Teenster Magazine Spring 2016

Hong Kong vs. America
Young Writer
By:Jasmine Sayuko
How does your family celebrate Chinese New Year? Depending
on where you live, there are differences and similarities
in how you celebrate Chinese New Year. It is different, but similar
as well. Here are some differences:
In Hong Kong, adults give Red Envelopes to almost everyone!
In Hong Kong, if you did not give out Red Envelopes, it
would be considered to be bad, or disrespectful.
In Hong Kong, kids have a least 1 week of vacation, or maybe
even 2! It is mostly time to travel, or maybe stay in Hong Kong to
play with friends and family.
In Hong Kong, schools usually make a big deal out of Chinese
New Year. They may organize a school fair or a huge school assembly.
It sort of shows the culture of Hong Kong or the Chinese
Culture.
In Hong Kong, malls usually have lion and/or dragon dances.
Though lion dances are more common. In typical lion dances,
stores would hang vegetables on the front door. The lion would
then hop up and throw the veggies to the shopkeepers. It also includes
music. The lion dance is really cool and if you are in Hong
Kong during Chinese New Year, you don’t want to miss it!
In Hong Kong, restaurants almost always go on break or put
up decorations. It is hard to find any restaurant that doesn’t have
decorations! The decorations are usually red or have gold on
them. Yuan Bao are common decorations too. They are sort of
like gold coins, but a different shape. They have high value, like
gold coins in America.
Teenster & Parent Magazine 3