Chinese Love Money – Lunar New Year

Chinese love money.

We don’t hide it from you.

The Chinese love to count money (all the time).

Before the Chinese New Year, they will be the first to settle all their debts.

That includes paying the telco, water, electricity, gas, and any bill in the mail.

Today, we say two.

Mom and I went, “Aiyaahhhh.”

The all-purpose Chinese word aiya expresses surprise, annoyance, pain, frustration, sarcasm, etc.

I guess tomorrow is ANOTHER utility run for me to settle the electricity bill (It came early, TNB meter guy – why did you do this to Aunty???)

Hunt for free Ang Pow (Lucky Red Packets) envelopes – go bank again.

This year, my mom was enticed by the sundry shopmen to buy (I mean, we pay money to purchase) the Ang Pow packets!!!!

That one to the Chinese daughter is horrifying – we never buy; that’s what the banks are for – they are supposed to give us FREEBIES.

Like the calendar, the best in the (Malaysian) world is the “Men Riding Horse” Calendar.

Malaysian Chinese Aunty can only read this type of calendar – no joke!

Same with sundry shop man. (I give his the eye)

In case you are unaware, we Chinese do not wish one another a Happy New Year for our Lunar New Year.

Instead, the Chinese say Kung Hee Fat Choy, which means ‘May your wealth increase” or “May your riches multiply.”

We wish for prosperity, wealth, and success. May you prosper!

And if you think about it, yes, we Chinese love money, and nothing makes a Chinese happier than more money.

The best part about being single is I still receive Ang Pow from any married Chinese (even those younger than me)

So, as you prepare to celebrate the Lunar New Year, remember to wish a Chinese –

Kung Hee Fat Choy (Cantonese)

Keong Hee Huat Chye (Hokkien)

Gong Xi Fa Cai (Mandarin)