(a)
Last year, my family and I celebrated Christmas last year at my aunt house. It was fun and an enjoyable day. As she has just bought that condo, it was a house warming cum Christmas party. All of my maternal side family were there. We had fun chatting have our lunch at the sheltered area near a pool. Everyone was in a very casual and leisure mood. After our lunch, the uncles and aunts were talking while the younger ones are playing billiard in the air-conditioned room. My father and one of my cousin’s father joined us too. We took turns to play but I did not play. Instead I help them to take a lot of pictures (some was cool, some was obscene!). After they played finish, we (cousins) took some pictures together. Then the adults were playing cards at inside the condo while my cousins and I was watching a movie at the living room and talking about some stuff that happened. While watching the movie, we ate cakes bought by my aunt, there was no log cake but normal ones but they tasted fantastic! Before going off, we took pictures (again!) with all of my family but most of the pictures are with my cousins. We took it in front of the Christmas tree. The Christmas tree was very beautiful decorated by my aunt with a silver star and a lot of wrapped presents at the bottom of the tree. The aunts and uncles have to stand outside the door to wait for us. I realised that we super love to camwhore! By the way, I received Christmas presents from my aunts and my mother also bought an $80 voucher for my aunt. I think that festivals are fun and very important because it allows us to catch up with one another. As now everyone are busy, some busy working while some are busy schooling. When there is a festival, everyone has holiday and we could spend some time with our family and understand what is going on in their lives. Thus, we would not feel further away from our family. For example, this Christmas I had spent with my family. We have fun understanding one another more or less and celebrated the day happily, feeling relaxed and not tight because of our busy life. Family is very important to me because like the saying goes, ‘Blood is thicker then water’. I believed that no matter what happened, your family would always be on your side and will support you.
b)
Jess and I bought presents for our close ones too. But he bought a dog for Leslie while my family and I bought a voucher for my aunt. Jess celebrated Christmas with his family only but I celebrated with my maternal side family too. Jess’s parents put presents in their children Christmas socking but I received presents directly from my family. During Christmas for Jess, he had to milk the cow but I just have to relax and have fun with my family. Jess’s Dad only gave everyone in the family one dollar to buy presents but my family, only my mother and father forked out the money to buy voucher for my aunt. I did not buy presents, as I have not enough money to buy them for my relative or friends. During Christmas, Jess household couldn’t have any peace, some are sulking while others are screaming and the other one was showing off to her siblings. But my family was enjoying our time talking and playing with one another.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Ardilla's entry
(a)
Every year , the muslims celebrate Hari Raya Puasa that is also known as Hari Raya Aidilfitri . It is celebrated among all the Muslims from all around the world . Before this , they will have to fast for a month during the month of Ramadhan from dawn till dusk . It is believe that this practice has a motive of teaching us how the poor people around the world feels like without food and water .This festive is the most important festive and it lasts for about a month too .
On the first day of Hari Raya last year , as usual , my mother and I will be preparing for the food and stuffs while my father and brother will head to the mosque to perform their prayers . We started off the day by heading to my grandparents’ house. Many of my relatives were already there by the time my family got there. Next , we will indulged in the dishes that were prepared such as ketupat , rendang , chicken curry , sambal goreng and lots more . Thumbs up to the dishes prepared! Then , the younger ones will kneel before the elders , seeking for forgiveness. For me , I find this practice important as in will preserve the peace and harmony in a family . After the practice , the elders will distribute green packets to the younger ones . That was surely what the little ones were looking forward to . After a long time there , we set off to our other relatives houses to celebrate this festive event .
From my point of view , I find that Hari Raya Puasa is a pleasant way to keep in touch with our relatives . By having such family gathering , it will also strengthen and build stronger bonds with one another . I’m really looking forward for this year’s celebration ! (:
(b)
For me and Jess, there are some similarities and differences too . Both of our events varies in the form of religion and culture . During Christmas , Jess received many gifts but for me , I received green packets from my relative . Jess had to work while celebrating while I didn’t do much chores . Jess went to the church while my family and I went visiting . Moving on to the similarities, both Jess and myself enjoyed the events that we were celebrating . Both of us celebrated it with our family . Lastly , both of us flashed our brand new clothes on that special day .
Every year , the muslims celebrate Hari Raya Puasa that is also known as Hari Raya Aidilfitri . It is celebrated among all the Muslims from all around the world . Before this , they will have to fast for a month during the month of Ramadhan from dawn till dusk . It is believe that this practice has a motive of teaching us how the poor people around the world feels like without food and water .This festive is the most important festive and it lasts for about a month too .
On the first day of Hari Raya last year , as usual , my mother and I will be preparing for the food and stuffs while my father and brother will head to the mosque to perform their prayers . We started off the day by heading to my grandparents’ house. Many of my relatives were already there by the time my family got there. Next , we will indulged in the dishes that were prepared such as ketupat , rendang , chicken curry , sambal goreng and lots more . Thumbs up to the dishes prepared! Then , the younger ones will kneel before the elders , seeking for forgiveness. For me , I find this practice important as in will preserve the peace and harmony in a family . After the practice , the elders will distribute green packets to the younger ones . That was surely what the little ones were looking forward to . After a long time there , we set off to our other relatives houses to celebrate this festive event .
From my point of view , I find that Hari Raya Puasa is a pleasant way to keep in touch with our relatives . By having such family gathering , it will also strengthen and build stronger bonds with one another . I’m really looking forward for this year’s celebration ! (:
(b)
For me and Jess, there are some similarities and differences too . Both of our events varies in the form of religion and culture . During Christmas , Jess received many gifts but for me , I received green packets from my relative . Jess had to work while celebrating while I didn’t do much chores . Jess went to the church while my family and I went visiting . Moving on to the similarities, both Jess and myself enjoyed the events that we were celebrating . Both of us celebrated it with our family . Lastly , both of us flashed our brand new clothes on that special day .
Jasmine's entry
(a)
The festival that I celebrated most recently would be Chinese New Year. It has been a festival whom many people looked forward to, including me. It is also a festival where many people visit one another, eat many delicious New Year goodies and receive red packets, and of course, get to wear new clothes! This year, during the first day of Chinese New Year, I went to visit my mother side’s cousins and my grandfather. Had a lot of fun after I went home as many of my father side’s cousin came over, we played many standard New Year games like black jack and mahjong! But, something bad was that I loss half of my amount of money received from all the red packets. I was really afraid that I might lose my voice after eating so much of the New Year goodies, as Choir has a performance during the Chinese New Year Performance. The second day was better, in terms of the number of red packets received. My family went to visit a couple of my relatives and received a handful of red packets! When I went home, I also had lots of fun with my cousins again, playing the same old games but they just don’t seemed to bore us at all. The third day was just memorable, basically because we went to school for the Chinese New Year performance. But sadly, when Jia yi and I, together with a senior, went to the toilet and when we came back, the choir was already performing on stage and we had to stay outside the hall, not getting a chance to perform despite all the practices. That day had made my Chinese New Year this year, an unforgettable one. Overall, I enjoyed the whole of Chinese New Year, but I just hope that next year would be even better!
b)
There are some similarities and differences as compared to how I celebrate this festival, and how Jess celebrated Easter and Christmas.
Firstly, something similar would be:
- Both Jess and I wore new clothes
- Received gifts (Jess received Christmas presents, while I received many red packets)
- We celebrated this event with our family
- We both enjoyed this event a lot
- We were both upset due to things that happened (Jess did not know what to get for Leslie, and I loss half of the money in my red packet)
Secondly, some Differences would be:
- Jess still had to work (milk the cow), while I do not have to work at all
- Jess invited his friend over to his house during Christmas, but I only invited my cousins
- Jess went to the church, while I go around visiting my relatives
- Jess received a racing toy car but I got many red packets
- Jess was teased by his sister during the event but I wasn’t.
The festival that I celebrated most recently would be Chinese New Year. It has been a festival whom many people looked forward to, including me. It is also a festival where many people visit one another, eat many delicious New Year goodies and receive red packets, and of course, get to wear new clothes! This year, during the first day of Chinese New Year, I went to visit my mother side’s cousins and my grandfather. Had a lot of fun after I went home as many of my father side’s cousin came over, we played many standard New Year games like black jack and mahjong! But, something bad was that I loss half of my amount of money received from all the red packets. I was really afraid that I might lose my voice after eating so much of the New Year goodies, as Choir has a performance during the Chinese New Year Performance. The second day was better, in terms of the number of red packets received. My family went to visit a couple of my relatives and received a handful of red packets! When I went home, I also had lots of fun with my cousins again, playing the same old games but they just don’t seemed to bore us at all. The third day was just memorable, basically because we went to school for the Chinese New Year performance. But sadly, when Jia yi and I, together with a senior, went to the toilet and when we came back, the choir was already performing on stage and we had to stay outside the hall, not getting a chance to perform despite all the practices. That day had made my Chinese New Year this year, an unforgettable one. Overall, I enjoyed the whole of Chinese New Year, but I just hope that next year would be even better!
b)
There are some similarities and differences as compared to how I celebrate this festival, and how Jess celebrated Easter and Christmas.
Firstly, something similar would be:
- Both Jess and I wore new clothes
- Received gifts (Jess received Christmas presents, while I received many red packets)
- We celebrated this event with our family
- We both enjoyed this event a lot
- We were both upset due to things that happened (Jess did not know what to get for Leslie, and I loss half of the money in my red packet)
Secondly, some Differences would be:
- Jess still had to work (milk the cow), while I do not have to work at all
- Jess invited his friend over to his house during Christmas, but I only invited my cousins
- Jess went to the church, while I go around visiting my relatives
- Jess received a racing toy car but I got many red packets
- Jess was teased by his sister during the event but I wasn’t.
Group work
(c)
Hari Raya & Christmas
Hari Raya .....
Hari Raya Puasa is a Muslim holiday that marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. It is celebrated starting on the first day of the Islamic month of Shawwal. Shopping malls and bazaars are filled with people days ahead of Hari Raya, causing a distinctive festive atmosphere . Special dishes like ketupat, dodol, lemang (a type of glutinous rice cake cooked in bamboo) and other Malay delicacies are served during this day. It is common to greet people with "Selamat Hari Raya Idul Fitri" which means "Happy Eid". Muslims also greet one another with "maaf zahir dan batin" which means "Forgive my physical and emotional (wrongdoings)", because Hari Raya Puasa is not only for celebrations but also the time for Muslims to cleanse their sins and strengthen their ties with relatives and friends. It is customary for Malays to wear traditional cultural outfits on the day. The outfit for men is called baju kurung which is worn together with kain samping and a songkok which is a dark coloured headgear.The women wear what is known as baju kebaya. During the day, men go and have their Eid prayers in the mosque. Once the prayer is completed, it is also common for Muslims to visit the graves of loved ones. During this visit, they clean the grave, recite Ya-Seen, a chapter (surah) from the Qur'an and also perform the tahlil ceremony. All these are done to ask for God to forgive the dead and also those who are living. The rest of the day is spent visiting relatives or serving visitors. Hari Raya Puasa is a very joyous day for children for on this day, adults are especially generous. Children will be given token sums of money, also known as "duit raya," from their parents or elders. They will also celebrate it with delicious Malay delicacies. And that is how Muslims celebrate Hari Raya Puasa.
Christmas..
Christmas Day, is an annual holiday celebrated on December 25 that commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, usually celebrated by Christians. It is also a 12 day festival, continuing till the epiphany on the 6th January. It is a festival where people exchange gifts with one another and share joys and laughter.
The whole of the Orchard Road Shopping Street will be wonderfully adorned with countless colourful lights and beautiful decorations from the middle of the November up till the New Year. Other shopping centres will become busier as December approaches and often stay open till late. Shopping centre speaker systems will play Christmas 'carols' - the traditional Christmas Christian songs, and groups of people will often sing carols on the streets to raise money for charity. Most places of work will hold a short Christmas party about a week before Christmas. Although traditional Christmas foods may be eaten, drink means that little work will be done after the party! A wide range of activities, including concerts, internationally acclaimed performances; art exhibitions, attractive shopping promotions and culinary treats also take place.
By mid-December, most homes will also be decorated with Christmas trees, coloured lights and paper or plastic decorations around the rooms. These days, many more people also decorate garden trees or house walls with coloured electric lights. And on Christmas day itself, many presents will be placed under the tree. It’ll be a time where the exchanging of gift starts. Children will tend to look forward to this festive season than adults as they will receive all sorts of presents and enjoy eating turkeys and ham.
In many countries, most people post Christmas greeting cards to their friends and family, and these cards will be hung on the walls of their homes.
Ardilla: From my point of view ,I find that Christmas and Hari Raya are quite similar . During both of the events , we exchange gift and green packets . Both of the them , are indeed a joyous event and it gives us a chance to strengthen our family relationship . I look forward for this festive season evey year not only because of the packets given out but also the chance to spend our time together . Therefore , I find that both of the events are important and it should be cherish . That’s how I feel about both of the events.
Jasmine: I think that Hari raya is a festival that is similar to Christmas as during Hari Raya, sums of moneys in a green packet (duit raya) will be given out, and during Christmas, presents are given out. Christmas is indeed a very recognised festival as weeks before it; places like orchard road will be nicely decorated with all the lightings which bring out the mood of Christmas. The clothing worn by the Malays during Hari Raya are mostly custom made therefore each of it is unique. Thus, both festivals are enjoyable as it bonds ones family closer together, we’ll also get a chance to meet up with relatives that we do not see that often.
Qistina: I think both Hari Raya Puasa and Christmas are joyous holidays that provide its followers the opportunity to strengthen their beliefs as well as enjoy the occasion with family and friends. I myself look forward to these occasions every year as it gives me the chance to catch up with my fellow relatives that I rarely see. Pus,we can show off our new clothes too.The occasion gives me a greater sense of belonging and bonds me closer to them. That's how I truly feel about these occasions.
Hari Raya & Christmas
Hari Raya .....
Hari Raya Puasa is a Muslim holiday that marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. It is celebrated starting on the first day of the Islamic month of Shawwal. Shopping malls and bazaars are filled with people days ahead of Hari Raya, causing a distinctive festive atmosphere . Special dishes like ketupat, dodol, lemang (a type of glutinous rice cake cooked in bamboo) and other Malay delicacies are served during this day. It is common to greet people with "Selamat Hari Raya Idul Fitri" which means "Happy Eid". Muslims also greet one another with "maaf zahir dan batin" which means "Forgive my physical and emotional (wrongdoings)", because Hari Raya Puasa is not only for celebrations but also the time for Muslims to cleanse their sins and strengthen their ties with relatives and friends. It is customary for Malays to wear traditional cultural outfits on the day. The outfit for men is called baju kurung which is worn together with kain samping and a songkok which is a dark coloured headgear.The women wear what is known as baju kebaya. During the day, men go and have their Eid prayers in the mosque. Once the prayer is completed, it is also common for Muslims to visit the graves of loved ones. During this visit, they clean the grave, recite Ya-Seen, a chapter (surah) from the Qur'an and also perform the tahlil ceremony. All these are done to ask for God to forgive the dead and also those who are living. The rest of the day is spent visiting relatives or serving visitors. Hari Raya Puasa is a very joyous day for children for on this day, adults are especially generous. Children will be given token sums of money, also known as "duit raya," from their parents or elders. They will also celebrate it with delicious Malay delicacies. And that is how Muslims celebrate Hari Raya Puasa.
Christmas..
Christmas Day, is an annual holiday celebrated on December 25 that commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, usually celebrated by Christians. It is also a 12 day festival, continuing till the epiphany on the 6th January. It is a festival where people exchange gifts with one another and share joys and laughter.
The whole of the Orchard Road Shopping Street will be wonderfully adorned with countless colourful lights and beautiful decorations from the middle of the November up till the New Year. Other shopping centres will become busier as December approaches and often stay open till late. Shopping centre speaker systems will play Christmas 'carols' - the traditional Christmas Christian songs, and groups of people will often sing carols on the streets to raise money for charity. Most places of work will hold a short Christmas party about a week before Christmas. Although traditional Christmas foods may be eaten, drink means that little work will be done after the party! A wide range of activities, including concerts, internationally acclaimed performances; art exhibitions, attractive shopping promotions and culinary treats also take place.
By mid-December, most homes will also be decorated with Christmas trees, coloured lights and paper or plastic decorations around the rooms. These days, many more people also decorate garden trees or house walls with coloured electric lights. And on Christmas day itself, many presents will be placed under the tree. It’ll be a time where the exchanging of gift starts. Children will tend to look forward to this festive season than adults as they will receive all sorts of presents and enjoy eating turkeys and ham.
In many countries, most people post Christmas greeting cards to their friends and family, and these cards will be hung on the walls of their homes.
Ardilla: From my point of view ,I find that Christmas and Hari Raya are quite similar . During both of the events , we exchange gift and green packets . Both of the them , are indeed a joyous event and it gives us a chance to strengthen our family relationship . I look forward for this festive season evey year not only because of the packets given out but also the chance to spend our time together . Therefore , I find that both of the events are important and it should be cherish . That’s how I feel about both of the events.
Jasmine: I think that Hari raya is a festival that is similar to Christmas as during Hari Raya, sums of moneys in a green packet (duit raya) will be given out, and during Christmas, presents are given out. Christmas is indeed a very recognised festival as weeks before it; places like orchard road will be nicely decorated with all the lightings which bring out the mood of Christmas. The clothing worn by the Malays during Hari Raya are mostly custom made therefore each of it is unique. Thus, both festivals are enjoyable as it bonds ones family closer together, we’ll also get a chance to meet up with relatives that we do not see that often.
Qistina: I think both Hari Raya Puasa and Christmas are joyous holidays that provide its followers the opportunity to strengthen their beliefs as well as enjoy the occasion with family and friends. I myself look forward to these occasions every year as it gives me the chance to catch up with my fellow relatives that I rarely see. Pus,we can show off our new clothes too.The occasion gives me a greater sense of belonging and bonds me closer to them. That's how I truly feel about these occasions.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Qistina's entry..
(a)
The last family gathering that I went to was the recent Chinese New Year festivities. Yes, it may sound weird that I celebrate Chinese New Year but I have a logical explanation for it. My dad is half-Chinese since his mother is Chinese. As a result, half of my relatives are Chinese, hence explaining why we celebrate Chinese New Year. Anyway, on that very auspicious day, we dressed up casually and then, we were well on our way to my grandmother's place in Holland Drive. We were the first ones to arrive. Grandma told us to make ourselves at home, which we did, and started eating the mouthwatering tidbits handsomely spread out on the coffee table. Soon, the rest of our relatives arrived and polite small talk began. Since, I have not seen them in a long time, it was awkward at first. Most of them kept asking whether I was still in primary school. Shock were displayed on their faces when I told them that I am now in Secondary 2 this year. It was an amusing sight. My sisters and I, along with Dad helped out with the food. The food spread was drool-worthy. My Aunt Rose and Uncle Michael was in charge of the catering. They catered nasi briyani and pizza from Pizza Hut. Seeing as how I have not eaten pizza in such a long time, my mouth started to water. What was more satisfying was that it was the cheesy kind and since cheese is a favourite of mine, I took two slices. The food was really filling but Grandma kept asking us to take seconds. I felt so bloated and walked it off by mingling with my Aunts and Uncles. We talked a bit about school. It was weird catching up with them, yet interesting. Finally, they started to distribute ang baos to my cousins and me. I thanked them and then it was time to go home. Overall, I felt that really contented that I finally got to catch up with my cousins and other relatives despite our busy schedules.
The last family gathering that I went to was the recent Chinese New Year festivities. Yes, it may sound weird that I celebrate Chinese New Year but I have a logical explanation for it. My dad is half-Chinese since his mother is Chinese. As a result, half of my relatives are Chinese, hence explaining why we celebrate Chinese New Year. Anyway, on that very auspicious day, we dressed up casually and then, we were well on our way to my grandmother's place in Holland Drive. We were the first ones to arrive. Grandma told us to make ourselves at home, which we did, and started eating the mouthwatering tidbits handsomely spread out on the coffee table. Soon, the rest of our relatives arrived and polite small talk began. Since, I have not seen them in a long time, it was awkward at first. Most of them kept asking whether I was still in primary school. Shock were displayed on their faces when I told them that I am now in Secondary 2 this year. It was an amusing sight. My sisters and I, along with Dad helped out with the food. The food spread was drool-worthy. My Aunt Rose and Uncle Michael was in charge of the catering. They catered nasi briyani and pizza from Pizza Hut. Seeing as how I have not eaten pizza in such a long time, my mouth started to water. What was more satisfying was that it was the cheesy kind and since cheese is a favourite of mine, I took two slices. The food was really filling but Grandma kept asking us to take seconds. I felt so bloated and walked it off by mingling with my Aunts and Uncles. We talked a bit about school. It was weird catching up with them, yet interesting. Finally, they started to distribute ang baos to my cousins and me. I thanked them and then it was time to go home. Overall, I felt that really contented that I finally got to catch up with my cousins and other relatives despite our busy schedules.
(b)
Jess's celebration and mine are different in terms of culture. During Christmas Jess celebrates it by exchanging presents with his family and Leslie but during Chines New Year,my uncles and aunts give my cousins and i money in red packets as it represents luck and prosperity. Mainly Jess celebrates Christmas with Leslie but for me, I celebrate with my family only. Another vast difference between Jess and mines' celebration is that he celebrates his with his family which is rather small whereas I celebrate with my big family. Furthermore, I have the luxury to relax and enjoy myself but on the other hand, Jess still needs to do his chores. The food choices in Jess' household was limited as he only had a meal of ham and sweet potatoes but as for mine, I had an array of feast to feed on.
Jess's celebration and mine are different in terms of culture. During Christmas Jess celebrates it by exchanging presents with his family and Leslie but during Chines New Year,my uncles and aunts give my cousins and i money in red packets as it represents luck and prosperity. Mainly Jess celebrates Christmas with Leslie but for me, I celebrate with my family only. Another vast difference between Jess and mines' celebration is that he celebrates his with his family which is rather small whereas I celebrate with my big family. Furthermore, I have the luxury to relax and enjoy myself but on the other hand, Jess still needs to do his chores. The food choices in Jess' household was limited as he only had a meal of ham and sweet potatoes but as for mine, I had an array of feast to feed on.
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