Chinatown (Chinese New Year)

It is two weeks to Chinese New Year. The new year is no small matter to the Chinese. It means families getting together to have reunion dinner of the eve of the big day, it means paying visits to friends and relatives during the 15-day festival period. It means lots of preparation. Chinatown is always the most crowded during this period. Many Chinese will come to this place to buy goods needed for the celebration.

Look at the Chinese sausage and duck. Dried, preserved and tasty. Do you like them? This is a necessity for many Chinese. In the past in China, Chinese kept these preserved food for the new year; Winter was cold and they were not able to hunt for food.

Nowadays, we buy Pamelos and Pumpkins too. They symbolize good luck.

Look at the festive crowd! You will experience the most congestion if you are there on the eve of the Chinese New Year. All products have to be sold by the new year, and prices would be the most attractive that day.

Melon seeds, Peanuts, Dry Longans.. Yes, they are important and we need them.

It started to drizzle. This man was putting up a big umbrella. Hopefully the rain will not dampen the mood of the crowd.

Mandarin oranges, and some of the plants are not to be missed. Thats for a prosperous new year

Snacks! Maybe its time to take a break. "BAO" (Chinese buns) for you?

Good sense to bring home some Chinese calligraphy. Get a set of "Chun Lian" (words of auspiciousness) here!

Sweets and preserved fruits are needed. They meant a sweet and prosperous new year.

We were impressed by his paper cutting skills. Shall we bring some home for decorations?

This will definitely remind my grandparents of their younger days. This is a mini-cinema with "live" story telling. Audience pay a fee ($2) to peep into the screen.

Here are some home made cookies and pineapple tarts. Very tasty indeed. We are getting 2 boxes.

You can consider bringing home some cute Chinese Ink Painting.

Chinese always buy sets of new clothings for a New Year.

Once upon a time, a village in China was terrorized by a monster named Nian. The people later realised Nian was afraid of red colour. Soon, they began putting up red banners to fend off the monster. That was a legend. Red became an auspicious colour for the Chinese, and they would put up many decorations in their houses during the new year.

I found some of the displays very attractive.

The fruits stalls seem to be having good business.

Ok, this salesman was posing for my camera. "snap".

	Chinatown Address: Off South Bridge Road (Alight at Chinatown MRT Station) Have you been here? Please post your comment too. Let us know if you share the same feeling!