Ever wonder what to do with the red envelopes from Chinese New Year? Click here for a tutorial on how to make it into decorations to spice up your home!
Why Chinese New Year Should Be a NYC School Holiday
After hearing about Mayor De Blasio's thoughts on Chinese New Year being a NYC school holiday, I started reflecting about my experience growing up in Chinatown. Here are my thoughts:
1. Chinese New Year eve is a night where the whole family gets together for dinner. We have sure that our hair is cut (so we don't cut away the good luck), our floors and homes are clean (so we don't have to sweep away the good luck), and we have showered (so we don't wash away the good luck.) You get the point! That will make any child exhausted!
2. Around midnight, lion dance groups start a small midnight show to scare away the spirits. How was I supposed to sleep at night with all of that excitement? As the drums, gongs, and cymbals ring in my ears, I usually had too much energy to fall asleep for school the next day.
3. I was very involved in the community as a young Chinatown resident. My dad would take me out to see the midnight lion dances and I was always performing at the local community center on New Years day. If I didn't take a half-day off from school, I took a full day off.
As an American Born Chinese, it is difficult to find balance in both identities. We must constantly educate ourselves and our younger generation about what it means to be Chinese. Having the day off would be substantial. Did you know that in China and Hong Kong, people don't work for two weeks during Chinese New Year? However, my argument is that it is not a day to stay home and watch TV. It is a day to spend with family and learn more about Chinese culture and traditions. When I became a teenager, I started to lion dance. Chinese New Year in the Chinatown streets became my biggest stage. There was no way I was interested in attending school that day!
Being home for Chinese New Year means the world to me. Growing up and having responsibilities means that you can not always make it home for the special day. This year, due to work responsibilities, I will not be able to go home until the week after.
In the next blog post, I'll share some ideas on how to celebrate Chinese New Year away from home!
Late Night Grub in Chinatown - 4 Places to Eat After Midnight
After a night out in the town, most New Yorkers usually want to eat a meal before heading home. If you're not near the Chinatown area, these restaurants are worth traveling for. Check them out!
1. Great NY Noodletown at 28 Bowery Street - Opened until 4am daily (All of their congee is amazing)
2. New Wo Hop at 17 Mott Street - Opened until 7am daily (Surprisingly, the seafood here is fantastic. Try their jumping shrimp or snails!)
3. 69 Chinese Restaurant at 69 Bayard Street - Opened until 4am daily (Fried chicken wings are a default here.)
4. Hop Kee at 21 Mott Street - Opened until 1am on weekdays and 4am on the weekends. (Try the Cantonese crab with brown sauce)
Enjoy! Let us know if you discover another late night Chinatown restaurant!
Best Chinese Food in Lower East Side
Growing up in NYC diversifies your taste buds. There are so many great food options in the Lower East Side! Best of the LES is interested in YOUR thoughts. Be apart of a survey here!
What are Billy Goats and How Are They Cleaning Chinatown?
According to Wellington Chen, the executive director of the Chinatown Business Improvement District, "In less than a year, we have collected more than 3.5 million pounds of trash, which is the equivalent to 3,181 horses, 8.5 million mooncakes, or 40,000 times the weight of Council Member Margaret Chin,"
Two large "Billy Goat" vacuum vehicles will assist in cleaning up from midnight to 8am daily in Chinatown. Cheers to a beautiful Chinatown!
