Due to pandemic there is no in-person Chinese Lunar New Year Lunch scheduled this year. You are invited to join our celebratory Tea House session after our
5 February, 2022 presentation.
5 February, 2022 presentation.
Xīnnián Kuàilè / Sun Nin Fai Lok
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Year 4720 in the Chinese Lunar Calendar (solar year 2022) is the year of the Water Tiger, 水老虎 (shuǐ lǎohǔ). This year the first day of the lunar year is 1 February. Also known as the Spring Festival, 春節 (chūenjié), this holiday is celebrated for 15 days, culminating in the Lantern Festival on 15 February, 2022. (Lantern Viewings and Chinese New Year Celebrations are ongoing at Lan Su Chinese Garden - see here) |
The Spring Festival is the most festive holiday of the year. Traditionally a time to honor deities and ancestors, it is also a time to cook and feast with family and friends. In preparation to welcome the Lunar New Year, one's home is cleaned, and decorated with red lanterns and poetic characters and verses written on red paper. As the prominent celebratory color of the season, red clothing is also worn. Outstanding debts are paid off, and gold 金 (jīn) and money 錢 (qián) are gifted to younger relatives and employees in red envelopes 紅寶 (hóngbāo).
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The tiger is the king of all beasts and thus, is associated with warriors. Depicted with stripes on his head to form the Chinese character for king, he is known for strength, bravery, and exorcising evils. Similarly, the tiger and the dragon have long been regarded as auspicious creatures with great power. Viewed as the ultimate pair, they are frequently alongside each other in Chinese Buddhism, feng shui, art and philosophy. According to an ancient Chinese proverb, dragons control the clouds while tigers control the wind. This natural harmony is thought to create fertility and peace. Evidence of these beliefs is found in verses of Chinese classics, such as Yi Qing, which state that “dragon growls, clouds arise; tiger roars, winds form.” Tigers are regal, impressive, and ferocious creatures. They are also stealthy and determined hunters. People of this Chinese zodiac sign are portraits in courage and leadership. They like doing things their own way, and once they set a goal for themselves, they will do anything to make it happen. |
The slow, gentle and hardworking nature of the ox that characterized 2021 will be replaced by the speed, strength and power of the Tiger in 2022. There will be a sense of passion, urgency, and boldness - a year to go big, or go home.
This year's Tiger is associated with water, which represents vital essences, spirituality, deep emotions, parents, elders, teachers, mentors, protection, knowledge, remedies and health. Those who care for each other deeply will be in more than regular contact in 2022.
This Year of the Water Tiger is ruled by the element of wood, specifically yang wood. As the only one of the five elements (wood, fire, metal, earth water) that grows, wood signifies improvement and growth for this year, as well as the virtues of benevolence and generosity. In addition, yang water is characterized by kindness, alertness, curiosity and intuitive intelligence.
According to the ancient Chinese philosophy of yin and yang, where opposite forces come together in harmony, the transition from a yin ox to a yang tiger should be palpable. The overall energy level of 2022 will be higher than it was in 2021. This year brings back some vitality and strength, and more determination to achieve goals. Much like how a tiger responds to the world, the upcoming 12 months will evoke self-confidence and enthusiasm as well as competence and courage in the face of challenges.
This year's Tiger is associated with water, which represents vital essences, spirituality, deep emotions, parents, elders, teachers, mentors, protection, knowledge, remedies and health. Those who care for each other deeply will be in more than regular contact in 2022.
This Year of the Water Tiger is ruled by the element of wood, specifically yang wood. As the only one of the five elements (wood, fire, metal, earth water) that grows, wood signifies improvement and growth for this year, as well as the virtues of benevolence and generosity. In addition, yang water is characterized by kindness, alertness, curiosity and intuitive intelligence.
According to the ancient Chinese philosophy of yin and yang, where opposite forces come together in harmony, the transition from a yin ox to a yang tiger should be palpable. The overall energy level of 2022 will be higher than it was in 2021. This year brings back some vitality and strength, and more determination to achieve goals. Much like how a tiger responds to the world, the upcoming 12 months will evoke self-confidence and enthusiasm as well as competence and courage in the face of challenges.
Here is our virtual Chinese New Year meal, with auspicious foods and their respective symbolisms:
(Please click here to view on our YouTube channel)
The Chinese believe that if one eats well at the very beginning of the New Year, this ensures being well fed for the rest of the year. We would like to share some recipes for traditional Lunar New Year's dishes in the links below of delectable discoveries from sources we appreciate in our culinary explorations and our own committee members:
- Pork and Chive Dumplings (Jiaozi) 餃子
- Vegetable Spring Rolls (Chun Gun/ Chūen Zhuǎn) 素春卷
- Turnip Cake (Lo Bak Gou/ Luóbo Gāo) 蘿蔔糕
- Taro Cake (Wu Tau Gou/ Yùtou Gāo) 芋頭糕
- Cantonese Poached Chicken (Bak Chit Gai/ Bai Qie Ji) 白切鸡
- Cantonese Steamed Whole Fish (Zing Yu/ Qīngzhēng Yú) 清蒸魚
- Crispy Pork Belly (Siu Yuk/ KǎoWǔhuāròu) 燒肉/ 烤五花肉
- Chinese Boiled Shrimp with Scallion Dipping Sauce
For an example of available distinct and tasty Chinese Lunar New Year banquet items, Pure Spice Restaurant is offering the following this year:
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新年大盘菜:
海参，鲍鱼仔，虾，烧鸭，鸡，发菜肉丸，冬菇，干贝，蚝豉，鹅掌，连藕，香芋 New Year large combination dish:
Sea Cucumber, Baby Abalone, Shrimp, Roast Duck, Roast Chicken, Fa Choy Moss, Meatballs, Mushrooms, Scallops, Oysters, Goose Feet, Lotus Root, Taro This special and traditional dish symbolizes unity and togetherness, with the ingredients representing prosperity, loyalty, fortune and wealth. |
Banquet Menus:
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四式大拼盘 海鲜粟米羹 合桃虾 北京鸭 雀巢海中宝 上汤龙虾伊面 鲍灵菇扒时菜 红烧脆皮乳鸽 海鲜炒饭 清蒸海上鲜 |
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For more information: Pure Spice Restaurant + 1 503 772 1808 http://www.purespicerestaurant.com
We thank our generous speakers, valued volunteers, and loyal and new attendees. First Saturday PDX wishes you all a fulfilling new year with good fortune, prosperity, good health, longevity, happiness, success, kindness, and adventure !
Further information on the traditions of Chinese New Year and the forecast for the Tiger Year 4020:
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G O N G X I F A C A I / G O N G H E I F A T C H O Y
First Saturday PDX wishes you best health, happiness, peace and prosperity in the new year!
Many thanks to chinesenewyear and The Woks of Life for information and images for our meal
