馬到成功 ma3 dao4 chen2 gong1

Many Chinese characters came from pictures. The word of horse 馬 ma3 is a classic example. We did a combinations of Chinese painting and calligraphy workshop to mark the year of horse.  I am very proud of their work. Hope your like it too!!
恭喜發財! Gong xi fa cai!!

捏麵人 niē miàn rén （Dough figurine)

Dough figurine is a traditional art that originally made of glutinous flour and plain flour which is edible.

I cheated! I use ready roll icing with colouring which I think is called fondant and it's edible too.

紅包 hóng bāo (red envelop) and 壓歲錢 yā suì qián (suppress age money)

These gold and red envelops were packed of lucky euro inside and ready to go to children's home under their pillows!

The money giving to children in New Year's eve is called 壓歲錢 （yā suì qián).

The story was related to a usual monster that frighten children and parents want to keep monster away so they wrap money inside the red paper.  Children then put this beside the pillow on the new years eve.

You probably remember previously that we said Money in red envelops 紅包 hóng bāo is not only givien at the Chinese New Year but also commonly used for those happy family occasions too like for the new born baby and at the wedding etc.

Just like the term "brown envelops" here in Ireland, red envelop can be used in exactly the same terminology!

火鍋 Huo Guo. Fire pot. (Hot pot)

Hot pot dinner is a very typical dinner on the night of Chinese new year's eve.
Over here in Ireland, we enjoy it as often as we want during these winter months.
火鍋 Huo Guo literary means fire pot as traditionally the pot would have been sitting on fire when cooking. I have a electric pot that heat up instantly which is handy.  I love it when the hot steam warms up the room and foggy up the windows.
Looking forward to welcoming the year of horse and thinking hat is on again for the CNY arts and crafts!!