Photos: Chinese New Year 2011

. Posted by Sherrie Thai of Shaire Productions.

Chinese New Year is celebrated with tradition, family and plenty of food. In the Chinese Taoist tradition, whole animals are presented to the ancestors as an offering and for the afterlife. Each dish has its own symbolism. The first day of the new lunar year, you’re suppose to only eat vegetarian dishes (Buddhist tradition), which signify good fortune, life, and cleansing of the soul. The second day is about eating meat–fish represents abundance, prawns symbolize joy, while the chicken symbolizes prosperity. The rest of the 15 celebratory days are filled with good will and laughter.