Happy Chinese New Year!
This year our oldest started Kindergarten at a Chinese immersion school, and we are along for the ride as he learns about the language and culture of China. Today is actually the New Year, one of the most important dates of the Chinese culture, and we have been ushering in the Year of the Snake all weekend!
This is a new holiday for our family, but out six year old is fast on his way to becoming an expert, so we are committed to stay caught up as well on embracing some new traditions. This is an exciting process, mainly because the boys have been so excited. We are always open to new experiences, but because we have committed our childrens' K-8 education to a new language and culture, incorporating this holiday into our calendar comes with that commitment.
Early in the week, I asked Ian what he wanted to eat to celebrate the holiday. He immediately said, "Dumplings!" This is a dish I had never made, but I knew just the place to look. Extending the Table had just what I needed with a recipe for Jiaozi, pork filled dumplings. Over the course of the week I gathered the necessary ingredients for a weekend feast.
Friday evening we watched Ian's school give an amazing New Year's program that included singing, dancing, drama, martial arts, a fashion show, dragons, drums, and more. Ian perform a traditional song and dance with his classmates. He was singing, dancing, and playing an instrument with enthusiasm and grace. We were so proud:)
Saturday included impromptu guests in the form of my mom, step dad, brother and his family, and making the dinner was truly a family affair. For our celebration dinner not only did we have Jiaozi, but also Jiaozi Jer, which is the dipping sauce. We added sticky rice, noodles and almond cookies, all recipes from the same cookbook. We added an orange and apple salad on the side for good luck and health, too. Everyone took part in making the food, and as we ate we told funny stories about each other.
Learning about a new culutre only deepens the connections we have as a family. We hope our luck and prosperity for the coming year brings us ever closer and offers more opportunities for growth and celebration, such as this holiday. May yours bring you luck and prosperity as well.
