Tikoy (Niรกn gฤo) and Ampao (Hรณngbฤo) are famous Chinese symbols of good luck and prosperity. These two are a must-have in the Philippines and among the Chinese-Filipino community during special holidays like the Lunar Chinese New Year and other special occasions.
Ang Pao, or the red envelope, evolved into an all-season object for gift-giving. It is given during the Chinese New Year and during birthdays and weddings. In the Philippines, we have adopted the giving of Ang Pao during Christmas and other events.
I always like special delicacies, so I also enjoy eating Tikoy, which signifies harmony and closeness among the family. Its stickiness symbolizes bonding and togetherness.
The past couple of years in Binondo have been truly auspicious, as I have had the joy of immersing myself in the vibrant and enchanting Chinese New Year celebration. The streets of Binondo come alive with the best of Chinese culture and tradition, passed down from generation to generation.
I remember the kilometer-long street of Ongpin in Binondo when fun-filled activities happened during the Chinese New Year. The lion and the dragon dance are always colorful and graceful, giving positive energy to the watchers. The firecrackers ward off evil spirits and negativity, as they would believe. It's fun, and the excellent vibe would bring in a positive mindset and emotion, and that's the essence.
The Chinese influence my beliefs about prosperity, so I follow the feng shui and the Chinese zodiac in some ways. They just guide us to a positive life.
These past years have been more than just celebrations; they have been live-action experiences filled with stories that will forever be etched in my memory, and I'm thrilled to share them with you.
Those were the years of celebrating abundance and prosperity. And so, for this year and the years to come, while I may not be able to celebrate in Binondo, I am eagerly open to embracing the culture and tradition that gives life meaning from different perspectives, and I look forward to the new experiences that await.
But above all, this year is not just about prosperity; it's about love, peace, and harmony that must reign in our hearts. That's what we all need at this very moment.
© 2020 Del Cusay