Chinese New Year Decor #2

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Just as there are 12 signs in the Western horoscope, the chinese zodiac also has 12 of its own, represented by 12 different animals. Rather than being determined by months, a person’s Chinese zodiacal sign is determined by the year he is born in.

I was born in the year of the rat, although ironically my favorite animal is the cat! In the picture from left to right: dog, rat, ox (but it does look more like a cow).

Chinese New Year Decor at Harbourfront Centre, Zodiac signs: Dog, Rat & Ox

These illuminated animal signs are on display at Harbourfront Centre as part of its Chinese New Year decor. Do I spy bee cheng hiang in the background? This Chinese New Year I am boycotting them, with their obviously-meant-for-the-trash and too-burnt-to-be-eaten bak kwa (grilled pork jerky) that they shamelessly sell at $26 per kilogram. Okay, rant end.

In the picture from left to right: sheep, monkey, dragon.

Chinese New Year Decor at Harbourfront Centre, Zodiac signs: Sheep, Monkey & Dragon

This is the year of the pig, which is why the pig has been given the highest prominence over here. Ta-da!

Chinese New Year Decor at Harbourfront Centre, Zodiac sign: Pig

My, that is one jolly looking pig! Doesn’t it look all pink and happy? The red paper stuck to its side has a Chinese character in yellow, which means “full” or “filled” (or something to that effect) in English. We Chinese believe that to be full of anything is always good, especially when it’s food or money.

Now that the Chinese New Year decor has taken the place of Christmas trees, I wonder what they did with those adorable teddy bears!

Also in this series

Chinese New Year Decor #1

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About the Author

Veron Ang is the founder and chief editor of Sparklette. She lives in Singapore and has dined and traveled across the world. She also runs Sparklette Studio, a web design and development firm. If you'd like to connect with her, head on over to the contact page or follow her personal updates on Twitter: @VeronSG.

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15 responses

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chillycraps
January 31

argh… the pig reminds me of my age…
oh btw, I read that in China, they are banning all pigs in new year advertisement cos they have the muslim community in mind. -_-”
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damien
January 31

wow…at least harbourfont centre’s making their decorations attractive. there was nth to walk for there when i went during non-festive periods..
but the decorations are nice, the ox does look like a cow..im born in the year of the dragon btw..
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Xanthe
January 31

Hi Veron, talking abt CNY and the irresponsible bak kwa seller, it reminded me that my mum have also bought the same quality of bak kwa years back from bee cheng hiang, i think it also around chinatown.
Recently, my mum bought Hei Bi Hiam (Sambal Prawn rolls) at $2 from Northpoint near OCBC, they actually placed a plastic cone inside the container, hence it is taking up a big space in the container. The packaging shows 140 grams, but we just weigh the whole container and it is 150 grams. I don’t think the plastic container is only 10 grams, feels very cheated.
My friend told me that he have bought such Hei Bi Hiam at chinatown near open air food street at 5 for $10, guess he suffered more losses…
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- freddie
  February 15
  
  it is very nice
  Reply
mervkwok
January 31

The monkey looks kind of vulgar. Don’t ask me why haha
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Veron
January 31

LOL!!!
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Jasmine
January 31

Wow! They look quite cute! Like cartoon characters.
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chillycraps
January 31

the monkey not vulgar lah! It is just…excited.
but I can’t help laughing.
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tigerfish
February 1

This really symbolizes the arrival of Pig year huh ? They made the PIG bigger than the rest…:O
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Brennan
February 1

Did they play the hamster song as they were displaying the display?
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Veron
February 1

Nope Brennan. Looks like everyone is loving these animals! I agree with Jasmine that they look like cartoon characters. Very adorable and colorful! That’s what attracted me in the first place.
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Gatopardo
February 1

So nice your blog. A really high tech work of art. Many congratulations from a band of cats in Lisbon..
Gatopardo
Reply
SailorGirl
February 1

Hello Veron!!!
It was GREAT to meet your site!
I am having lessons of WebDesign and your site is quite inspiring! Wonderful!
I have joined your community at bloglog and have posted many things about your site, v.g. Your juke Box, which is spectacular!
I’ve recommended it to my friends and visitors.
I am writing from Lisbon (Portugal) and I’m a DOG (from 1970)!!!
Best regards, from sunny Lisbon,
Sailor Girl
Reply
Veron
February 2

Hey Gatopardo,
Awwwwwwwwwwwww! I can’t read a word of your language but I am totally loving those cat pictures! Many cuddles and thanks for sharing! *sighs*
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Veron
February 2

Hey Sailor Girl,
Two Portuguese visitors in one day! I don’t usually get many of you coming to my blog so this must be my lucky day! Thank you, thank you, thank you for sharing my blog around!
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