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Chinese New Year Celebration at WestQuay: Sunday 3rd February 2019 from 11am

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This year, the Chinese New Year Celebration in Southampton will start early. Even though the Chinese New Year this year is on Tuesday the 5th of February, you can celebrate it two days earlier in Southampton.

It is the Year of the Pig.

The Chinese New Year celebration is organised by The Chinese Association of Southampton (CAS). It will take place at WestQuay Southampton on Sunday 3rd February 2019 from 11am. [Read more…] about Chinese New Year Celebration at WestQuay: Sunday 3rd February 2019 from 11am

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Welcoming Year of Monkey: 8 February 2016

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Today is the first day of the Chinese New Year 2016.

It’s the Year of the Monkey, my Zodiac Year of Birth, which is known as 本命年 (Běn mìng nián).

Traditionally a lot of Chinese believe that your zodiac year (12 years as a cycle) will bring danger and misfortune, so you need to wear something red.

To ward off evil spirits, apparently one has to wear red underwear too. [Read more…] about Welcoming Year of Monkey: 8 February 2016

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Southampton Chinese New Year Celebration: Sunday 22nd February 2015 West Quay

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Update: Chinese New Year 2016 Celebration in Southampton: Sunday 14th February 2016 at Regents Park Community College SO16 4GW.

Original post for Chinese New Year 2015 (Below):

Southampton Chinese New Year Celebration will take place on Sunday 22nd February 2015 inside West Quay shopping centre, from 11am to 1pm.

The Year of the Sheep (or Goat) runs from 19th February 2015 to 7th February 2016.

The Chinese New Year celebration is organised by Chinese Association of Southampton. [Read more…] about Southampton Chinese New Year Celebration: Sunday 22nd February 2015 West Quay

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Cup of Chinese Tea, Anyone?

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My youngest son has just visited from China where he works as a teacher of kindergarten children.

Chinese parents are keen for their children to be taught English so he has been in southwest China for just over three years.

It was lovely to have him and his Chinese girlfriend visit [Read more…] about Cup of Chinese Tea, Anyone?

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Mid-Autumn Moon, Love, And Myths

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I nearly forgot it was Mid-Autumn Festival yesterday (8th of September) – on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month.

I learned as a child that the moon on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month was the brightest. Scientifically I now know it may not be the truth.

Mid-Autumn Festival is my favourite festival of all Chinese festivals. The fullness of the moon reflects [Read more…] about Mid-Autumn Moon, Love, And Myths

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Queen Victoria’s Bed Cover From China

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We visited Osborne House on the Isle of Wight yesterday. I had a discovery.

In Queen Victoria’s bedroom, I saw her famous bed.

According to Stephen Regan from the Open University, at the end of her life, the Queen was nursed in this bedroom by her personal physician, Dr James Reid. [Read more…] about Queen Victoria’s Bed Cover From China

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Father’s Day and Chinese War of Resistance

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When I was an undergraduate student in Taiwan, I was surprised to learn that Father’s Day in Taiwan is actually on the 8th of August.

The number eight is pronounced as bā in Mandarin Chinese. 8/8 is pronounced bā – bā, close to the pronunciation of father – 爸爸 bàba.

Though Father’s Day is [Read more…] about Father’s Day and Chinese War of Resistance

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Malaysian High Commission In London

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I had an adventure in London last week and somehow got lost.

I visited the Malaysian High Commission in Belgrave Square near Hyde Park Corner at 8am, and waited for the door to be opened. My purpose was to get my passport renewed.

I wasn’t the first visitor. A lady in her 60s travelled from Scotland through the night [Read more…] about Malaysian High Commission In London

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China In Bath

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Just a few yards off The Circus in Bath is the Museum of East Asian Art in a beautiful Georgian house on Bennett Street.

The contents were collected by Brian McElney OBE, a British scholar of sinology who worked as a lawyer in Hong Kong. After retirement he tried to present his collection to other museums of Chinese art but eventually set this one up himself. [Read more…] about China In Bath

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Tomb Sweeping Day

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I have almost forgotten today is the Tomb Sweeping Day to the Chinese people.

I was reminded of the festival today when I read that the Chinese families of Chinese passengers aboard Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 are still hopeful.

Tomb Sweeping Day is also known as the Qing Ming Festival 清明节, literally Clear Bright Festival [Read more…] about Tomb Sweeping Day

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Last Business Day Today For Fortune House Chinese Take-away

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Fortune House Chinese Take-away informed me today (Saturday) that today is their last business day. The Tang Family has decided to end their catering business in Chandler’s Ford after a month.

Fortune House on 119 Winchester Road is run by David, Sim and their son Wing Tang. They only became the new owners in January this year. [Read more…] about Last Business Day Today For Fortune House Chinese Take-away

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Should Hampshire Libraries Run Non-European Language Courses?

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I offered my skills to Hampshire Libraries to be their casual tutor.

Today I received an email of rejection.

The course I wanted to run is Mandarin Chinese. I can teach Mandarin Chinese at all levels.

[Read more…] about Should Hampshire Libraries Run Non-European Language Courses?

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Today Is The Lantern Festival: Bright Full Moon Tonight

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Since January, I have written 19 posts about the Chinese New Year.

I have shared stories of the local people who celebrate the Lunar New Year as their culture.

I also delighted you with the story of the lion who came to tea with me. [Read more…] about Today Is The Lantern Festival: Bright Full Moon Tonight

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The Lions Who Came To Tea

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We had lunch in Southampton after watching the Lion Dance yesterday. Two lions came to tea.

After the meal, when we were about to leave the restaurant, a Malaysian Chinese waitress stopped me: “Stay here. The Lions are coming in!” “When?” I asked. “Now!”

My instant response was to search for evidence at the ceiling. I saw some lettuce [Read more…] about The Lions Who Came To Tea

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Auspicious Lions in Southampton: Chinese New Year 2014

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A friend commented that I posted too many posts on this website as he was struggling to catch up. But he added yesterday, “However I am sure we all want to hear about the Lion Dance tomorrow.”

Why was my friend contradicting himself?

Well, today’s Lion Dance in Southampton was full of surprises. [Read more…] about Auspicious Lions in Southampton: Chinese New Year 2014

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From The Fall Of Singapore To Prosperity

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The Fall of Singapore happened on the 15th of February, 1942, on the Chinese New Year day. It was the largest surrender of British-led forces in history.

Singapore was supposed to be an impregnable fortress.

Older people in Singapore and Malaysia still remember the hardship [Read more…] about From The Fall Of Singapore To Prosperity

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Congratulations To Alex And Mae!

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Alex and Mae Keown-Boyd are celebrating their first Chinese New Year together, in Chandler’s Ford.

The happy couple just got married last year in the Philippines.

Congratulations to Alex and Mae!

Let’s meet the happy couple. [Read more…] about Congratulations To Alex And Mae!

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Meet Jane: Dr Yangzhou From China

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Update on October 2014: The Chinese Medical Centre has moved from the Mall to 2 Bournemouth Road, Chandler’s Ford, SO53 3DB.

This afternoon, I braved the rain and popped in to see my friend Jane in her Dr Yangzhou Chinese Medical Center in The Mall in Chandler’s Ford, to wish her a very prosperous Chinese New Year.

I wore a pinky red top, but Jane was wearing a more cheerful bright red top signifying the joy of the Chinese New Year. [Read more…] about Meet Jane: Dr Yangzhou From China

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Welcome The Tang Family: New Owners Of Fortune House

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Updated 22nd February 2014:

Fortune House informed me that today is their last business day. The Tang family has decided to end their catering business in Chandler’s Ford after a month.

Read Last Business Day Today For Fortune House Chinese Take-away to find out the reason of shop closure. [Read more…] about Welcome The Tang Family: New Owners Of Fortune House

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Pretty Rocking Horses Chinese New Year 2014

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Google celebrates Chinese New Year with an animated Doodle on its search page today. Oh, I do love the rocking horse!

A happy rosy-cheeked oriental girl moves backwards and forwards on a wooden rocking horse.

Behind her, a young man with a new haircut [Read more…] about Pretty Rocking Horses Chinese New Year 2014

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