Even after celebrating Chinese New Year for a few years with my Chinese in-laws, there are still many new traditions that I learn everytime.

The most special traditions that I learn about this year is about the “lion’s” beard.

When the last lion dance troupe visited our house – and the only troupe which we managed to catch at home since we spent the first few days of Chinese New Year in Sabah – I brought De downstairs to greet them.

Unlike most troupe that usually visited our home, this “lion” danced into our living room, getting the kids all excited.

Then one of them plucked a strand of hair from the lion’s beard and handed it to me, explaining that it should be tied to De’s anklet for special blessing – so she will grow well and healthy.

Later I was told that usually folks would try to “steal” the lion’s hair because it is considered lucky. And because of that, most lions would be in tatters at the end of Chinese New Year.

As for De, not only is she the only one of my children who celebrated her fullmoon in Brunei, she is also the only one who was bestowed such interesting blessings within a month of her life.

*By the way, while on the subject of jewelry, here are some beautiful engagement rings for your special day.