Abalone

 We had this abalone during the cny eve

Abalone (ⁱ/ˈæbəloʊniː/ or /ˌæbəˈloʊniː/; from Spanish abulón), from (Rumsen) aulón, are small to very large-sized edible sea snails, marine gastropod molluscs in the family Haliotidae and the genus Haliotis. Common names for abalones also include ear-shells, sea ears, as well as muttonfish or muttonshells in Australia, ormer in Great Britain, perlemoen and venus's-ears in South Africa and pāua in New Zealand.^[3]

The family Haliotidae contains only one genus, Haliotis. That genus contains about four to seven subgenera. The number of species recognized worldwide is about 100.

The shells of abalones have a low and open spiral structure, and are characterized by several open respiratory pores in a row near the shell's outer edge. The thick inner layer of the shell is composed of nacre or mother-of-pearl, which in many species is highly iridescent, giving rise to a range of strong and changeable colors, which make the shells attractive to humans as decorative objects, and as a source of colorful mother-of-pearl.

The flesh of abalones is widely considered to be a desirable food, and is consumed raw or cooked in a variety of different dishes.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abalone

Meaning of the ingredients in yue sang

When putting the yu sheng on the table offers New Year greetings. 恭喜发财　Gong Xi Fa Cai meaning “Congratulations for your wealth” 万事如意 Wan Shi Ru Yi meaning “May all your wishes be fulfilled” The raw fish is added, symbolising abundance and excess through the year. 年年有余　Nian Nian You Yu meaning “Abundance through the year” The pomelo or lime is added to the fish, adding luck and auspicious value. 大吉大利　Da Ji Da Li meaning “Good luck and smooth sailing” Pepper is then dashed over in the hope of attracting more money and valuables. 招财进宝 Zhao Cai Jin Bao meaning “Attract wealth and treasures” Then oil is poured out, circling the ingredients and encouraging money to flow in from all directions. 一本万利 Yi Ben Wan Li meaning “Make 10,000 times of profit with your capital” 财源广进 Cai Yuan Guang Jin meaning “Numerous sources of wealth” Carrots are added indicating blessings of good luck. 鸿运当头 Hong Yun Dang Tou meaning “Good luck is approaching”. Carrot (红萝卜) is used as the first character 鸿 also sound like the Chinese character for red. Then the shredded green radish is placed symbolising eternal youth. 青春常驻 Qing Chun Chang Zhu meaning “Forever young”. Green radish is used as the first character 青 also sound like the Chinese character for green. After which the shredded white radish is added - prosperity in business and promotion at work. 风生水起Feng Sheng Shui Qi meaning “Progress at a fast pace” 步步高升 Bu Bu Gao Sheng meaning “Reaching higher level with each step” The condiments are finally added. First, peanut crumbs are dusted on the dish symbolising a household filled with gold and silver. 金银满屋 Jin Yin Man Wu meaning “Household filled with gold and silver” Sesame seeds quickly follow symbolising a flourishing business. 生意兴隆 Sheng Yi Xing Long meaning “Prosperity for the business” Deep-fried flour crisps in the shape of golden pillows is then added with wishes that literally the whole floor would be filled with gold. 满地黄金 Man Di Huang Jin meaning “Floor full of gold”

Why Is the Dragon the Fifth Animal in the Chinese Zodiac?

Once upon a time, the Jade Emperor prepared to select twelve animals to be recognized as the zodiac (生肖shēngxiāo) signs. In accordance with the decree, the first twelve animals to arrive on the appointed day would be selected as the animals of the zodiac. The cat asked the mouse to help it sign up, but the mouse forgot and the cat wasn’t chosen. Ever since, the cat and mouse have been enemies. Other animals wanted to choose the ox for the first place. When the ox walked into the hall, the mouse rode upon his back and was seen first. So then, the mouse took the first place in the zodiac. The tiger and dragon didn’t accept the decision, but were granted as kings of the mountain and sea in retribution. Next, the rabbit didn’t accept the other positions and ran a race with the dragon to take the fourth spot. That’s how the dragon became the Fifth Animal in the Chinese Zodiac. 

http://www.echineselearning.com/chinese-new-year-2009.html

Dragon year 2012

The dragon is a symbol of power.

Therefore in Chinese astrology the dragon person born under this Chinese Zodiac sign tends to be a "doer" – they do things and achieve power by getting things done.

A dragon can breathe out fire so the person born in the Chinese Year of the Dragon can be a hothead. Watch out if you make them angry!

However, the dragon has a soft underbelly and so in Chinese astrology the dragon person born in this Chinese Zodiac year has a "soft spot" to them. They may get angry at someone who annoys them but they also show great compassion to people in need.

A dragon has a long tongue which is often seen.

So in Chinese astrology the dragon person born in this Chinese Zodiac year has a sharp tongue – they will say things that can be quite sarcastic and biting.

The person born in the Chinese Year of the Dragon can be quite a confronting person but if you can reach their "soft heart" they are worthwhile allies.

2012 is the Chinese year of the dragon. So what does 2012 hold for a person born in the Chinese Year of the Dragon?

Such people such double their efforts in whatever they do - work, education and other projects. Their natural talent and abilities should stand out with great results.
However, watch out for that temper! Keep it in check and do not spoil your good work.

http://www.about-sichuan-china.com/year-of-the-dragon.html

story of ang pow

The first ang pow ever given
The story of ang pow dates back to the Sung
Dynasty in China. A village called Chang-Chieu was
at the time terrorised by a huge dragon-like
demon. No one dared to defeat it, not even
warriors or statesmen.

However, a young orphan, armed with a super
sabre inherited from his ancestors, fought the evil
dragon and eventually destroyed it. The villagers
were overjoyed and the elders presented the
brave young lad an ang pow filled with money for
his courage in saving them.


Since then, the ang pow has become a part of
traditional Chinese customs.

http://www.penang-vacations.com/ang-pow.html

Hero

In the end it does not really matter,

If you're a roaring 

success or a failure,

To those who love you

well and true,

You'll always be their

one and only hero.

-Lillian Too