A day-by-day guide to celebrating Lunar New Year

Chinese New Year is an important occasion that strictly follows customs, rules and superstitions that reflect on the values and tradition of Chinese culture. Below, we track the highlights of the 15-day festivities.

According to the Chinese calendar, the Chinese New Year begins with the first full moon on the first day of the first lunar month (February for 2021). Also known as Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, it is the longest holiday in Hong Kong and its festivities stretch for 15 days, ending with the Lantern Festival. During these 15 days, celebratory feasts, family reunions, honouring ancestors and praying to the gods are all part of celebrating this auspicious time of the year to welcome in happiness and good fortune.

First day (初一)

The first day of the new lunar year is an important day that symbolises a fresh start. Families pay a visit to their elders, particularly the most senior of the household, to pay bài nián (New Year’s wishes). Guests traditionally arrive bearing lucky fruits such as tangerines, oranges and pomelos and are welcomed with tea, fruits and a variety of candied treats, typically served in a round tray with eight compartments called a ‘Tray of Togetherness’, meant to sweeten one’s year and to symbolize the unity of a family.

Second day (開年)

The second lunar day is dedicated to visit the in-laws. Married women will visit their side of the family, often bearing red pockets to give to the young. Sweet fried dumplings called Yau Gok (油角) in the shape of ingots are prepared to bring a luckier and more prosperous year. Lion dances and Chinese operas are usual forms of neighbourhood entertainment, and firecrackers are also lit to ward off evil spirits.

Third day (初郝)

The third day of the New Year is one that carries with it many taboos. Although it is a day dedicated to visiting the grave of ancestors, staying out for too long and house visiting is considered bad luck as it is believed that evil spirits roam the earth on this day. Arguments and making fire are also best avoided to ward off bad spirits and poor emotions for the year ahead.

Fourth day (初四)
On the fourth lunar day, all businesses closed during the prior festivities will reopen and everyday activities begin to return to normal, including cleaning and sweeping. According to legends, this day is dedicated to the God of Wealth. People tend to stay at home to welcome in wealth, prosperity and abundance as it is believed that the deity will pay visits to homes on this day.

Fifth day (初五)
This day marks a day to drive away the Ghost of Poverty by getting rid of old clothes, broken items and throwing out garbage. As it is believed that keeping rugged and broken objects will attract poverty.

Seventh day, (人日)

The seventh lunar day is known as Day of Men, also known as renrì (people day). It is mankind’s birthday, a day on which every person grows a year older. The occasion is celebrated with yet another feast comprising of ingredients that have symbolic meanings related to improved health, such as fish- a symbol of abundance, vegetables and a dish called Seven Gem Porridge consisting of kale, leek, mustard leaves, celery, garlic, spring vegetable and thick leaf vegetable for prosperity and vigour.

Eight to Fourteenth day

The following days after renrì are dedicated to specific deities such as the the God of Millet and the God of Stone. Incense and candles are burnt in honour of these deities, and the days leading up to the 15th lunar day are spent preparing for the closing of the new year festivities also known as Lantern Festival.

Fifteenth day (元宵節)
The 15th day marks the first full moon after the Spring Festival and of the New Year festivities. Known as Lantern Festival, vibrant displays of lanterns decorate the streets and homes to guide lost spirits home. Another reunion dinner is prepared to celebrate the bonds of friends, family, nature and the deities that bless the year with prosperity and good fortune. Mandarin oranges and sweet glutinous rice balls called ‘tong yuen’, are significant parts of the feast, symbolizing good fortune, reunion and togetherness.

Eight myths and taboos behind common Lunar New Year traditions

Chinese New Year, otherwise known as the Spring Festival, marks the first moon of the lunisolar calendar year traditionally used in East Asian countries including China. It is an exuberant celebration, with festivities stretches over two weeks, including traditional rituals that follow traditions rooted in centuries-old folklores. From fire crackers and red packets to an array of strict practices, below we track some of the interesting origins of the myths and taboos behind Lunar New Year customs.

Lucky colour red and firecrackers
Legend has it that the ferocious monster Nián (年) – a word that also means ‘year’ – would emerge from the sea at the end of each year to feast on humans and livestock. An old man sought refuge in a villager’s home, and in exchange, he promised to defeat the monster. He decorated the house with the colour red, lit candles and jumped at the monster dressed in red while firecrackers burst in the background, eventually succeeding in scaring it away. The tale explains the belief behind the auspicious colour red that lavishly decorates, seemingly every acreage of the city. Firecrackers, too, are annual features believed to scare away evil. Another tradition beloved by locals young and old are the acrobatic Lion Dance performances that parade the streets, entertaining bystanders with the tale of Nian’s defeat.

Rhyming couplets on doors
It is almost impossible to find a front door without Chinese calligraphy painted (or printed) on red paper affixed onto them. Although alluring, these signs are more than just decorative. In fact, it is believed that they can usher in good fortune, protect against evil spirits and safe guard homes. These diamond-shaped signs – featuring the words ‘prosperity’, ‘health’ or ‘happiness’ – are commonly pasted in an upturned fashion as the Chinese word ‘upside down’ sound similar to the word ‘come’. Rhyming couplets hung on each side of the door are also traditional features that invite in good luck.

Red Money Pockets
It was said that an evil spirit named Sui would appear on New Year’s Eve and pat the heads of sleeping children. These unfortunate youngsters would consequently wake up in a fever. Traditionally, money in red envelopes (Lai See) would be given to the young by elders to protect them from evil and bless them with good luck and happiness. This is perhaps the most enjoyable part of the festivities, unless the person is a senior or is married.
No sweeping the floor
Sweeping and throwing out garbage is said to be bad luck between the first and fourth lunar day. Apparently, doing so would sweep away any gathered good luck that has been invited into the home. Washing dishes and bathing are also a no-go during those three days, which explains why one of the major preparations for the lunar celebrations is to clean, bathe, and buy new furniture and new clothes prior to the first day of Chinese New Year.
Closed for business
In Hong Kong it isn’t unlikely to see shops and businesses closed for several days during Chinese New Year. This period is traditionally used solely to focus on family reunions. However, On the fifth day of New Year’s, it is believed that the gods of prosperity come down from the heavens. Businesses will often participate in setting off firecrackers as they believe it will bring them the gods’ attention, with prosperity and good fortune following in their wake. Keep in mind that borrowing money or knocking on someone’s door to ask for repayment of a debt will incur bad luck to both parties for the entire year. However, it becomes fair game after the 5th lunar day.
Don’t use knives, forks or scissors
One of the biggest taboos to avoid during Lunar New Year is the use of knives and scissors – or indeed any sharp objects for that matter. According to popular belief, using sharp objects will cut your wealth and success short, which might explain why hair saloons are always closed during the festivities. It is also advised to avoid breaking things for this same reason. If you have the misfortune of doing so, an old wives’ tale claims that immediately wrapping the pieces in red paper while chanting auspicious phrases such as “suì suì píng ān” (岁岁平安) will ask the gods to ward off bad luck and bless them with good luck.
Bad luck gifts
Other symbolisms of misfortune play a huge role in determining what presents to give – or rather, which items to avoid giving. In addition to sharp objects, it is widely believed that offering shoes and mirrors are associated with evil, while umbrellas would mean an inevitable break-up. Clocks and pears are also regarded as bad luck, with the former serving as a homophone for the words meaning ‘attending a funeral’, and the latter similarly pronounced to the Chinese word for ‘parting’. Objects that sound like the words ‘death’ or ‘sickness’ should also be avoided at all cost as they curse the recipient with an untimely passing and poor health. The number four, for instance, sounds like ‘death’ and is a major taboo in Chinese culture.
Don’t wake people up
Although New Year blessings are a joyful gesture of sharing happiness and well-wishes, it is said that blessing people who are still in bed will cause them to be bed-ridden for the entire year. A less scary superstition believed in times old is that husbands shouldn’t be woken up on New Year’s Day, lest he become a push-over and rushed around by his boss and peers in the 12 months to follow. This makes for the perfect time to sleep in, though with all the joyous festivities happening, it’s doubtful anyone would want to!

Restoring Hong Kong’s love of Cantonese Opera

Arguably one of the few artforms to spring fully-formed from Hong Kong, Cantonese Opera is a wholly theatrical experience comprising equal parts singing, acting and martial arts. One of the many sub-categories of xiqu (Chinese opera), it also boldly integrates an array of elaborate costumes, exotic make-up and exaggerated facial expressions that all play a part in interpret themes of classical Chinese history and folklore.

Transcendentally popular for generations, the last half-century or so has not been kind, with it gradually fading from public acclaim. Of late, however, there have been signs of something of an uptick in its fortunes. Whether this is a blip in its continued decline or the beginning of a more sustained renaissance is, of course, debatable.

Restoring Hong Kong's love of Cantonese Opera gafencu magazine (2) — Tea House Theatre Experience, Cantonese Opera Excerpt Performance: The White Dragon Pass courtesy of West Kowloon Cultural District Authority

From the late ’60s on, however, the continuing rise of the film industry more or less eclipsed Cantonese Opera. With showing movies proving more profitable and less logistically challenging than staging performances, the city’s local opera sector became increasingly marginalised. Adding to its woes, as real estate values soared, several well-established performance spaces, including the Prince’s Theatre and the Ko Shing Theatre were demolished prior to being developed.

It was a process that continued well up to the end of the millennium. In 1998, for instance, the city’s oldest surviving opera house – the ’30s-built Yau Ma Tei Theatre – closed its doors for the last time. This left the Sunbeam Theatre as the artform’s only remaining venue. Although, in 2009, UNESCO designated Cantonese Opera as part of China’s intangible Cultural Heritage, the move came too late for many of its historical locales and its once mighty troupes.

Xiqu Centre courtesy of West Kowloon Cultural District Authority

This honorific, however, did come at a time when there were signs of something of a rebirth. Indeed, in 2012, the Yau Mau Tei theatre reopened as the first new Cantonese opera venue for several generations. Seven years later, it was joined by the government-funded Xiqu Centre in Tsim Sha Tsui and all the signs were this legendary artform might be heading back into favour – and not just among the more nostalgic, older city dwellers.

In fact, contrary to popular belief, Cantonese Opera has never just been aimed squarely at elderly aficionados. Underlining this, a number of local educational bodies, notably the D. H. Chen Foundation, have bankrolled such initiatives as the Cha Duk Chang Children’s Cantonese Opera Association in the hope of nurturing a new generation of theatregoers and performers.

Restoring Hong Kong's love of Cantonese Opera gafencu magazine (4) — Cha Duk Chang Children’s Cantonese Opera Association

In perhaps the most positive sign of affirmation, in 2009, Cantonese opera became a compulsory part of the music syllabus in all primary and secondary schools across Hong Kong. Later, in 2018, as sign of its incorporation into the digital age, online viewing of contemporary performance became widely available for free through various local government websites. Despite such positive moves, the battle to restore Cantonese Opera’s cultural ascendancy is far from over. In many ways, the biggest challenge is to convince up and coming generations that it remains both vibrant and, most of all, relevant to them.

Restoring Hong Kong's love of Cantonese Opera gafencu magazine (11) — Actress Christie To Wing-sum of the Tea House Rising Stars Troupe courtesy of West Kowloon Cultural District Authority

In the case of 27-year-old Christie To Wing-sum, a professional member of the Tea House Rising Stars Troupe, she has been appearing in Cantonese operas since she turned four. Assessing how the artform is currently perceived, she says: “While Cantonese operas don’t seem to resonate with many local teenagers, some of whom seem to find it old fashioned, a lot of my friends have come to see me perform and have become increasingly open to it.”

“From the late ’60s, the rise of the film industry more or less eclipsed Cantonese Opera”

However, gaining the youth’s attention is not the only obstacle standing in the way of this Cantonese artform’s revival. According to the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority, its long hiatus has also resulted in a shortage of new products, musical arrangements and a limited pool of suitably accomplished performers.

The latter problem partly derives from the long and arduous training process involved, which requires both strenuous vocal coaching and a strict physical regime. Expanding upon the particular challenges, To says: “Most of the Cantonese opera actors in Hong Kong are only ever employed on a freelance basis, making it difficult, in terms of both time and budgetary constraints, to maintain a regular training schedule. The majority also have to prepare their own costumes, which is, again, prohibitively expensive.”

Naomi Chung, Head of Xiqu for the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority, is, however, confident that all such difficulties can be overcome, saying “Cantonese Opera has always been self-reliant and will never stop evolving. It’s market driven and it always finds an audience.”

In order to help find just such an audience, the Authority is currently hosting free Cantonese Opera-related programmes at its dedicated Xiqu Centre, as well as staging contemporary interpretations of classic works. In particular, this has been channeled through two particular programmes – the Tea House Theatre Experience and the Experimental Chinese Opera Festival – both primarily intended to popularise Cantonese opera among up and coming generations.

In the case of the former, this majors on nurturing local young actors and crew members and attracting a new generation of theatregoers, with martial arts performances incorporated for that particular purpose. In the case of the latter, this focuses more on cultivating new productions and playwrights in order to better serve a wider demographic of attendees than are traditionally drawn to xiqu events.

Lifestyle trends to look out for in 2021

2020 had been a roller coaster of a ride that brought Hongkongers a slew of both positive and unfortunate moments— circumstances that impeded on a comfortable and habitual lifestyle. In spite of the unexpected events of last year, it brought about a handful of booming lifestyle trends that had caught on quicker than Covid-19. Though the pandemic stretches into 2021— overstaying its welcome, these lifestyle trends are here to stay.

Plucking, waxing or threading Which is best for eyebrow shaping gafencu magazine beauty W hotel bliss spa — (Image from W Hong Kong)

Wellness Staycations

With travel restrictions hammered down, Staycations have never been more popular. The city saw its highest spike in staycation searches in 2020, setting a record high of Google searches, according to data provided by Google. The trend was quickly captured by luxury hotels like Hyatt, Peninsula, W Hong Kong and Rosewood by meeting the demands of local residents for a ‘wellness getaway’ right in their own backyard. Rejuvenation spa treatments inclusive in Staycation packages were the highlight of these promotions, offering home-bound residents a relief from their citylife burdens. And as long as travel restrictions are still in place, sumptuous Staycations are here to stay.

Home cooking

The widely used photo and video sharing platform, Instagram witnessed a boom in mouth-watering home-cooked delicacies last year. With social distancing firmly in place, home cooks turned their hand to baking and other culinary experiments, as a a safer option to dining out; Putting all that extra time away from the office and social gatherings to developing a new skill. This trend was observed by Nielsen, global measurement and data analytics company, stating that “77% of consumers in Hong Kong planned to eat at home more often than before”.

2021 lifestyle trends gafencu magazine hiking — Image from Hellohongkong

Local adventure

Although hiking was initially a call to form healthier habits whilst gyms and swimming pools remained closed, the rediscovery of the natural landscapes that occupy almost 70% of the city quickly became an Instagrammable trend featuring lesser known landscapes and beaches. But beyond the noteworthy scenic views, trekking the forested hillsides and rocky coastlines of Hong Kong is also an activity city dwellers in-need of an urban getaway and can to return to long past the pandemic ends as studies have shown that a 90-minute walk in nature reduces depression, according to Proceedings of the Natural Academy of Science.

Home workouts

A virtual trend that solved fitness needs for both fitness centres and members while the gyms were forced to close their doors, at-home workouts offered flexibility and convenience that fitness enthusiasts increasingly bacome keen on. Even though it is expected that members will return to physical gyms and fitness studios once social gathering restrictions lift, the availability of fitness apps, online classes, and luxury home-gym equipment serve a community that had previously been hindered by their hectic careers from living an active lifestyle. The global online and virtual fitness market is projected to continue its growth until 2027, reaching $59,231 million according to Allied Market Research.

Veganism

Plant-based food is making its move to take over the dining table. Alternative meat options such as OmniPork and Impossible Foods have won over the loyalty of health-conscious diners and supporters of sustainable living. With the pandemic bringing new light to the health concerns of meat products, consumers are making their switch to veganism. A research by DuPont Nutrition & Biosciences and Ipsos has revealed new data that shows significant increase in the demand for plant-based meat and is predicted to grow to US$1.7 billion, marking a 25% increase in the next five years.

Unique ways people ring in the New Year around the world

Celebrating the New Year is pretty much as universal as a holiday can get, with the toasting of champagne and partaking of festive delicacies with your nearest and dearest all commonly accepted celebratory practices. A few countries, however, have rather more unusual end-of-year traditions. Be it swinging flaming fireballs, offering flowers to the sea or simply ringing a massive bell to wash away your sins, here are some interesting New Year rituals practiced around the world.

Hogmanay Festival, Scotland

Hogmanay is the Scottish word for the last day of the year. The celebration of the Hogmanay Festival is an age-old tradition that dates back to pre-Christian beliefs. Although customs vary across the country, the most exciting highlight during the eve of the New Year is watching trained professionals swing fire balls over their heads and tossing them into the sea — a ritual most commonly practiced in the town of Stonehaven that is believed to ward off evil spirits at the dawn of the new year.

White Flower Offerings, Brazil

Though the beaches of Rio de Janeiro are world-famous for picturesque beachfront hotels and dusk-til-dawn parties, perhaps a lesser-known attraction occurs on New Year’s Eve when, decked in all white, locals send out white flowers and lit candles into the ocean as offerings to the Ocean Goddess, Imanja in hopes that their New Year’s wishes are granted. If, however, their offerings return to shore, it is believed that the Goddess has rejected the wish.

108 Bell Chimes, Japan

Joya-no-Kane is a traditional New Year’s Eve ceremony performed at temples across Japan. The custom involves a large symbolic bell which priests and visitors of the temples ring 107 times on the eve of the new year and once more at the strike of midnight, celebrating the passing of an old year while ushering in a new one. According to Buddhist teachings, the ceremony is said to cleanse a person off his or her worldly desires, represented by the number 108.

Plate-smashing, Denmark

Although in other parts of the world, having someone smash plates against your front door might be taken as malice, in Denmark, however, locals show their love for their friends by throwing their broken and unused china at their door step. An old tradition that lives on today, the ritual is rooted in the belief that the broken glass will deliver good luck throughout the new year. So, the person with the most broken glass at their door could be a good indication that he or she is the most popular in the neighbourhood.

Burning Scarecrows, Ecuador

If you are curious to know which country’s custom is the most lit— literally —look no further than the celebration of Los años viejos in Ecuador. Translated to “the old year”, locals craft large puppets and scarecrows in close resemblance to the people they dislike or have died in the past, then burn these symbolic objects on New Year’s Eve. What better way to burn bridges with the people who have wronged you by burning them, metaphorically.

Bright Spots: Moments of positivity in 2020

Despite a turbulent 2020, the past 12 months have still yielded moments of positivity

Although 2020 was wracked with a global pandemic courtesy of the coronavirus, which caused economic and political turmoil across the globe, the past 12 months still managed to be punctuated with moments of great positivity. Below, we celebrate the silver linings of the year gone by, be it the rise of health worker heroes, the plummeting levels of global pollution or the surge in family bonding time.

NEW HEROES HAVE EMERGED, LED BY HEALTH WORKERS

Frontline doctors, nurses and other health workers, especially those who perished while battling Covid-19, have been hailed as modern-day heroes as they courageously defied fears and risks to their personal health so others would live. Despite the continuing pall of gloom cast by the global pandemic, frontline doctors and other health workers raise hopes and inspiration as they press on in their battle against an unseen lethal enemy.

FAMILY BONDING RECEIVED A HUGE BOOST

During normal times, senior executives and entrepreneurs often spend long hours at work to run their businesses, often at the expense of family time. This phenomenon is by no means unique in Hong Kong, but thankfully, the pandemic has ushered in a new normal, with these elite businesspeople now consigned to working at home. In the process, they’re getting to spend more quality time with family members, which goes a very long way in bolstering family bonding and relationships.

MUSIC CONCERTS GOT MORE CREATIVE AND ACCESSIBLE

Undeterred by bans on huge music concerts due to Covid-19-related social distancing, scores of the world’s famous entertainers and other celebrities, including Elton John, Celine Dion, Lady Gaga and Paul McCartney, banded together for a huge online charity concert, One World: Together at Home, on April 18 that was globally televised and shown live on ABC, NBC, ViacomCBS Networks, iHeartMedia, Bell Media networks and online platforms in Canada. It was held to celebrate and support healthcare workers, as well as feature real-life experiences of doctors, nurses and families around the world. Shortly thereafter, Lady Gaga released a new album online, which features a selection of upbeat songs, while Demi Lovato reprised her Grammy performance, followed by a flawless delivery of the national anthem at the Super Bowl. In a heart-warming twist, musicians serenaded a quiet, leafy audience of nearly 2,300 house plants as the Liceu opera house in Barcelona, Spain reopened its doors on June 22. Proceeds from the performance were later donated to charity.

BUSINESSES LARGE AND SMALL WENT ONLINE

Numerous companies – large, medium, small and micro – across the world went online to reach out to their customers forced home or restricted from travel by Covid-19-induced lockdowns. Online commerce received an unwitting huge stimulus, while consumers now enjoy more convenience and ease in their purchases.

READING WAS RE-DISCOVERED

Left with no choice but to stay home for extended periods of time, many have re-discovered their passion for reading, be it the old-fashioned way with a hardcopy of a best-seller or digitally through the use of a Kindle or some other handy tablet.

BAKING, GARDENING AND OTHER DOMESTIC CHORES TOOK OFF

Staying home with little or no physical activities is bound to hit the waistline as the temptation to overeat becomes irresistible. In this regard, baking curiously emerged as boon and bane since a wide array of muffins, cookies, baked pastas and other baked dishes often enticed everyone in the household to consume extra calories more than their usual intakes. Gardening, spring cleaning and a few other chores, though, helped maintain the balance thanks to their physical exertions. In all, many families used the enforced home lockdowns to turn their hand at tasks long left undone.

SURPRISE, SURPRISE… BIG COMPANIES BOLSTERED THEIR CSR (CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY)

Criticised periodically for amassing huge profits but not giving back enough to the communities where they operate and serve, certain large corporations took pro-active measures to help those in great need amid the pandemic. Some cases in point were Apple and 3M, which pooled their resources or tinkered with their operations to produce millions of face masks to help keep people safe from the continuing spread of Covid-19. Other American companies, notably Ford, General Motors, Tesla and other automakers, also ventured into areas where they have not tread before, particularly through production of ventilators and other medical devices to help save lives of those stricken with the lethal pandemic. Alcoholic drinks producers in different countries also pitched in and re-calibrated portions of their businesses to produce hand sanitisers.

TIK TOK TURNED SCORES INTO INSTANT ENTERTAINERS

With more personal time on their hands than ever before, a surge of would-be entertainers took to short video apps like Tik Tok to try pass the days. Before Tik Tok was banned in Hong Kong, Indonesia, India and in several other countries, the short video app became extremely popular and its use exploded across the world as it enabled users to create and share lots of fun and entertaining videos which often featured their creators as principal performers. From adorable pet videos to dancing shows, vocal performances and more, they gifted the world with an entirely new stream of fun.

THANKS TO ZOOM, PARTIES AND MANY OTHER FESTIVITIES ARE STILL ON

Milestone events, including birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, conferences, trade exhibitions and many others went online during the enforced Covid-19 social distancing, thanks to Zoom and other video conference apps. With gatherings banned, the need for a communal space prompted organisers to come up with new ways of bringing people together. Video conferencing tools emerged as a convenient solution, with Zoom one of the major beneficiaries. Today, it’s not uncommon to find families – particularly those who are spread across borders – to utilise this innovative method to connect with their loved ones.

THOUGH VIRAL, ROMANCE CONTINUES TO BLOOM AND PROSPER

Romance is often impatient, and some separated lovers simply can’t wait for a Covid-19 vaccine to get approved for mass use. Great affection almost always inspires and fuels innovations and creativity, and this explains the use of drones in various places to deliver fresh flowers and other goodies to a loved one. No more candle-lit, intimate dinners? Hardly a problem. Online romantic dinners are not uncommon – with promises of a return to lovely evenings together in person when normalcy returns.

CARBON DIOXIDE EMISSIONS FELL SIGNIFICANTLY ACROSS THE WORLD AS FOSSIL FUEL ENERGY CONSUMPTION FELL STEEPLY

An unprecedented reduction in carbon dioxide emissions was recorded across the world during the first half of 2020, much larger than the level during the 2008 financial crisis, 1979 oil crisis and even World War II, as fossilised fuel use plunged amid Covid-19 lockdowns and curtailed travel across the globe. During the period, emissions were slashed by 1,551 million tonnes or 8.8 percent compared to the first half in 2019, according to a study by an international research team, led by Zhu Liu from the Department of Earth System Science at Tsinghua University in Beijing. The plummeting levels of global pollution has even reversed the effects of climate change in some countries, promoting several species of wildlife to return to once-abandoned habitats, such as pink dolphins in Hong Kong harbour and pink flamingos in Mumbai. While Covid-19 has left its indelible mark, it’s clear 2020 still found reason for good cheer.

Seven politically incorrect words to avoid using in Hong Kong

Hong Kong prides itself on its stature as a global city that boasts of a diverse population and ethnicities. Many second, third, and fourth-generation Hong Kong-born non-Chinese citizens regard the city as their home, notably expatriates from different countries who have been residing in the city for many years. Despite the near impeccable racial harmony in the city, the use of various colloquial terms occasionally causes unease and hurt feelings, especially those regarded as politically incorrect. The following terms are best avoided when in Hong Kong.

Oriental

Though not a word that is often used in Hong Kong, it is a term that characterizes East Asians, particularly Chinese in America. From Mandarin Oriental Hotel to the Oriental Daily news publication, the word does not necessarily have the same offensive meaning as it does in the US where it is has become a descriptor of stereotyped behaviors, habits, and looks of Chinese people from the American perspective. Still, you can avoid unwittingly raising some eyebrows in local gatherings by avoiding this term.

Far East

Asian countries located east of major Western countries, notably the United States and Britain, have been referred to in the past as belonging to the Far East. Though the term appears innocuous today, it still carries some unpleasant edge as it somewhat implies the West as a dominant center of the world which is way beyond current realities with the colonial days now in the distant past.

Banana

Asians identified closely with Western values are often called “bananas”. Unlike the more acceptable terms “ABC” and “BBC” which stand for American-born-Chinese and British-born-Chinese, getting called banana is politically incorrect as it attacks one’s Chinese identity and implies being taken over by Western values. The metaphor suggests rotting yellow skin and reveals one’s inner white color if sat out for too long. In a generation of third-culture youths, one shouldn’t be pressured to justify his or her cultural values to prove ethnic identity.

Gweilo

Taken or translated literally, “gweilo” refers to a ghost man or white devil. Although many Caucasians are hardly offended by this term, it crops up from time to time in exchanges about racial discrimination. It became a major issue in a lawsuit in 2018 involving a British national who squared off with his former employer. Occasionally, though, this term offers an upside, notably scores who profited from the use of gweilo in a local beer brand.

Ethinic Minority

The long-standing use of the term “ethnic minorities” is supposed to be straightforward and simply meant to categorize non-Hong Kong residents in the city. The term was not envisaged to be divisive. Unfortunately and unwittingly, its use somehow led to the classification and to some extent, isolation of non-Chinese people born and raised in the city but of a non-Chinese ethnicity.

Ah cha / Bun Mui

Unlike the term “gweilo”, “ah cha” and “bun mui” are much less amusing characterisations of non-Chinese people, particularly South Asians such as Indians and Pakistanis, as well as Filipinos. Ah cha refers to Indians and Pakistanis or anyone with brown skin. It is used for someone regarded as ugly or lowly, while “bun mui” is often used to refer to Filipino domestic helpers, though, it’s also used to Filipino citizens not employed as domestics. While the younger generation get more and more educated on racial tolerance and ethnic diversity, these terms are somehow still used even if they’re offensive due to their passive-aggressive undertones that refer to the social value that one’s race holds. These terms refer to ethnicity regarded in a negative light.

Locust

An insect type, locusts fly in large numbers and are notorious for destroying crops and plants. In recent years, though, the term has emerged as a racial slur to refer to mainland Chinese tourists who flock to Hong Kong. Widely regarded as offensive, use of the term locust erodes the city’s cultural diversity as it dehumanises someone based on race and ethnicity.

World Photography Day: Style icons down memory lane

Photography is an exquisite art form that captures and conveys some of the most significant moments in history that defy time even as they deliver powerful messages scores of which elicit hope and inspiration. On the occasion of World Photography Day, we reflect on some of history’s most iconic images in pop culture and style.

gafencu world photography day richard avedon dovima with elephants eveningdress by dior — From Harper’s Bazaar archive

Dovima with Elephants photographed by Richard Avedon

A case in point is “Dovima with Elephants” photographed by Richard Avedon. In 1955, world-renowned model Dovima was photographed for Harper’ Bazaar donning an evening dress by Dior at Cirque d’Hiver by established fashion photographer, Richard Avedon. The image was deemed iconic for moving high fashion photography outside the studio. It marked the end of a haute couture era in the mid-twentieth century and inspired the use of motion in fashion photography.

gafencu world photography day cate blanchette tim walker louis vuitton blouse and skirt — From WMagazine

Cate Blanchett photographed by Tim Walker for WMagazine

Blanchett, a muse to many of the most creative photographers, inspires the boldest imaginations to come alive like that of her feature in WMagazine photographed by one of the industry’s most prominent photographers, Tim Walker’. In it, Blanchett is marvellously framed within a bubble wearing a Louis Vuitton Blouse and skirt.

gafencu marilyn monroe jfk birthday salute jean louis crysal dress — From JFK library archive

Marilyn Monroe in crystal-emblazoned dress

In May 1962, sex icon Marilyn Monroe bedazzled the democratic fundraiser and birthday salute to President John F. Kennedy in a sheer crystal-emblazoned dress as she walked on stage to sing “Happy Birthday, Mr President” to the 35th president of the United States. The dress was custom designed by Jean Louis as a dress that “only Marilyn Monroe could wear” for her unique rendition that became a timeless legacy of her charm and appeal. The iconic dress worn in the above photography by Cecil Stoughton, was sold at Julien Auctions in 2016 for US $4.8million.

The Beatles

Probably the most recognizable image in pop culture is the 1969, Abbey Road album cover of world-famous rock band, The Beatles. the cover art photographed by Lain Macmillan would be the last Beatles album to be released and become a popular fashion statement on its own. The iconic image paved the way for Tommy Nutter, the Welch designer who suited John, Paul and Ringo on the day, to tailor make suits for the likes of Jack Nicholson and Tim Burton’s 1989 Batman.

Perpetual Music by Rolex: inspiring excellence amidst adversity

Rolex —the world’s leading brand for luxury watches— commands global attention to their newest initiative: Perpetual Music. Broadcasted from the homes of some of the most beloved masterpieces: Italy, France and Germany, the three-part concert hosted by four of this generations’ most established musicians and singers is expected to reach the visibility in a world-wide scale.

Consistent with the Swiss company’s pursuit for excellence and its 50 years active involvement in art, culture and global conservation, Perpetual Music aims to foster the talents of 100 musicians and singers whose lives have been adversely affected over the past seven months. Featuring Peruvian opera talent, Juan Diego Flórez; critically acclaimed versatile artist, Rolando Villazón; highly sought after Bulgarian-Swiss singer, Sonya Yoncheva; and internationally renowned French violinist, Renaud Capuçon who filled an integral role in organizing the concerts.

“During these difficult times, when musicians have suffered both the loss of audience and income, our aim is to provide them the opportunity to perform with renowned artists at prestigious venues with the finest acoustics”
– Arnaud Boetsch, Rolex Director of Communication & Image

The recital will run between August 21, 2020 to early September and will be available to stream online for free through October. Broadcasted by medici.tv, a decade-long partner of the prestigious luxury brand, the initiative is expected to reach over 180 countries worldwide.

The concert schedules are as follows:

August 21
Performance by Juan Diego Flórez with Teatro Rossini and Pesaro featuring an orchestra

September 1
Performance by Sonya Yoncheva with Berlin Staatsoper in a recital programme

September 3
Performance by Rolando Villazón and Renaud Capuçon with The Opéra national de Paris (Palais Garnier) featuring a repertoire of baroque and chamber music

Happy Chinese New Year greetings from the Gafencu Team