just witch-helpers. If you do the research you will find a lot of information pertaining to all of the folklore about black cats. You’ll find everything except the name of the person who started it!

There are numerous superstitions linked to this holiday. If you are interested in an explanation of the various beliefs about everything from bats and black cats to ghosts and spirits to spiders and trick or treat, check out this “Guide to Halloween Superstitions”.

* * *

Fun Links of Interest:

Halloween History – How Halloween Has Traveled the Globe | SAPIENS

The History of Halloween: A timeline through the centuries | Make It Grateful

Samhain Folklore, Superstitions and Legends | Learn Religions

12 (Mostly) Spooky Halloween Superstitions | Mental Floss

Original Source

1. Halloween has been around longer for 2,000 years. Dating back to an ancient Celt festival called Samhain, the exact origins of Halloween is challenging to pin down since many religions have adopted their own versions. However, it is widely accepted that Halloween has always been a day to honor the dead and ward off evil spirits.
2. Irish immigrants popularized the holiday in the United States! During the potato famine, Irish immigrants introduced several Halloween traditions to neighboring communities. 
3. Halloween is the 2nd largest commercialized holiday. In 2020 Americans spent approximately $8 billion alone. The majority being on costumes and candy, imagine that!
4. Illinois is the pumpkin state! Every year, Illinois farmers pump out approximately 500 million pounds of gourds! 
5. Skittles are American's #1 trick or treat candy! Skittles have ranked #1 for the past 11 years. I mean, who doesn't love them?
6. The City of Keene, New Hampshire holds the Guinness World Record for the most lit jack-o'-lanterns on display (a whopping 30,581).

Source for these 6 Halloween Fun Facts.

Food and Drink: It's October! Let's Celebrate Apples

In the USA, October is the month we celebrate Halloween, pizza, and apples. I especially like the fact that October is National Apple Month. It was founded as National Apple Week in 1904 and later expanded to the entire month of October. Apples are such a delightful fruit and come in numerous varieties. There is a variety for practically every letter of the alphabet, including the letter Z. The variety is called Zestar.

Image credit

Apples in Legends, Myths and Folklore

Ever Hear of Johnny Appleseed?

From childhood, I have heard all kinds of stories about apples. The story I remember vividly is the one about Johnny Appleseed. As a child I remember hearing the story about a man who walked everywhere in America and everywhere he went, he dropped apple seeds on the ground and apple trees grew. That’s not really true. It is true that he was a real person and not a legend. His real name is John Chapman (1774 – 1845) who became known as Johnny Appleseed. He introduced apple trees to various parts of America such as Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois. It’s not just the fact that he planted the trees which contributed to the environment. He was also a very kindhearted man and became known for his acts of charity, as well as his conservation efforts. It made him somewhat of a folk hero.

Other Legends and Myths About Apples

Is it in the Bible?

An apple is not mentioned in the Garden of Eden. Neither the Old or New Testament specifically state what the forbidden fruit was that Adam and Eve ate. However, for years people have insisted that it was an apple. Eating it caused them to be driven out of the Garden of Eden. An apple? Not sure why. (O.o)

Non-Biblical Myths

In Greek mythology, it was said that a golden apple is what caused the Trojan War. “The war originated from a quarrel between the goddesses Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite, after Eris, the goddess of strife and discord, gave them a golden apple, sometimes known as the Apple of Discord, marked “for the fairest”.”

In Norse mythology, it was believed that apples held the key to immortality. The name of the Norse goddess who was the keeper of the apples was Iðunn. Her name means “ever young”.

The Celtic people buried apples with the dead. To the Celts the apple was sacred and it was associated with rebirth. Excavators have found graves dating back 5,000 years that had petrified apple slices.

In ancient Silesia (now modern-day Poland), people believed if they slept under an apple tree, it would induce dreams; and if a young woman put an apple under her pillow on New Year’s Eve, she would dream of her future husband.

How Do You Like Your Apples?

Apples can be eaten raw. Just pick them right off the tree. Bake them in pies, make cobblers, cookies, brownies, put them in salads, turn them into jelly, and more. My favorite way to enjoy apples? Warm apple pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. YUM! What about you? 

Original Source

Holidays and Celebrations: Do You Celebrate Japanese New Year?

The beauty of the United States of America is in its diversity.  People of different ethic groups and/or nationalities celebrate holidays and traditions that other groups are not even aware of.  But it's cool when I find out about them.  For example, I had a lot of Chinese friends so I learned to check every year to determine when Chinese New Year would occur.  My Japanese friends never mentioned their new year celebration.  But now I think I know why.

• The Japanese New Year (正月, Shōgatsu) is an annual festival with its own customs. Since 1873, the official Japanese New Year has been celebrated according to the Gregorian calendar, on January 1 of each year, New Year's Day (元日, Ganjitsu). However, some traditional events of the Japanese New Year are partially celebrated on the first day of the year on the modern Tenpō calendar, the last official lunisolar calendar which was used until 1872 in Japan.  (Source:  Wikipedia)  

It's January 1st, same day as America's New Year.  However, the traditions are different.  In case you didn't know, Japanese New Year is the most important holiday in Japan.  Did you know the kadomatsu (image below) is a traditional decoration for the new year holiday?

Other customs and traditions include bell-ringing in the Buddhist temples on New Year's Eve, sending postcards (just like sending Christmas cards), children receiving gifts of money from adults, and various forms of entertainment and of course ... great food!!

I subscribe to a newsletter called "Just One Cookbook". The publisher shares easy Japanese recipes. In the newsletter I received for the week ending December 4, 2020, she shared lots of information in order for you to prepare for Japanese New Year!

• ​What is Oshogatsu​
• ​Menu Roundup​
• ​A 5-Day Osechi Cooking Timelime​
• ​How to Pack Osechi Ryori​
• ​Popular Side Dishes & Desserts to Serve with Osechi Ryori

* * *

Planning to celebrate Japanese New Year?

Whatever you're celebrating Happy Holidays!

**

Do You Celebrate Persian New Year?

Do You Celebrate Chinese New Year?

For those who celebrate The Resurrection (and also for those who don't)

It's that time of the year again where some of us pause to remember a man who came to earth with a message of faith, hope and love and they killed Him for it.  Yet He never instructed His disciples to take revenge.  Instead, He told them to continue preaching and spreading the message of faith, hope, and love.  And they did it!!  WHY? 

• HISTORY: 10 Interesting Facts About Crucifixion
• The Passion of Jesus Christ
• Executioners Secrets : Crucifixion

 ✟ ✟ ✟ ✟ ✟

 ✟ ✟ ✟ ✟ ✟

 ✟  ✟ ✟ ✟

How American Presidents Helped Create the Thanksgiving Holiday (Guest Post)

Presidential Thanksgiving Facts

Did you know that no one knows the exact date the first Thanksgiving meal was celebrated on? The best historians could come up with was somewhere in the fall of 1621. So how did Thanksgiving become a national holiday designated on the last Thursday of November? The answers to these questions are deep within the history of United States politics.

Did you know that no one knows the exact date the first Thanksgiving meal was celebrated on? The best historians could come up with was somewhere in the fall of 1621. So how did Thanksgiving become a national holiday designated on the last Thursday of November? The answers to these questions are deep within the history of United States politics.

George Washington made the first proclamation of Thanksgiving in 1789. The proclamation was not to give thanks to the pilgrims but to give public thanks and prayers for the ability to peacefully establish a form of government for their safety and happiness. George Washington then again made the proclamation in 1795. Then New York officially made Thanksgiving Day as an annual holiday in 1817.

Benjamin Franklin wanted the turkey to become the national bird but Thomas Jefferson had opposed it. And it is believed that Benjamin Franklin then decided to name the male turkey 'tom' to spite Thomas Jefferson's rejection of his idea. Thomas Jefferson did offer proclamations of Thanksgiving as governor but was hesitant to do so as president as he believed in the separation of church and state.

In 1863 President Abraham Lincoln set aside the last Thursday of November as the day to celebrate Thanksgiving by giving his proclamation to the nation where by he asked for his fellow citizens to give prayer and public thanks. His proclamation was about giving thanks for the bounties which the United States enjoyed as well as population growth but to also give prayer that the civil war will come to an end and bring unity back to the nations in peace and prosperity.

When the United States fell into the great depression, it was upon President Roosevelt's shoulder to lead a nation through difficult times. In 1939 President Roosevelt restored Thanksgiving Day on the last Thursday of November in an effort to extend the Christmas shopping season to stimulate the economy. In 1941 Congress passed legislation to declare Thanksgiving Day as a national holiday and is to be celebrated on the last Thursday of November every year.

2008 has proven to be an historic year in politics with so many firsts. So as you sit around the dinner table celebrating Thanksgiving with family and friends, just like the Pilgrims before us. Don't forget to also give thanks to the Presidents and Congress in history for make Thanksgiving Day and national Holiday.

Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com
Family Articles | March 18, 2009

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lillian G. W. is a marketing executive for global consumer brands, media, and high tech businesses. She loves writing about shopping, product reviews, fashion, travel, green innovation, arts & entertainment. She spots consumer trends, explores and assembles ideas, and provides creative solutions to business challenges. She writes for IMshopping.com.

glitter-graphics.com

Customs and Traditions : Holidays and Festivals : Chinese Mooncake Festival

The Mooncake Festival or Mid Autumn Festival is celebrated by the Chinese on the Sept 15th (or around that time; it's based on the lunar calendar).  It's also called Moon Festival or Harvest Moon Festival.  It takes the name Mooncake Festival because mooncakes are a delightful pastry that people eat and/or give to friends.  This festival is also celebrated by the Vietnamese and other Asian countries or countries which have a citizenry that includes those of Asian heritage. 

"Fillings in contemporary style mooncakes has diversified to include just about anything which can be made into a paste. Mooncakes containing taro paste and pineapple, which were considered novelty items at their time of invention have in recent years become commonplace items. In addition, filling with ingredients such as coffee, chocolate, nuts (walnuts, mixed nuts, etc.), fruits (prunes, pineapples, melons, lychees, etc.), vegetables (sweet potatoes, etc.), and even ham have been added to give a modern twist to the traditional recipes. It is also increasingly popular to change the base of the paste to a custard-style."  (Source:  Wikipedia)

Though I am not Asian, I do enjoy Asian food (and any other kind of food.).☺

I would love to try mooncakes with fillings but so far I've only tasted them plain. They were still tasty! ☺

* * *

Kee Wah Bakery Signature Mixed Nuts & Ham Moon Cakes

Mixed nut mooncakes are a light and sweet option for the Lunar Festival. These cakes have ham, for a fantastic flavor combination. 

This is the story of the Chinese Folklore - The Tale of Chang'e. The story of Chang E is the most widely accepted tale regarding the moon and the origin of the Mid-Autumn Festival.

Chinese Folklore in Comics - The Tale of Chang'e (Bilingual in English and Chinese)

en: Vietnamese children celebrating Mid-Autumn Festival 
in a traditional lantern procession. (Photo credit: Wikipedia) 

Holidays and Celebrations: Do You Celebrate Persian New Year?

If someone said to you “Happy Nowruz!” would you know what they meant?

You would if you were Persian. Nowruz is the Persian New Year. I’m not Persian but I have learned a little bit about the customs and traditions that are a part of this holiday. So! Much like I’m not Chinese, but I have no problems celebrating Chinese New Year; I’m not Persian (or Iranian), but I would be more than happy to celebrate it!

The word which is spelled different ways ~ Nauryz, Navruz, Nouruz or Nowrouz ~ means “new day” and it occurs on the first day of spring. 

The main component of this holiday is the Haft-Sin which is the traditional table setting. On this table, one would usually see an arrangement of seven items which are seven symbols. Haft-Sin means “the Seven Seens”.

All of the items start with the letter S, in the Persian language and symbolize the following:

1. sabzeh (sprouts) = New VegetableLife or Rebirth
2. samanu (pudding) = Power
3. senjed (dried oleaster) = Wisdom
4. serkeh (vinegar) = Patience
5. sib (apple) = Health and Beauty
6. sir (garlic) = Medicine and Health
7. somaq (sumac; a fruity spice) = Sunrise and Good Conquering Evil

Some tables also add other items which have certain symbolism:

• Candles = Light
• Coins = Wealth
• Eggs = Fertility
• Fish (or Goldfish) = Life
• Hyacinth = Spring
• Lotus fruit = Love
• Mirror = Reflection

In modern-day Iran, they celebrate for 2 weeks and the celebrations end in a special festival called ‘Sizdah Bedar’.

Original Source

♦

What is Nowruz? Explained for non-Persians – SURFIRAN ~ https://t.co/OJrm1NJQHR via @flipboard #holidays #celebrations #PersianNewYear #IranianNewYear #HappyNowruz #FirstDayOfSpring #springequinox #culturaldiversity #culture #soceityandculture #traditions @surfiran

— Treathyl Fox (aka cmoneyspinner) ~ #Freelancer (@cmoneyspinner) March 18, 2020

♦

A Traditional Haft Sin Table Celebrating Nowruz https://t.co/ERJfdTZd7h pic.twitter.com/SMbKyDBBwl

— Tasnim News Agency (@Tasnimnews_EN) March 20, 2018

♦

/Nowruz/ (ﻧوروز ‘Persian new year’)

Persian language learners are going to celebrate Persian New Year. A traditional Nowruz table /haft sin/ will be displayed informing people about Persian New Year and culture.

Date: 3/5/2020 Time: 10:00 am- 1:00 pm
Place: lagoon side of HSSB pic.twitter.com/6EGKeUg1Az

— Persian Language (@PersianUCSB) February 28, 2020

♦

Painted eggs add a great pop of colour to the haft sin table.
Beautiful shot by @mitrasam… https://t.co/fbafLGouuz pic.twitter.com/yTZCpy2rbJ

— Go Iran BespokeTours (@GoIranTours) March 20, 2017

***

Celebrate and Honor True American Heroes. Happy Veterans Day!

It’s November 11th. Happy Veterans Day!


Never served in the military but was hired by the U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs and given the honor of working side by side with many who did serve in this country's armed forces. A deeply heartfelt shout out to my former co-workers at DVA and a salute to all U.S. Veterans everywhere - those who have served, those currently serving, and a special dedication to the memory of the men and women of valor who sacrificed their lives.

• November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of "the war to end all wars".
• 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day
• With the approval of P.. 380 on June 1, 1954, November 11th became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.
• October 8th, 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower issued the first "Veterans Day Proclamation".
• 
  

History of Veterans Day -
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

 

glitter-graphics.com

NOTE: This content also appeared at my partner blog, My Blog Stop!

Chinese New Year 2018 ~ Year of the Dog

Year of the Rooster is on its way out. Year of the Dog will be here February 16, 2018.

Wishing my Chinese friends and all others who celebrate the holiday a Happy New Year!

“... the Chinese New Year will be celebrated on February 16, 2018 and marks the beginning of a new lunar according to the traditional Chinese calendar rather than the Gregorian calendar.

The annual Chinese holiday is known as the Lunar New Year or the Spring Festival. …

people celebrate the Lunar New Year in America with a combination of regional traditions — grouping together the northern Chinese tradition of eating dumplings and a southern Chinese dragon and lion dances.

… The 2018 Chinese New Year celebration will end with the Spring Lantern Festival on March 2, 2018. Corresponding Chinese cultural celebrations happen across the world during the time of the Chinese New Year celebration. ...”

Source:  WHEN IS THE CHINESE NEW YEAR? HOW TO CELEBRATE THE 2018 YEAR OF THE DOG | Newsweek

Years of the Dog include 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, and 2030...

The Dog occupies the eleventh position in the Chinese zodiac, after the Rooster, and before the Pig.

If you're born in a Dog year, you're a Dog, and the following are deemed lucky for you:

Lucky numbers: 3, 4, 9
Lucky colors: red, green, and purple
Lucky flowers: rose, cymbidium orchids

Source:  The Year of the Dog 2018 — Fortune, Career, Health, and Love Prospects | China Highlights

Related articles

• Complete list of every full moon in 2018, including January's supermoon(telegraph.co.uk)

  ---

Chinese New Year Symbols of Prosperity (Add On)

Adding on additional content from my post from 2015, when the new year was celebrated on February 19th . Here is a little more info about the cultural traditions and symbols of prosperity. Last year the spotlight was on flowers as an important part of the decorations for the Chinese New Year celebration.

Chinese New Year Symbols of Prosperity

Flowers are an important part of the decorations for the Chinese New Year celebration. The plum blossoms (image below) and water narcissus are two of the most popular flower symbols of prosperity. Plum blossom is the national flower of The Republic of China. Water narcissus is used to symbolize good luck, fortune, prosperity.

Chinese New Year Recipes and Dishes

The food-related topic of choice for this week's foodie Friday should be obvious. At our partner blog, My Blog Stop! , two posts were published discussing this wonderful holiday celebration with its traditions. MBS Post 1: " ... Flowers are an important part of the decorations for the Chinese New Year celebration.

© Photographer: Anan Punyod | Agency: Dreamstime.com

http://da-imaginarium.tumblr.com/post/170919247771/6-year-of-the-pupper-gong-xi-fat-choi-a-happy