Food For Thought

Chinese New Year is the time for merriment and celebration. Many people will flock to the shops and stock up on food supplies to catter to the impending requirements. That is why I am here blogging like nobody's business, not going out because it would be so jammed with cars and people. In this mad rush, we must not forget that certain food have a gloomy significance.

First off, it is a taboo to eat leftover rice - a practice that has been passed down since the farming days of ancient China. To do so on the first day of Chinese New Year would be regarded as complaining that the gods in heaven were too kind and their bestowal too fruitful. If you eat the overnight rice, it may start to rain as soon as you step out of the door. But this is no fun drizzle, the rains of the olden days come in torrents and break dams. The paddy fields would be flooded and all the farmers' effort would come to nought. It would be a difficult year ahead indeed.

If you are a bachelor or a spinster living alone, it is advised that you do not go to other people's home for meals during Chinese New Year. Not only will you be cheapening yourself, you may dampen your luck as well. You may not be able to get a good meal thereafter and will have to depend on charity.

Wah, really or not I don't know lah. But the old folks have a lot to say mar. They somehow also ate more salt than you eat rice what. So eat wherever you please during Chinese New Year. Even rat-infested coffee shops should not be discriminated against!