"Gong hei fa choi" — Mom

She has me recite that a few times before heading over to Grandma's house where the whole family gathers for Chinese New Year's Eve. I must remember to tack that onto my greeting to all my aunties and uncles, otherwise I run the risk of offending and dishonoring their existence. And guys, there's A LOT of them. It really stressed me out as a kid. Usually I would just let Sis lead the way and mimic her—so all those times of playing copycat really paid off. 

But after completing our "welcome" duties, it really became a party. New Year's music blasting, firecrackers hung outside for later that night, games brought out and played, lucky money coming from all directions, and LOTS of sweets—all to ensure a great upcoming year. 

But let's not forget the most important part of the holiday—the feast, featuring a table laden with fortune-filled dishes. Jai can always been found on the table along with the accompanying soup, poached chicken, fried prawns, whole fish, abalone, and trotters with lotus root. Each dish contributes a specific fortune to the eater with families incorporating the ingredients in different ways. A Phan Family favorite tends to be braised trotters with lotus root, eaten because pork brings wealth and strength, and lotus root brings abundance and an open mind with new ideas. 

While waiting for dinner, fortunes were told by superstitious family members based off the zodiac calendar—a load of hogwash according to Mom—but fun nonetheless.

Well, folks, the conclusion of this three-part Chinese New Year's series has arrived. And in the spirit of my superstitious family members, I'm going to tell you what the Year of the Monkey will mean for you. Your forecast for the year lies with your zodiac sign and its relation to the current year's sign—in this case, the Monkey. 

Rat (1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008): The Rat and Monkey have a harmonious relationship, thus you will have a carefree and joyous year. Looking for a career change? Do it! Looking for love? Your soulmate is just around the corner! 

Cow (1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009): You have the potential to have a great year, but it won't just come to you—you really have to put in the effort. Take risks and be daring; erring on the side of caution will only limit your achievements. 

Tiger (1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010): You may be a fierce animal, but this is NOT your year. You and the Monkey don't get along, which means your career, health (watch those arms and legs!), and love will suffer. Lay low this year and don't do anything risky.

Rabbit (1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011): You're the life of the party this year, and everyone wants to be your friend. You are loved at work, in your social circle, and romantically. You're going to have a very good year!

Dragon (1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012): Overall, you're going to do pretty well. People will gravitate toward you, so get ready to make some new friends, and maybe even a lover! Oh, and you're going to see some really nice, unexpected income. 

Snake (1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013): You may encounter trouble at work, so tread lightly and avoid risky investments this year, letting your money grow at a stable rate. The Monkey will try to help you, so accept the offer.

Horse (1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014): The stage is set and your opportunities will be great, if you choose to take them. You will grow professionally in 2016—career-wise, this is YOUR year.

Sheep (1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015): Hope you're ready for the spotlight—fame and fortune are coming your way, so long as you're ready to put in the effort!

Monkey (1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016): You should lay low, you're living a jinxed year. Be careful. Please.

Chicken (1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017): Watch what you say. You could have a decent year, but you're prone to saying the wrong things at the wrong times. Be careful and think before you do anything, and you'll be fine. 

Dog (1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018): Your energy will be boundless this year. The Monkey compliments your personality and you will have a really fun-filled 2016. Your wealth will also grow!

Pig (1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019): People really care about you; so long as you stay humble and patient, good things will come to you. Just don't jump the gun. 

It should go without saying, but take these zodiac predictions with a grain of salt. It's really just a fun activity shared with friends and family on New Year's Eve, so if you happen to be a Tiger or a Monkey, don't stress too much.  

Now that you've learned about the traditional foods and activities of the biggest holiday in the Eastern Hemisphere, go forth, celebrate, and have lots of fun, because that's really what this holiday is about! 

Prep: 30 minutes Cook: 2 hours

INGREDIENTS (FOR 2)

PREPARE

1. Mince garlic and ginger. Set aside.

2. Peel lotus root. Slice in half lengthwise, then into 2-inch pieces 

COOK

1. Toss some oil into a pan and sprinkle in garlic and ginger. Add trotters, lotus root, then the bean curd. Mix well and let the trotters brown. 

2. Transfer mixture into a pot and add water.

3. Bring to a boil and then let simmer for 2 hours.

4. In the last 30 minutes, add soy sauce and sugar.

5. In the last 10 minutes, add cornstarch to thicken the sauce.

EAT

Serve with rice and other yummy traditional New Year's dishes such as jai, fish, poached chicken, and fried shrimp. Enjoy with friends and family. Happy New Year's!