Valentine Day gift

 If you wish to present your love with something more expensive, or you are about to propose to her on this day, consider a diamond ring with both your names joined together. Diamonds are forever and it symbolizes your love for one another, which should last forever. You can select from a great variety having classic symbols of unity, with two separate branches curving and joining sinuously.

Special roses can mean a lot to the person you love. On the 2012 Valentine’s Day, you could present a vase of special tall red roses. There are special giant strains of roses available that are specially grown at elevations and in the perfect climate of cool nights and warm sunny days. You can obtain them with a diameter of 3 to 4 inches and they stay fresh for a long time as well. Deep red roses can be the ultimate expression of passion, love and commitment. You can even buy Eco certified red roses, having a green label.

A Barbie doll all dressed up for her date with Ken would be cool too. They can make very cute gifts to give to little girls as well.

If you are considering jewelry, you could present a captivating glass heart pendant with a sterling silver chain. It can send the simplest yet poignant message of love, as it has the classic heart shape.

Chocolates are, of course, the ultimate gift idea for Valentine’s Day. You can buy and place them in beautiful golden wired gift baskets and can even present them to friends, family or to your business clients.  You can also present them to your lady love in a heart-shaped box, so that your sweetheart can enjoy it. It is the most delightful gift which conveys your love most appropriately and delightfully.

If you are good at poetry, you could try your hand at it and send your love a sentimental card or a hand-crafted one, with beautiful embellishments and decorations.

  

A romantic candle light dinner can also be the ideal way of proclaiming your love on Valentine’s Day and a cool way of celebrating the day with the one you love.

A getaway on this special day would also thrill the love of your life. A quiet and romantic day spent at a romantic spot where you will not be disturbed by anyone could win your lady’s heart forever.

Since love is more mature than a simple crush, some people favor adult, practical gifts for the people they love. Others rather enjoy cute, light-hearted gifts—after all, nobody said that being in love has to make a person serious all the time! When searching for a gift to express your love, it is important to keep your partner’s personality in mind. A gift that is perfect for one person could easily be off-putting to another.

Gifts for Men

Men don’t always express their feelings as often as women do, so when the time comes to buy a gift for the special man in your life, it can turn out to be a harder task than you were expecting. But when you are in love with a man, you come to know his habits. Let these speak to you louder than his words. Choose a gift based on what you’ve observed he likes, and you can’t possibly go wrong.

Gadgets: Most men tend to be fascinated with the inner workings of gadgets and machines. Try getting him the latest mobile device—an iPod or iPad, a digital camera, or a stylish watch with all the bells and whistles.

Apparels: Many people don’t realize that, overall, men are just as style conscious as women. A mature and successful man knows his clothes and loves to impress people. Getting him some clothing from the leading brands can be a great way to support his go-getter lifestyle.

Accessories: Being a well-dressed man is about so much more than slacks and ties. A considerate gift of a leather belt, laptop bag, shoes, sunglasses, cufflinks, or tie pin could be just the thing he’s been looking for to spruce up his wardrobe. Get something that is high-quality and attractive so that he knows you were thinking fondly of him.It would seem relatively easy to buy a gift for a woman since the options are so vast, but since no two women have exactly the same likes and dislikes, it can be very confusing. Fortunately, there are some timeless gifts that will allow you to express your love without much risk of embarrassment. Give a little thought to which one might suit her best, customize whatever you pick out, and your wife or girlfriend will be thrilled to receive a present into which you’ve put so much care.

Chinese New Year Traditional dress

 

Chinese New Year Dress is a form of expressing ethnic identity. An expression that is with multi-faceted meanings about where the Chinese come from, who they are and who they aspire to be. In ancient China, the manner of dress signified a person's social status.

A Chinese New Year dress can be supplemented with accessories.
A traditional accessory favorite with both genders is fan. Jewelry made of gold or silver with precious stones and feathers not only makes a fashion statement but also accentuates the beauty of the Chinese New Year Dress. In the earlier times the two most fashionable and necessary accessories for men were belt hooks and plaques, as for the women, hair decorations with pins and combs were essential for their appearance.

 

Cheongsam is a traditional dress of Chinese women suitable subject for the celebration of Lunar New Year, which this year falls on January 23, 2012. One-piece dress was first created in Shanghai, before it evolved into something more fashionable and fit body.
Cheongsam has a characteristic high-necked and available in a variety of sleeve sizes, ranging from short-sleeve, medium, or long. In addition, this clothing also has buttons on the right side, with the chest and a loose fitting at the waist so that highlights the beauty of feminine curves.

·         Short Body
For a short, avoid cuts Boxy with pads on the shoulder because it will push down posture. In addition, the dress is too long also will create the effect of your body look shorter.

·         Shoulder widthFor the broad-shouldered, avoid shoulder pads because it will make your upper body look heavier. Instead, select clothing made of lighter materials like silk to soften the silhouette of the body.

·         Skinny body
For those who were thin, select brocade material to increase the volume of the body and shape it look more curvy. Brocade is a heavy silk fabric with designs on it, which is generally sewn using gold or silver thread.

·         Arm sagged
For those who have flabby arms and sagged, select a cheongsam with a piece of three-quarter sleeves to hide the excess flesh.

·         Short neckFor the short-necked, select the model cheongsam with a lower collar so that helps make the neck seem more level. Meanwhile, long-necked women will look stunning with cheongsam high-cut neck.

·         Disproportionately
For those who have a disproportionate body shape, such as your upper body is heavier than the lower body or vice versa, select clothes separately (two-pieces). If part of a larger, select a cheongsam with a motive for superior print contrast, and color are much simpler to subordinates. Meanwhile, if the bottom of the larger body, straight-cut skirt is the most ideal choice.

Everyting about chinese culture has some innate symbolism.This is true even for chinese dresses.That seem highly elegant from the out side but have deep simbolic meanings for the chinese.Every traditional costume from china has its own vitality and the chinese new year dress is one of the most prominent traditional dresses loaded with simbolism.

In order to add some aesthetic value to the basic structure the chinese made use of embroidered patterns,draped sil,decorative bans,sashes and shoulder patterns.The chinese were keen on using dark colors upon which the decorativ elements were given bright colors.When it comes to The Chenise New Year dress the color red was very important and it was the color used to give the dress its accents.



CHINESE NEW YEAR BEST GIFT

Black Water Dragon gives happiness and success, keeps the family and good people. 2012 Year of the Dragon favorable for the establishment of family, birth a smart and healthy children. During this period we should be bold and not humble.



Chinese New Year 2012 (according to the Chinese Zodiac) Year of the Dragon begins on January 23, 2012 and ends on February 9, 2013.

The year of the Dragon is the year for great deeds, innovative ideas and big projects. In this year success in particular can expect people who are dealing with finances. This will be advantageous time to begin new projects in business and social level.

The Year of the Dragon will bring the excitement, a big ups and downs in our lives. Only if we adjusted the ruler in the right way, we will be able to pick the most beautiful fruits that we could ever imagine.

Gift dedicated to the Dragon will be the best gift. Dragon can be located on T-shirts, pens, cups, fridge magnets, pendants rings, necklaces, And of course the Dragon as a figure. Dragon will be desirable in the cabinet of businessmen, civil servants, managers of large corporations and owners of small private firms. Gift for children needs to be a toy Dragon.

In addition, a good gift for the upcoming year of the dragon, will be gifts associated with water (sea and waterways motifs). It will have the power to bring success to its owner. 2012 year is a real opportunity to give the aquarium.

This Chinese New Year, wish your dear ones good luck, fortune and happy times with a range of exciting gifts.

Chinese New Year Gift Ideas

Chinese paper lanterns: They are a great way to decorate homes on the New Year. You can choose the red lanterns that come with pictures of Chinese characters and animals like the dragon or rabbit. You should choose based on the animal represents that particular year in the Chinese zodiac calendar. Lanterns with floral motifs are a good choice for Chinese New Year gifts, as well.

Chinese abundance hangers: One of the popular gifts for this special occasion is a clay hanger that includes a gourd and a lotus flower. Such a hanger may also have a double fish symbol and the Kanji symbol for good fortune.

The Chinese consider the gourd to be a symbol of longevity and it protects one from negative energy. The gourd also stands for figure 8 which is said to be quite powerful in Feng Shui. The lotus flower is a symbol of the power and ability to rise even from the darkest moments in life. The double fish is a sign of wealth and prosperity. So, this stylish present is sure to be appreciated by your dear ones.

Gifts of money: A gift of money is something that elders in a family offer to juniors on Chinese New Year. There goes the tradition of gifting money in small red and gold envelopes called Lai See. Bright colors such as red and gold should be chosen because they represent good luck and prosperity.

Chinese money plants: These plants have leaves that look like the Chinese gold ingots used in ancient times. Such a plant is twisted in spirals to get rid of negative vibes and bring in positivity. Since the plant can endure hardship, you can gift it to your dear ones and wish them good luck and encourage them to overcome all problems in life.

Jewelry: One of the interesting Chinese New Year gifts is an exquisite piece of jewelry like a silver longevity pendant or a Chinese zodiac diamond necklace. You can choose a sterling silver pendant that has the Chinese character for a long life (Shou) inscribed on it. If you are aware of your dear one's zodiac sign, get her a diamond necklace that reflects the sign.

Keepsake boxes: A special keepsake box can make a great gift for one who is close to your heart. You can get that special someone a jewelry box with the Chinese love symbol engraved on its lid. Such a box can come with a mirror and velvet lining in the inner part of the box. If you look for such gifts online, you will be able to personalize them with the name of the recipient.

Happy Buddha statues or Jade carvings: This Chinese New Year, get your loved ones the statues of the laughing Buddha which is the symbol of prosperity. Alternatively, you can gift animal figurines like Jade horses, dragons, and elephants. Jade is the name of a deity in the ancient Taoist tradition. These can serve as beautiful pieces of home decor items.

Chinese porcelain fruit bowls and vases: Fresh fruits and flowers are widely used for home decor on this special occasion. So, Chinese porcelain fruit bowls and flower vases gifted on New Year can actually delight our loved ones. Alternately, you can present blue and white porcelain ginger jars to your near ones on this occasion.

Hand-painted glasses: Get your friends and family hand-painted wine glasses and let them celebrate New Year with some drinks and wine.

Flowers: One of the Chinese New Year gifts that your dear ones will appreciate is a basket of fresh flowers that represent rebirth and new growth. Some of the flowers you can choose are peony, azalea, and narcissus.

Gift baskets: Look for gift baskets that come with pretty blossoms and fruits like oranges and tangerines, and present them to your loved ones this New Year. These not only symbolize good fortune and prosperity but also serve as great home decor items during the New Year festival. Alternatively, a basket full of candies, peanut cake and crackers, fruit jelly, and cookies can make an exciting gift for this occasion.

Chocolate,Beginning on, January 23rd and continuing through February 6th, one of the most widely observed holidays on the planet Chinese New Year, or Spring Festival, will be celebrated around the world.

Many centuries old, this most important of the Chinese holidays like so many important celebrations, sharing food and gifts with family and friends is central.  Among the foods sweet delicacies (signifying sweetness and prosperity for the coming year) hold a special place. As the color of good luck, prosperity, and festivity, red is everywhere on Chinese New Year.

In honor of this most festive occasion, present fine chocolate holiday sweet treats presented in traditional Chinese New Year red and fuchsia wrapping.

These two elegant packages house delicious gourmet sweet delicacies within.  The good fortune begins as soon as one opens the box and tastes the fine gourmet chocolates within.

CHINESE NEW YEAR CELEBRATE IN HONGKONG

Celebrate Chinese New Year in Hong Kong

The longest and most important Chinese holiday. In the weeks leading up to the two-week holiday, several traditional activities are necessary to do in order to properly prepare for Chinese New Year. 

You'll find the festive mood infectious as the people of Hong Kong come out to welcome the New Year!
This is a holiday festival like no other, an amazing celebration that is full of ancient traditions, rituals and culture.
Experience the unique fusion of ancient customs and modern fun in one of the world's biggest Chinese New Year celebrations. You'll be captivated by fragrant flower markets and thrilled by a spectacular night parade, exciting fireworks, fast-paced sporting event and much more.

Starting the Year with a Bang

Hundreds of thousands will line both sides of iconic Victoria Harbour on the Second Day of Chinese New Year to witness Hong Kong ushering in the Year of the Dragon with an astounding fireworks display. Join them and start the Year of the Dragon with a heart-stopping bang.

Venue:	Victoria Harbour between Central and Tsim Sha Tsui
Time:	8pm

Hong Kong, the Events Capital of Asia, offers a smorgasbord of fascinating and exciting events ranging from colourful local festivals to world-class arts and sports events. Concerts, theatre and dance performances by famous international artists and local Canto-pop singers create dynamic experiences. The city's various consumer fairs showcase a wide variety of latest products ranging from books to computer games to flowers. Check out the Event Calendar for upcoming events.                                                           

 

Chinese New Year Night Parade

This stunning spectacle showcases a combination of international and Chinese elements featuring illuminated floats, dragon and lion dancers, clowns, marching bands, an all-star cast of performers from around the world, and much, much more. Featuring a 'World Hong Kong Luminous Dragon Dance & Lion Championship 2012', an 'International Kung Fu & Special Weapons Championship' and a 'Martial Arts General Assembly', this is a not-to-be-missed gala for fans of Chinese martial arts.

Chinese New Year celebrations in local Chinatowns around the world are in the most part the offspring of those in Hong Kong. Thanks to streams of emigration from the city, much of what is seen in Chinese celebrations from San Francisco to Sydney, originates from Hong Kong. Hong Kong's celebrations are the king of them all, and the city is full to bursting with events for Chinese New Year. The crowning glory of the city's events is the International Chinese New Year parade, a must see, if you're in the city.

A Giant Harbour-front Street Party

The world-famous night parade is one of the best-loved events of all the Chinese New Year’s celebrations in Hong Kong.The parade snakes around Tsim Sha Tsui in a stream of brightly coloured floats and international / local performing artists that turns the harbour-front area into a giant street party. Starting at 6pm, there will be roving performers and interactive games to warm-up the crowds along the parade route.

Parade Route: The parade starts at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza in Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon and proceeds along Canton Road, Haiphong Road, Nathan Road and Salisbury Road, and ends in front of Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel and Towers.

Time:
8pm - 9:30pm; spectator stands open to ticket holders at 7pm

Shopping & Dining Delights

It's "out with the old and in with the new" at Chinese New Year as Hong Kong people take advantage of the irresistible sales and splash out on new wardrobes or something new for the home. Hong Kong is one of the world's truly great shopping destinations where you can buy virtually anything you want. You'll find there's no better place to indulge yourself. You can also enjoy the sumptuous food offered in this Culinary Capital of Asia; and savour HK signature dishes & Chinese festive delicacies.
While some smaller establishments take time out during the holidays, shops and restaurants accredited by the Quality Tourism Services (QTS) Scheme remain open throughout the Chinese New Year holiday to ensure you get the best bargains and enjoy great seasonal dining offers. 

Pilgrimages

Chinese New Year is a time to give thanks for the past 12 months and pray for good fortune in the coming year. Join the huge crowds as they make a pilgrimage to Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin Temple. Here the soothsayers in the adjacent arcade will predict your future. Spin the Wheel of Fortune at Sha Tin's Che Kung Temple to dispel bad luck and encourage good fortune. Or visit the fabled Wishing Trees in Lam Tsuen and make a wish!

Hongkong well-wishing festival 2012

Visit Lam Tsuen during the Lunar New Year and join local residents to make a lucky wish and enjoy a host of related fun cultural activities

 

Other Events

A Symphony of Lights is a stunning multimedia show, proclaimed by Guinness Word Records as the "World's Largest Permanent Sound and Light Show" that involves 44 buildings on both sides of Victoria Harbour. At 8pm every night, the sky is transformed into a bright shining canvass composed of stunning lights and lasers. This amazing show is a must-see event that will leave you mesmerised! 

Best Vantage Points:

1.     Along the Avenue of Stars on the Tsim Sha Tsui Waterfront Promenade.

2.     The Promenade around the Golden Bauhinia Square in Wan Chai.

3.     Joining a harbour cruise tour that provides the best seats for the show.

Experience a slice of Hong Kong movie history with a visit to the Avenue of Stars along the Tsim Sha Tsui Waterfront Promenade. It's here you'll find commemorative plaques, handprints of famous stars and contributors, a two-metre tall statue of international kung-fu hero Bruce Lee, souvenirs for sale and panoramic views of the harbour and Hong Kong Island skyline. Directions : Tsim Sha Tsui MTR Exit F, take subway (pedestrian tunnel) to East
Tsim Sha Tsui KCR Station Exit J and follow the signs. 

Interactive Fun

Check out what's fun about Chinese New Year celebrations with  e-cards, wallpapers and beautiful Chinese New Year decorations - hui chun (lucky sayings). Consult our Chinese horoscopes to find out what's in store for you in the current Year of the Dragon!

CHINESE NEW YEAR TRADITION FOOD

Many Chinese families will have reunion diner togather at the restourants.Chinese New Year is also referred to as the Lunar New Year or Spring Festival. Whatever name you call it you can be sure it is great time of rejoicing. The Reunion dinner on the eve of Chinese New Year is always the highlight of the celebration. It is a Chinese New Year tradition where family members gather together for dinner. Even those who are overseas will make an effort to be home for this Reunion dinner.

The reunion dinner is a feast with pork, chicken, duck, fish and seafood cooked in a variety of ways depending on which region the family came from originally. The Cantonese will feature a black hair-like algae called "fat choy" since its name sounds similar to "prosperity".

Families continue to hold this Chinese New Year tradition except these days more and more families are opting to hold this dinner at the local restaurant or hotel. Major hotels in the city have special buffets or many courses feasts. Bookings are often made early to avoid disappointments. "Yee Sang" or "Lo Hei" in Cantonese is a raw fish salad which is a special dish served only during Chinese New Year. The serving of this dish is a Chinese New Year tradition among the ethnic Chinese in Singapore and Malaysia. The dish consists of strips of raw fish, often salmon mixed with shredded vegetables like radish, carrots, red peppers, turnips, red pickled ginger with a variety of sauces.

The dish is usually served as the appetizer with everyone at the table joining in to toss and mix all the ingredients with their chopsticks. This is a symbol prosperity and good luck and is a Chinese New year tradition faithfully kept by those who are involved in business.

Another traditional food item is the sticky cake or "Nien Gao" . " Nien" means year and "Gao" means high and the sticky cake symbolizes increase of success and prosperity. It can be eaten steamed or fried in a batter sandwiched between yam slices.

As with any celebration, Chinese New Year have their own special delicacies. At the top of the list is of course Mandarin oranges. In case you haven't seen a Chinese New Year at close quarters, folks buy these oranges by the crates.

These mandarin oranges are easily peeled by hand and are in abundance during Chinese New Year as they symbolize abundance and good fortune. Most of the supply is imported from China. The mandarin oranges are given as gifts to friends and family. Business people also like to present a box of these oranges to their clients.

“ Lucky" Chinese New Year symbols are an important part of celebrating the Spring Festival. Afterall, it is the start of spring -- a perfect time to have your New Year wishes come true! And what better way to usher in happiness, prosperity and health than to enjoy "auspicious food" with family and friends?

Here are the Top 8 auspicious food symbols for Chinese New Year.
These delicious dishes are served during the reunion dinner on Chinese New Year's eve with family members.

Top 8 Auspicious Food Symbols for Chinese New Year


1. Hot Pot


A steaming hot pot (or chinese fondue) with meat, seafood and vegetables is a must.
Huo3 in hot pot huo3 guo3 火锅 is the same word as huo3 in hong2 huo3 红火 “prosperous and booming”.


2. Fish

Another must-have dish if you want to experience abundance in the new year. Fish yu2 鱼 is the most popular dish served during Chinese New Year. In Chinese fish has the same sound as “surplus” and “abundance” 余. A whole fish is served on Chinese New Year’s eve for the reunion dinner. Usually the fish is steamed.
It is a good omen to leave the bones and head and tail intact. This symbolizes surplus/abundance and a good beginning and end in the new year. Best served whole.


3. Shrimp


Shrimp xia1 虾 in Mandarin and ha in Cantonese sounds like someone laughing. Eat shrimp for happiness and well-being.


4. Boiled dumplings


A Chinese New Year tradition is eating boiled dumplings. These are shaped like gold ingots. Dumplings jiao3 zi 饺子 sounds like jiao1 zi3 交子which means the hour of transition into the New Year.


Hence, in northern China, dumplings filled with meat are eaten on Chinese New Year’s eve to usher in good luck and wealth in the New Year. Sometimes a coin is placed in one of the dumplings. Whoever bites on it will have plenty of wealth in the new year.


When dumplings and yellow noodles are cooked together they mean “golden threads through gold ingots”.


In the eastern cities of China, like Shanghai, Hangzhou and Suzhou, egg dumplings are eaten as they look like gold ingots.  
5. Oyster

Hao2 sounds like hao3 shi4 好事 which means “good things”. In southern China, it is served with thin rice noodles.


6. Green vegetables


For close family ties, serve some greens.
Qing1 cai4 青菜 sounds like qing1 亲 as in qin1 re 亲热 mea ning “close/intimate"  

7. Sticky rice cake


Nian2 gao1 年糕.
Nian2 means year and cake gao1 sounds the same as high gao1 高.
hai, Hangzhou and Suzhou, egg dumplings are eaten as they look like gold ingots.


So eating this steamed cake made of rice flour and topped with red dates has the meaning of attaining greater prosperity and rank in the new year.


8. Noodles


Known as chang2 shou4 mian4 长寿面 meaning "longevity noodles".
A wish for good fortune -- Good Luck, Prosperity, Longevity, Happiness and Abundance -- is central to the Chinese way of life.

An important Chinese New year tradition is the "hong pao". Chinese New Year would not be complete without the red envelope of money the Chinese call "ang pow" or "hong pao". The red color symbolize good luck. The red packet is presented by those who are married to children and to those who are still single. It is given not only to family but also friends' children when they visit.