【明報專訊】Bill and Pat received red packets from their parents in Lunar New Year. They wanted to know if South Koreans in Hong Kong also observed the custom. They went to Kimberley Street (金巴利街), Tsim Sha Tsui, known as "Little Korea" (小韓國).
“ Bill: Have you got red packets from your parents? ”
“ Pat: Yes, I have. ”
“ Bill: How about people who aren't Chinese? ”
“ Pat: Let's go to "Little Korea" and have a look there! ”
“ Eason: Happy New Year! ”
“ Pat: What? Giving out white packets in Lunar New Year? ”
“ Eason: Don't you know white is a festive colour in South Korea? ”
■Culture tips
Red is considered lucky in the Chinese-speaking world. Red paper is used to wrap "lucky money". In contrast, white is associated with funerals and is usually avoided in Lunar New Year. However, in South Korea, white symbolises purity and peace. Koreans give their children money in Lunar New Year too. They usually put money in white envelopes.
■English highway﹕Road or street?
"Road" and "street" are synonyms but they are not exactly the same in meaning. "Road" is more general, referring to anything that connects two points. A street is usually narrow and has buildings on both sides. There is in Tsim Sha Tsui a way called Kimberley Road (金巴利道) and another called Kimberley Street!
(See photo C )
■Glossary
wrap (v) 包裹起來
funeral (n) 葬禮
symbolise (v) 象徵
envelope (n) 信封
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