Gong Xi Fa Cai


Photo taken by me in Hong Kong 2008

Red Lanterns

Oh, how they kiss the winds
With a cultural embrace.
A harmonious balance
Alights the promenade
Feng Shui.
An escape to tradition
A journey of peace
And silent affirmation.
The cleansing of spirit and home,
Red Lanterns
Await the dawn
Of the Lunar New Year.
Gong Xi Fa Cai!

Comments

Secondary Roads said…
Lovely! Delightful words and photo.
Anonymous said…
It's the "red is light" lantern!

Such a lovely poem to pair it with . . . :-)
Joanne Olivieri said…
Chuck, thank you so much and I hope you are well.

Brittany, Yep, it is. I wrote the poem in 2005 while in Hong Kong though I only had one of those throw away cameras at that time and didn't have any shots of red lanterns. When I returned in 2008 and saw those lanterns, I immediately thought of my poem and took the photo.
Martha Z said…
A view of another culture in red and yellow. A wonderful poem to accompany. Nice post.
Joanne Olivieri said…
Thank you so much Martha.
AVCr8teur said…
Those are certainly colorful and beautiful decorations and words! I haven't been to SF's Chinatown to look at the decorations this time of year yet. Hope you get a chance.
~✽Mumsy✽~ said…
Beautiful poem, and gorgeous picture!
Joanne Olivieri said…
Thank you so much Mumsy :)
WillOaks Studio said…
each is beautiful - and paired this is extra special! Lucky you to travel to Hong Kong...and good to see you're feeling better!
Joanne Olivieri said…
Thank you Karen and I am feeling much better. Have a wonderful Valentines Day.
Emm said…
I love that photo! It is so full of... joy. It is a joyful photo!
Joanne Olivieri said…
Thank you so much Emm, CNY is a joyful time.
Marilynne said…
I love the photo. It just looks like fun, don't you think?
Paul said…
Beautiful picture. I need to add Hong Kong to my list of places to visit.
Joanne Olivieri said…
Marilynne, yes, it was so much fun getting that shot.

Paul, thanks, yes you do, you'd love it.
Campbell Jane said…
This makes me want to pack my bags & be on my way! *daydreaming* Lanterns & potstickers.... Thanks for the trip. I WILL let you know when & if I ever get a show in SF! Wouldn't that be great!
Joanne Olivieri said…
Jane, lol! I would LOVE you having a show in SF. I'd help you sell your creations.
Ann said…
All those red lanterns are just beautiful. Love the poem to go with the photo
Joanne Olivieri said…
Thanks Ann, I though they blended well.
kat said…
i love the poem Jo..

thanks for the comment.

Kung Hei Fat Choi (Spelling??) hehe
Joanne Olivieri said…
kat, lol as westerners that's how we pronounce it but it's not the traditional pronunciation or traditional spelling it's Gong Xi Fa Cai! Happy New Year!
Rick (Ratty) said…
A great post about this wonderful holiday. I hope to learn even more about it this year.
butiful colourful picture explained with a wonderful poem...good post..
Wow ! nice poem...
We, chinoys ( Filipino Chinese most of whom originated in Fujian China ) pronounced it as Kung Hei Fat Choi! xoxo
Unknown said…
Lovely, what great colors. I will have to read on the holiday now as I know nothing about it.
betchai said…
i love the pattern of what you captured Jo, and the poem is as wonderful.
Autumn Belle said…
Wow, your poetry and picture is really beautiful. Red is everywhere.

Here in Malaysia, we have 2 ways of greeting each other :
1) Gong Xi Fa Cai (mandarin) or Kung Hei Fatt Choy (cantonese/Hong Kong/Philippines version) - Wishing you lots of Wealth and Prosperity, the most popular greetings here

2) Xin Nian Kuai Le - Happy New Year
It is suitable for everyone including the elderly.
Joanne Olivieri said…
Ratty, it is such a fun holiday.

Pryanka, Thank you so much for visiting and commenting.

Mrs. M., thanks again for stopping by and Yes, I'm learning there are many ways to pronounce it.

Diane, it is fascinating.

Thanks so much Betchai :)

Autumn, Thanks so much for the info. That is one of the many things I love about your blog.
yoon see said…
Wow! Lovely shot with lovely poem.
Thanks again because the CNY actually ends this Sunday 28 Feb.
The Red Lantern has so much character because of your beautiful poem:)

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