Flight chronicles of the backpacker Tutubi, with travelogues, pictures/photos/videos, travel guides, independent and honest reviews, affordable, recommended resorts and hotels (including inns, guesthouses, pension houses, lodges, hostels, condotels, bed and breakfast and other cheap accommodations), commuting guides, routes (sometimes street maps and GPS coordinates/waypoints) and driving directions to answer "how to get there" questions, information and tips on tourism, budget travel and living in Philippines, Exotic Asia and beyond!
Backpacking, independent travel, and flashpacking are cheaper than the "cheapest package tours" and promotional offers around but you can also use travel information for family vacations, even romantic honeymoon destinations.
More than the usual tourist spots and "places to see," this blog advocates heritage conservation, environmental protection, and history awareness for Filipinos, foreigners, and ex-pats wishing to explore Paradise Philippines and Exotic Asia!
On various occasions, Tutubi receives gifts from friends and officemates and the Chinese New Year, based on the lunar calendar, is no exception. He received at least two tikoys from his Chinese friends.
Why do the Chinese give away the traditional tikoy on Chinese New Year?
First, it's round to look like money hence means wealth
Second, it's made from sticky rice for luck to stick to you. It also pulls everything that is dear to you together
Third, the red-colored packaging is believed to drive away evil
The best way to prepare the tikoy it is to slice, steam for five minutes, dip in beaten egg yolk and pan fry with little oil.
Other symbolisms of the Chinese New Year according to Tutubi's Chinese friends:
Loud drums to drive away spirits
Birds are messengers of good news so the bigger the bird, the better the news thus you see the Peking duck or other birds on the menu.
The word lapu-lapu translates to profit that's why eating Lapu-lapu on New Year's day means profit every year
Shrimps: jumping, moving and they seem to be smiling when closely looked. Shrimps must also be part of the menu for happiness
Scallops: for one’s house to be filled with money since they are round
Shell fish of any sort brings good and robust health
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