MEDIUM RARE
On Saturday, the Wood Dragon begins its reign. In Fookienese, “Kiong Hee Huat Tsai!” Translation: Congratulations and be prosperous!
Coming from a civilization that predates Christianity by 3,000 years, the local Chinese or Chinoys are entitled to a wealth of beliefs and practices that may be as charming as they are childlike but which no one dares to scoff at. Five thousand years translates to a long record of harmonious living with air, water, fire, wood, metal. As a friend used to say, there’s no harm in believing what your grandmother/mother/aunties believed, is there?
Cecilio Pedro, president of the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, cautiously predicts a slight improvement in the economy with the onset of the Year of the Dragon, going so far as to say that if “ease of doing business” could be upgraded, the change would bring enormous benefits, starting with more foreign investments.
For the rest of us fencesitters and observers, the change from cuddly Rabbit to fire-breathing Dragon could mean more energy, passion in how we do things and relate to other human beings. Yes, there are simple, even naïve, rules to follow, especially on the first day of the new year. Ollay Aninio, a yoga and meditation teacher, advised, “Be in a festive mood, refrain from arguments and scolding children.” Don’t break plates and bowls, don’t use knives or scissors, don’t allow anyone to pull money out of your wallet.
For Auntie Arleen (Baby) Fernandez, no one should be so poor that they cannot afford new slippers, underwear, and beddings on the first night of the new year. The rice bin should be full, better yet, stick into it a red money envelope containing ₱168. The fruit to display is pineapple, but not pears, a symbol of separation. Eat tikoy with family because it’s round, sweet, and sticky, signifying togetherness.
When it comes to the little tasks that womenfolk are expected to accomplish, the Chinese don’t ask for much: clean the house the day before new year’s day, display no dried or white flowers, give the kids and singles their “ampao.” Children are told to jump as high as they can so they’ll grow tall. Childish superstitions? They’ve survived the passing of centuries.