Purim: An Insider to the Annual Jewish Festival

Thu, 25 Feb 2021 13:54:29 GMT

Chag Purim Sameach! Say this to wish someone a Happy Purim!

Purim is a Jewish Festival celebrated in the spring from sunset 25th-26th February this 2021. Purim (which literally translates to "lots") marks the salvation of the Jewish people. The event is recorded in the Book of Esther from the Torah and the Old Testament of the Bible.

How Purim Began

The story tells of a Persian King named Ahasuerus who searched for a new wife and married Esther, a Jewish orphan who was raised by her cousin Mordecai. During the days Esther was in the palace preparing to meet the King, Mordecai would hang around the King’s gate to check in on her. One day, the King’s advisor, Haman, appeared and while the other princes and King’s servants bowed and paid homage to him, Mordecai refused to. This angered Haman so he learned of Mordecai’s Jewish background and commanded that all Jews were to be killed in a massacre. After discovering Haman’s plot to kill, Mordecai informed Queen Esther to stop this plan with the help of the King. King Ahasuerus, who was previously unaware, learned of Esther’s background as a Jew and stopped the plan to destroy her people and consequently, Haman was hung. During these days, the Jews fought against those who attempted to harm them which lasted over a period of two days thus, Purim is celebrated over the duration of the fight. On the third day, all the Jews feasted and celebrated joyously over the freedom and overturn of the massacre and this tradition still stands today in remembrance of the defeat.

There are usually four parts to the festival known as "Mitzvot".

Firstly, Jews are expected to attend the synagogue where the Book of Esther (known as the Megillah) is read out and unlike the usual conduct of a synagogue, Jews are encouraged to make as much noise as possible at the mention of Haman’s name. This includes shouting, stamping feet or shaking rattles known as graggers.
Giving to the poor and donating to charity.
Sending foods as gifts to one another. ("Mishloach manot" – “sending of portions”)
Lastly, having a feast ("Seudat Purim") – this festival is most well-known for the large consumption of alcohol.

What Foods Are Eaten During Purim?

Specifically, Hamentaschen (the name comes from the triangular hat that belonged to Haman and also represents his ears) is a triangle-shaped pastry most typically filled with poppy seed or prune filling ("Mohn"). The filling is supposed to symbolise the hidden plot to take down Haman.

Another traditional food is called Kreplach which are small dumplings consisting of meat, mashed potatoes and more.

Figures 1 & 2: Hamentaschen with different fillings

Whether you’re celebrating Purim this year with your family and friends or in lockdown, we wish the Jewish communities all over the world a very joyous occasion!

Read the whole story recorded in the Book of Esther below!

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Esther%201&version=NIV

References and More Information:

https://toriavey.com/what-is-purim/

https://www.theweek.co.uk/91775/purim-2018-what-is-purim-and-how-is-it-celebrated

https://metro.co.uk/2018/03/01/purim-mean-celebrated-7351298/

History of Red Packets: Turning Legends into a Blessing

Thu, 11 Feb 2021 13:54:29 GMT

Have you ever come across red envelopes and wondered what they’re all about? Well fear not my friend and read on to find out!

Red envelopes known as ‘red pockets’, ‘red packets’ or ‘红包’ (hóng bāo) in Chinese are usually exchanged at a specific occasion of the year... that’s right you’ve guessed it, Chinese New Year! These envelopes contain money inside known as 压岁钱 (yā suì qián) which is known as “money to anchor the year”, “lucky money” or “New Year’s money”. They are usually given to children by their elders including parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles etc.

The Significance of Red Packets

Why is it red you ask? Well besides the red envelopes, you’ll see many Chinese restaurants, shops and festivals where the colour red is most prominent and the main colour scheme. Traditionally, red represents energy, happiness and good luck in Chinese culture.

What is the significance of red envelopes? The envelopes in fact hold more significance than the money itself. As already mentioned about the colour red, red envelopes named yasui qian (压岁钱 /yaa-sway chyen/) translates to “suppressing ghosts money” thus, these envelopes are given to bring blessings and luck for the new year. (岁 Sui refers to the demon/monster) - I bet most of us wouldn’t have thought red packets originates from a demon right?

The Origin of Red Packets

So how did this tradition begin? Dating back to the Han dynasty, coins were used instead of paper money with a sole purpose - to expel evil spirits.

The Legend of Red Packets

Legend explains that Sui (a demon) was defeated by the coins that were placed beside a sleeping child which shone a bright light and scared the demon away. In fact, light is commonly known to defeat darkness in Chinese and many other cultures around the world. Be it the light from a coin, an angel and even Jesus from the Bible!

Red Packets Today: Gone Global

In modern day, red packets are no longer solely given to children. Young people may give it to their elders to return the blessing and express their gratitude. In China, some married couples may also give to unmarried couples to bring some luck. (But the tradition that the unmarried are not required to give red packets still holds in place).

Today, giving red packets has reached beyond China and is given all over the world with celebrations taking place in many different countries.

Furthermore, with technology in the palm of our hands today, red packets no longer need to be given in its physical state. Online platforms such as Wechat have its own red packet feature to transfer money to friends and family wherever they are in the world. Digital platforms have even made it possible for us to donate to celebrities!

How To Give/Receive a Red Packet

Want to be involved in this tradition? You might need to make the first move! Follow the tips below!

Who to give red packets to

Children/Youth usually still studying or without an income
Your elders e.g. parents, grandparents
Your work colleagues

What to put inside the red packet

Notes - Only notes are given without coins! (Crisp ones are even better!)

When to give red packets

Although it is tradition and most commonly known to be given/received at Chinese New Year, this can also be given on other special occasions including weddings, birthdays, graduation, child birth etc.

Receiving red envelopes

It may be exciting whether it’s receiving your first ever one or 100th but remember to keep these in mind:

Receive the packet with two hands.
Open it in your own time as it is considered impolite to do so in front of the giver.
Receive it with thanks!

Once you receive red packets you can reuse these envelopes and start your own red packet journey!

Wherever you are in the world - with friends and family, at home, or in lockdown, Chinese New Year can be an occasion that focuses on releasing blessings to one another!

More Information and References

https://chinesenewyear.net/red-pockets/

https://www.chinahighlights.com/travelguide/festivals/red-envelop.htm

Figure 1 - https://unsplash.com/photos/hPmwHHfizsk

Figure 2 - https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32995540055.html

Kim Quang Blog

Purim: An Insider to the Annual Jewish Festival

Chag Purim Sameach! Say this to wish someone a Happy Purim!

History of Red Packets: Turning Legends into a Blessing