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Chinese people celebrating the new year are required to undertake many visits, first to parents and revered elders, then to other family, friends, and acquaintances. Every visit must be accompanied by a gift, and fruit baskets like these are a favorite choice. |
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Every year I see cars returning from a highway to the provinces with these stalks sticking out the windows. I'm not sure what type of plant they are and what they represent, but for those who have access to a car, they seem to be very popular. |
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A young woman walks home with some Chinese lanterns, last-minute decorations to put up. Along her path is a memorial picture of King Sihanouk cremated last Monday. His funeral has cast a pall over this year's new year celebrations. |
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The yellow chrysanthemums are probably the flower most commonly associated with the new year. The round gold blooms are a symbol of the gold coins and wealth the new year hopes for. |
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The flowers and other traditional symbols tell the world that the shop owner's family is Chinese and the shop is closed for the new year, even though it is not a holiday in Cambodia. No sign is needed. |
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This restaurant is open but deep inside is a large shrine (barely visible) and near the street is a smaller shrine. It seems the spirits are partial to Fanta soft drinks. |
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Small boys often have their heads shaved for the new year in traditional patterns that have graced Chinese art for centuries. This little boy illustrates his family's Chinese heritage. |