From Malaysia to Houston: Celebrating Chinese New Year at POST Houston
Hey friends! I’m excited to share my first Chinese New Year (CNY) experience in the USA, celebrated at the vibrant POST Houston. Located in downtown, POST Houston has transformed the historic Barbara Jordan Post Office into a buzzing epicenter for culture, food, and community. With everything from diverse culinary delights at the POST Market to fascinating art exhibits and lively events on the Skylawn, it’s the ultimate place to soak up the rich cultural tapestry that makes Houston so unique.
This year, celebrating CNY in the USA has been a new adventure for me. Back in Malaysia, CNY is all about family, tradition, and joyful gatherings. It kicks off with the highly anticipated family reunion dinner on New Year’s Eve, featuring iconic dishes like yee sang, a colorful prosperity toss salad. Tossing yee sang is a fun tradition where everyone gathers around the table to toss the salad high into the air with their chopsticks, saying auspicious phrases for good luck and prosperity in the coming year. The higher the toss, the better the luck!
In Malaysia, homes are decked out with red decorations to symbolize good fortune, and we enjoy lively lion and dragon dance performances. Greeting one another with “Gong Xi Fa Cai” in Mandarin or “Kong Hee Fatt Choy” in Cantonese is a heartfelt way to wish prosperity to family and friends. Plus, kids and unmarried adults look forward to receiving ang pao, red envelopes filled with money, as tokens of good luck.
Fast forward to my experience at POST Houston, and it’s been fantastic! The Asian pop-up market, curated by the talented teams at @famhospitalitygroup and @midnite_agency, brings a taste of home with flavors reminiscent of Malaysia. Trying the traditional Lunar New Year dishes and observing similar festivities, like the incredible lion dances by the S.P. Lion Dance troupe, brings forth a sense of homecoming. Watching the dancers perform with such precision and vibrancy, accompanied by rhythmic drumming, fills the space with an exhilarating energy.
Being part of the CNY festivities in the USA has broadened my appreciation of the celebration, reminding me how traditions connect us, no matter where we are. If you’re curious about all the cool happenings at POST Houston, don’t forget to check out their website for more details. Whether you’re celebrating or just exploring, what’s been your favorite part of CNY or any event at POST? Drop a comment below and let’s chat!