Wednesday, February 14, 2007

Year of the Pig

Pigs, pigs, and more pigs! But is it the “golden pig” or the “pig of fire”?

This is the Year of the Pig or Boar. I think it officially starts on Saturday. But I have also read that another Chinese calendar had the start February 4. (They seem to have a lot of calendars here.)

And now they are in some debate over the type of pig, represented for this year. The merchants are touting it as a “golden pig.” Scholars say that it is really the “fire pig,” and that “golden pig” will not be here for another 30 days. But since Chinese equate a lot to fortune and fame from the calendar, the merchants hope advertising “golden pigs” will sell more goods. Last year, the Year of the Dog was good for marriage, and sure enough, weddings were up dramatically. Now they expect many of those couples to have children thinking it will be born under the “golden pig” of fortune.

Decca Celebrations

Whatever pig year, it means a lot of folks traveling and some good parties. Decca continued its tradition of parties with three last week to commemorate the event. The factory function for group leaders and higher management included almost 400 for dinner, games, and the ever popular here: Lucky Draw. At least five televisions were amongst the big winners. I even got an English translation of the Welcome speech, so that I could follow along for a change.

I headed into Hong Kong for the equivalent event on Saturday at our headquarters. It was a simpler, but the “Lucky Draw” was a treat. I even got my very first “red packet.” That is the gift method handed out by elders and married to the younger or unmarried, or in this case, by our company vice chairman. Everyone was a winner, including one cleaning lady who won the $3,000 HK grand prize. Pretty good awards.

The amazing thing to me at these events is how everyone gets so much enjoyment. The whole staff of professionals and managers crammed into the conference room for the drawings at the office. And everyone, and I mean everyone, was thrilled and contented with their reward, and in general just being there. I’ve never seen such joy and happiness universally by a group so big. When these folks work, they work hard, but given the chance, they really enjoy their camaraderie.

Sunday night was the traditional annual dinner by Decca at Lei Garden restaurant in the Wanchai area of Hong Kong. I guess I’m getting used to it. I didn’t even take many pictures, since it was so similar to the event of the prior year.

But as always it was a wonderful night of dining, wine, and entertaining of friends. Always a joy amongst the Decca family.

Links to photos of 2007 Decca New Year Celebration available from the right column. Be sure to check all subalbums.

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posted by A Bryson (formerly) in China @ 4:49 PM Comments: 0