Happy Lunar New Year
Year of the Snake.
"Chuc Mung Nam Moi" or "Happy New Year"
Today is the first day of the lunar new year. Everyone has their flowers and trees outside the doors and it is amazing to walk around.
Last night there was no way you could sleep before midnight.
First, you have to honor the ancestors, lay out food, fruit and light the incense, and pray over the food and pray to the fat Buddha, the god of wealth.
Secondly, the fireworks are noisy and they happen all over the country. Even in our out-of-the-way laneway, there were people lighting fireworks and having a ball. Remember when we could do that?
Lunar and TET fall at the same time. TET (and the war) is largely forgotten by the youth and they have moved on, along with the older Vietnamese. There is no animosity, and the Vietnamese are very welcoming. Even to ex-Vets.
And Vietnam has become one of the most capitalist countries around, even though it is a Communist government. Vietnam is the land of small business and making money baby.
And the holidays are a welcome relief from it. A time when you down tools and concentrate on family and food and having a good time.
The downside is that most shops close and you have to make sure you are well stocked with food and beer, in case you get a lot of visitors. It normally happens, lol.
Today is a beautiful day and even though I have been stuck at home because of being sick, today I am off for a walk around and enjoy my afternoon. Hopefully, I will get some great photos for my next Vietnam post.
Being able to travel and work where you want is something I am still working towards. I can do it 50% of the time and now wish to change that to 100%.
At the start of the Lunar New Year, I wish you all the best health, and incredible finances for 2025, and whatever you turn your hand to may it be successful.
Viva la "Affiliate Marketing"
Zoopie
Recent Comments
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Ah, thanks, Zoopie for the short and informative article. At first, I recoiled because of the snake. We don't have a name for snake in Dinka. The name is a description of what it is, "Kërac," which literally means "something bad," in English.
In 2000, I was bitten on my left second toe (not knowing the actual English name) by a snake almost similar to the one in the picture, and this brings back those painful memories.
Yes, it was deadlier, but somehow, I overcame the venom. The snake is called adder (vipera berus), and it can kill with a single bite.
We, Dinka/Nuer, have Lunar Years, too, but as you can testify, are now gone with the ancient worlds of the Dinka and Nuer. I have written 5 books in Dinka, but who reads them? Me. A few older folks, soon exiting the planet to the next guessed world.
Again, thanks for this!
John
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Happy new year to you too. x
Thanks Gail
Steve 🤟