GONG XI FA CAI FROM STARFISH!!!! The Year of the Mouse

I am writing to you rather late since Chinese New Year started last night in China. There is no doubt about that if you are living in China. The fire works exploded all through the night and as I am writing this it sounds like there are bombs going off all around me. We took a few pictures of the babies and I would like to thank Emily and Chris for their help.

So here is a little bit more about this the most important holiday is the Chinese Calendar. On new years day it is very important to make jiao zi (pot stickers) and that is what we had for lunch. The is also the red envelops which are given by employers to employees and parents to younger children. When you get older then you give your parents a red envelope.

As you might know the Chinese have 12 years in which different animals are represented and this is the year of the mouse of the rat. Here is some information from a website about this element of Chinese Culture:

Though the Western rat is reviled as little more than a bottom-dwelling disease carrier, this animal is viewed much differently in the East. The Eastern rat is revered for its quick wits and its ability to accrue and hold on to items of value; rats are considered a symbol of good luck and wealth in both China and Japan. Clever and quick-witted, the Rat of the Chinese Zodiac is utterly disarming to boot. Possessed of excellent taste, this Sign flaunts its style at every turn. Its natural charm and sharp, funny demeanor make it an appealing friend for almost anyone. The Rat likes to know who is on its side and will treat its most loyal friends with an extra measure of protection and generosity.

I mention this because you will see the photos have mice in them. Another photo opportunity for us. The babies looked so cute. I had some more Chinese outfits but I could not find them. I have not been keeping all the CNY things together and that is a big mistake. I will have to do a better job at that.

Life, Love and Laughter,
Amanda
Starfish Foster Home
http://www.chinesestarfish.org/
http://chinesestarfish.blogspot.com/


Rose
Sarah

Jeannie
Lily
Nathaniel
Rachel
Rebecca

Antoinette
Benjamin
Cailean
Gabriel
Jack