The Heart of Hospitality
Celebrates the Festival of Lanterns
My previous article on Lunar New Year, two years ago, I wrote about “The Year of the Rabbit”. And the previous year, I wrote one on “The Year of the Tiger”. In both articles I share heartfelt memories of growing up in Hong Kong, - the culture, traditions, foods, festivals, and the deeper meanings behind each custom. I explore the why’s and how’s of this beautiful celebration in rich detail.
You can revisit those pieces (link here 2022) (and here 2023) to gain a fuller understanding of this radiant festival.
This year, however, feels different. As the world encounters challenges that highlight our shared fragility and strength, there is no better time to introduce new practices centered around generosity and giving back - the very heart of hospitality.
As the Year of the Snake unfurls, a sense of renewal beckons, not just in the lantern-lit skies but within our family customs. While the red envelope has long symbolized blessings of prosperity, perhaps this year calls for a different kind of wealth, one measured in kindness and shared fortune.
A Path to Blessings
Imagine a celebration where the spirit of giving extends beyond the family circle. By replacing, or complementing, the red envelope tradition with charitable donations, we can transform this symbolic art into a powerful gesture of compassion. It’s not about breaking tradition but evolving it, allowing the values of benevolence and empathy.
As we step into the exciting rhythms of the Lunar New Year, 2025 ushering a time for fresh starts and new beginnings, the Year of the Snake offers a chance to shed old habits and enfold the future with discernment and grace.
From the soft glow of lanterns lighting the way during The Festival of Lanterns to the heartwarming hot pot shared among loved ones, it’s an opportunity to create meaningful memories, try new customs, and deepen our connections with those we hold dear.
At the heart of these gatherings, the Fortune Tree stands as a symbol of growth, prosperity, and hospitality, a reminder that just as we nourish our trees, we nourish each other through acts of kindness and shared abundance. Together, let’s make this year a celebration of love, exhilaration, and abundant blessings!
Creating a Warm and Inviting Space for the Festival of Renewal
As the lanterns bloom and crimson banners whisper wishes in the breeze, the year of the snake curls gently around us, reminding that true fortune begins at the door. The lanterns adorned with pink light bulbs, casting a gentle warm glow that envelops the surroundings in a delicate pink hue.
Lychee & Elderflower Mocktails are passed for a toast as the guests arrive. The floral notes of lychee provide a luscious fruit base while the elderflower adds a delicate aromatic quality, a subtle sweetness that invigorates the taste buds.
Bridging Hearts Virtually, including loved ones across distances through technology emphasizes the emotional bond that remains strong despite separation.
The Fortune Tree
At the center of the celebration stands a stunning peach blossom tree, elegantly displayed in a beautifully crafted ceramic ivory color infinity pot. Towering at three feet tall and gracefully spreading its branches adorned with delicate pink blooms that symbolize prosperity and new beginnings.
Decorated with Lai See, red lucky packets, each whispering the premise of hope.
Innovative Philanthropy
As guests approach, their hearts race with anticipation. With graceful hands they select a packet bearing their name.
When they unveil its contents, a profound moment emerges, not a windfall of money, but a heartfelt check and an inspiring message: “This gift is for a cause that needs your light.”
In that moment, hearts skip a beat as the power of collective generosity ignites, transforming lives and weaving a thread of compassion that unites us all. Together we become the architects of change, crafting a brighter future for those in need!
A Cauldron of Togetherness
A healthy flourishing feast awaits, where nature celebrates.
Each family member a culinarian, brings forth a dish to share in the bubbling hot pot, a glorious medley of local harvest, fresh, and seasonal, where flavors mingle like laughter around the table. A grateful nod to the earth that sustains us.
Fragrant broth of Cremini, Enoki, Maitake, Oysters, Shitake, Trumpet, Wood Ear, whichever you make, mushrooms add flavor, make no mistake.
Acorn Squash, Artichoke Hearts, Beans, Baby Corn, Bamboo Shoots, Carrots, Daikon, Gai Lan, Kale, Leeks, Lotus Root, Mustard Greens, Silky Tofu, Snow Peas, Savoy Cabbage, Shishito Peppers, Seaweed, Watercress, Zucchini, all the flavors converge.
Arranged with care, like a canvas come to life, colors cascade, a harmonious display. Each ingredient arranged in a symphony of hues, a tranquil space.
As the family gathers around the festive table, the warmth of laughter and the aroma of shared dishes fill the air, while screens flicker to life, bringing distant loved ones into our circle, their smiles a cherished part of our Lunar’s feast, a bridge of love that transforms our gathering into a tender bond of connection.
The Heart of Hospitality is more than the warmth of a shared meal or the glow of lantern light, it’s the essence of Giving Back, of sharing abundance not just within our families, but with the world beyond our doorsteps.
As the Year of the Snake invites to reflect, renew, and transform, let this season remind us that the greatest prosperity comes from kindness, the richest blessings from unity, and the most lasting traditions from the hearts we touch along the way.
Kung Hai Fat Choy!
Great article and great idea to be giving in love and kindness this year
Thank you
Hope to inspire many during the new year!!