We kick off the inaugural episode of Culturally Speaking by discussing a celebration near and dear to Janice’s heart, Chinese New Year. We cover the history and traditions of Chinese New Year and this is the Year of the Rat 🐭. We discuss how history has shaped some of the most famous traditions today (the couplet and red packets) and why there are some very specific rules about what is allowed during the festive period (no haircuts or throwing away rubbish). As is to be expected any time we get together food is the central topic of discussion and this festival is one for the foodies. Ever wondered if families really do sit round and make dumplings a la Crazy Rich Asians? Turns out you have to eat ALL the dumplings until someone finds the coin hidden in one of them #dumplingdreams! But I’m not so sure about the bird's nest…
Stay Cultured, J & N xoxo
P.S. this was our very first episode, so please forgive all the talking over each other and banshee laughs, we promise it gets better as the weeks go on!
