The 31st of October.
Not the 30th.
It has always been the 31st, the last day of October.
Don't forget that.


A Lil' Something on the Festival of Halloween
It is known as Hallow's Eve; originally, for a reason, as it is from a Scottish term to refer to it being the evening before All Hallows' Day.
It means hallowed evening, or Holy evening.

All Hallows' Day is also known as All Saints Day.
Therefore, this is actually the Eve of All Saints Day.



The STORY and Origins of Halloween
Originally Hallows' Eve, it was probably due to the continuous and repetitive pronunciation which soon led to the sound of 'een' or 'e'en' to it being coined as a term which is Hallow-een as it is then slowly known.
It was probably for the ease of pronunciation, and of course, the way it sounded, in tune and harmonious, literally speaking.
(The Scottish word for Eve is "even" which also led to the phonetic sound to roll off the tongue adjoining both Hallow and -een to lead to its name as it is so widely known today).


While All Saints Day is of a Catholic, or Western Christian origins; it is a day to commemorate all the canonized saints, the same cannot be said of Halloween, or Hallows' Eve.
It is said that Hallows' Eve is of Celtic origins; having been influenced by the harvest festivals and also possibly of pagan roots.

The notion of All Hallows' Eve, marks the observation period of the Allhallowtide which takes place in the course of three days in a row, remembering or commemorating all the saints (also known as the hallows), martyrs, the departed, and all the faithful souls who have left the face of the earth.

The religious Christian theme continues until this very day; though it is not the same gaiety as popularized by the contemporary celebration of Halloween, and rather, it takes on a more sombre tone as Christians observe the practice of abstinence in preparation for the commemoration of the hallows (all the saints) the day after.

November 1st is the day where the Roman Catholics celebrate the All Saints Day; exalting those who have been canonized and join in the intercession of prayers through the saints.
It is a huge and obligatory festival celebrated widely in the Catholic Church worldwide, where songs of praise and glory are sung in exultation of these great saints who have led noble lives and now rose to their places in heaven.

The day after; November 2nd is the All Souls' Day, where Catholics remember the dead, the departed souls of their dear family members who have gone to eternal rest.

Hallows Eve, is that holy evening, before this major liturgical event which, like Easter is celebrated in a trinity, over a period of three days.

The Eve, is that day of solemnity, where Christians observe a day of abstinence and fast; staying away from meat to prepare themselves to join in the celebratory feast with the angels and saints the day after.
It is often a common practice for the Christians/Catholics to observe a period of abstinence, or penance prior to a major festival celebration.
The same goes for Easter and Christmas; which are preceded by the season of Lent and Advent respectively.

Therefore you could see the stark difference between Hallows' Eve, versus the Halloween festival today which has undergone tremendous commercialization and popularization by the contemporary culture.

While traditionally it is of a religious origins, just like Christmas and Easter, and is deeply rooted in the Christianity faith, it is interesting to watch the evolution and also how it has just seamlessly assimilated into a phenomenon all around the world.

Halloween today is widely celebrated; with themed parties where party goers play dress up in costumes from fictional characters (mostly from scary movies) and children go trick or treating, knocking on the doors of the houses in the neighborhood, asking for sweets.
It is a culture, a trend which have just seeped into the world.
Of course, we can blame the television, but really, it is amazing how this can take the world, by storm.

Fascinating.

All in the name of FUN.

It has evolved to become a fun-filled festival, and like I've said, no one says no when there's that bit of Fun involved.

No one says it's Right or Wrong, there isn't really a Right or Wrong anyway.

The rest of the world can celebrate, and the Christians continue to observe their own way.
Everyone is happy.

The trend of Halloween is also creeping into the East these days, and it is not uncommon to see themed decorations and even celebration parties thrown in Asia as well.

Everyone loves a reason to celebrate.
Celebrations are always FUN, and they make everyone Happy.

I don't really celebrate Halloween, to be honest, but I couldn't help looking forward to the themed decorations and to even go around taking in that dose of creativity which is just bursting in the air.
They are contagious.
You have to admit that.

That is the power of the pop culture; and of social commercialization.

In this age of social media and digital technology, there is no way you can miss any form of new trend.
They are just all over the world, as in the world wide web or the Internet.
That is, unless you've been living under the rock.
I don't judge.

You will be amazed at the number of thriller slasher films making its way to the cinema just when the month of October approaches.
Flick on your television or even hop onto the Internet, and you will be surrounded by all the scary movies, supernatural themed films or anything in that horror genre.
They are all in.
To Scare the living daylights out of you.

All in the name of Fun, and well, festivity.

You don't need to celebrate.
You will automatically be sucked into the entire fantasy of the phenomenon.

I don't celebrate either, but I was pleasantly surprised by little gifts yesterday.

They are GIFTS, I did not make them.
I have no such talent, not now, not yet.


My FREAKY FRIDAY SURPRISE

Halloween themed cupcakes.

Innocent and just so cute.

Though not for this one.


This is just a little gory, for me.

It's a severed bloodied finger, in case you're wondering.
YIKES (holding my hand to muffle my scream)

I will pass.


But, it's still amazing to see the creativity spurned by the mere notion of festivity.
I don't think you need a reason to be creative.

I am still a little freaked out by this second cupcake.
Very sick joke, people, not funny.
Especially on a cupcake!



This definitely brings a new meaning to the TREAT and the TRICK.
Side by side.

After they scare you, you get up, recover and enjoy the Treat.
That's how it works.



It is just something Freddy Krueger would approve of.

It's a real Freaky Friday, though a fascinating one.


Who cares anyway, nobody is watching.
Or maybe someone is watching.



Just for the freaks.


~ HAPPY HALLOWEEN! ~

Enjoy dressing up for your parties and Trick or Treat!

(Follow Me on my SNAPCHAT: @Angelstarchrist  without the -y)

Romantic sunset.
Candlelight dinner for two.
The Beach.
At the Park.



Any place that harbors that deep meaning, that only the two of you know of.
For a purpose.
It is Romantic.
It is Mysterious.

He arranged the setting.


Then,  He Pops THE QUESTION.

You Said Yes.

Now, you are Officially Engaged.

You're over the moon.
You're elated.
You've been waiting for this day to come.
Or not.

You've been in the relationship with Him for years.
It's time.

You've just gotten into the relationship.
It's too soon.

Whichever it is, the key is, He Asked.
You Answered.

It's a YES.
(If you answered No, that would be a different article)


Then CONGRATULATIONS, my girl.

You're now OFFICIALLY ENGAGED.


You call your parents, your best girl friends and you share the news.
You giggled and screamed over the phone.
You can do that little jig in your room.
You can show off your engagement ring (or any engagement token you have, people are creative these days. It's not always the ring) on your social media accounts, or just well, swoon over the sight of it.

You are on Cloud Nine.

You're Getting Married.

You're officially Off the Market.
You're about to strike off that Single category.

Your dreams came true.

You are getting Married.
You have dreamt of your Wedding Day since you were a little girl.
You know you have.

Now you are going to see your own wedding day.
You are going to BE IN IT.

You have all these ideas.

There are just so many of them.

You know the Next thing is to Plan your Big Day.

But, the Big Question is, Where to Start?


Move over all that squeals of happiness and secret smiles, you are now faced with the Reality of Planning your Wedding.

This is the Big Day; and is known as the Most Important Day in a Girl's Life.
(After her Birthday, that is. Unless you're not huge on Birthdays. Well, at least, I am)


This is something you have got to do.
You have got to do this Right.
It is that Once in A Lifetime.
Some men call it crap, but most men sees it equally as important to them.

You know you want it to be perfect.
It is after all, Your Day, where you are crowned the Queen for the day.

Unless you are planning to elope, there is no avoiding the planning of the Big Day.

Sure, you can hire a wedding planner and throw everything to him/her/the team.

Still, you will need to be involved.

It is Your Wedding Day.
You need to have an idea of how You and your husband-to-be want it to be.

This is the Reality, and it happens right after the engagement.

Every bride goes through it.


What should you do first?

**I am not an expert, but I am just sharing some tips and basics, to shed some light on that whole process.


First of all, take a Deep Breath and Relax.

You can take a quick moment to celebrate with your fiancé (yes, call him that now, you've said yes to his proposal and that makes you officially engaged).


Of course, you will need to inform your family; your parents and your closest immediate family members, and your closest friends.
(Don't rush to inform the whole world just yet, but if you want to, go ahead. You've got the guest list to work on later).

Then, it is time to look through and make that list.

A list of things to help you have that overview of the entire process.
Just the process, first of all.




1. List down your dreams, wants and needs.
    It is okay, just list them all out on a blank piece of paper, or just draw them out in some kind of    diagram. Whichever way works for you.
Do this separately.

2. Sit down with your fiancé and share both of your lists.
   Usually the guys are simple, they will just refer to yours.
 
3. Work out a Budget.
    Yes, this is the most important part of the planning, I can't emphasize on this enough.
    No matter how rich or how much cash you could afford to throw into the sea or burn, you NEED a BUDGET Plan.
   This will help to set the framework for everything and maintains the reality of your planning.
   You need a structure; an outline or you will end up building castles in the air.

4. Set your priorities
    Are you setting your funds for other things? A New Home after the wedding? A New Car?
    Further Education?
    Whatever it is, you will need to decide where you want to Splurge and how it will affect the other
    things you have in plan.


5. Start Surveying Ideas for Weddings and Checking out the Prices for your wedding requirements



   It is much easier when you have that budget because you will know how to negotiate your way and
    also know when to walk away from a deal that you know is just not realistic.
    You are not depriving yourself of anything.
    You are merely being realistic.
    You need to survey, and do your research.
    Don't just depend on hearsay.
    The Wedding business is a niche market, and things change quickly, in matter of months, or even
    weeks, sometimes.
    Don't take advices or recommendations from years ago. Check it up, and confirm the facts.
    You need to EXPLORE the options.
    Some of the vendors may not even be in the business anymore, and there are much more
    innovative ones out there currently.
    Research, Survey, Explore as much as you can.




6. Set the Date (and the timeline)



   This is just as important as the Budget.
    You need to decide on the Date, as soon as possible, because nothing could move forward without
    THE DATE.
    Every vendor you talk to will want to know the date.
    Discuss with both parents on their requirements, even if you already have your preferred date in
    mind. Some customs may require certain traditions to be followed.
   You don't have to adhere if you don't want to, but make sure this is amicably discussed and agreed
    upon with both the elders and your fiancé.


 
These are just the basic and the early steps in the planning stage.
It is just a guideline, you don't necessarily need to follow, or even agree with me.

Everyone has their own expectations and requirements, not to mention visions of their ideal setting.

I am just sharing based on the collection of experiences (and also from my own).
I was not perfect too, and I have been through the bumps too.
I learnt through my mistakes (I've made many mistakes too).
No one is Perfect.

You can always dream of the Perfect Wedding, but stay realistic.


Most of all, DON'T be SWAMPED up by the entirety of the process of planning.
DON'T STRESS yourself too much.

I would know, because I am a worry wart and I often stress myself over every little thing.

I don't want others to go through the same experience.

I'm not going to lie, or sugar coat to say that this is a bed of roses, but like everything else in life, there is always bound to be the good and the bad.
This is just part of the process.


There are just so many things which will be coming up after this stage of engagement.
This is just the beginning.

So Chill, and just take it as a vacation.

Yes, just take it that you're planning for a vacation.



It will be a whole lot LESS stressful.
Vacations are always Fun, aren't they?
Remember how happy and excited you are whenever you are planning to go somewhere? 

To Travel or just to unwind and relax?
Keep it there, in your mind.
Stick to that feeling.

If that does not take the load off, well, just remember that Stress does not benefit the Skin that much.

So, if you are looking for that perfect Bridal glow, and just looking your BEST and MOST BEAUTIFUL on your BIG DAY, Stress is not the answer.
Stress is not your best friend.
Stress is your enemy.

You will need to maintain that light heart and keep that positive attitude.

Your skin and body will thank you for it.

Trust me, it will SHOW on the BIG DAY.


Above all, just remember to have a few trustworthy people to refer to should you run into any problems or need clarification.
Also, have your best friends or that company whom you could rely on to vent or to just lean on their shoulders when you just need to.
(Bless you if you have sisters, a plus point).


You Dreamt of the Beautiful BIG DAY.

Now, make that a beautiful dream and not a nightmare.

Enjoy the process!



*This is a series for Wedding Planning that I will be sharing, intermittently through the posts on my blog.
There will be MORE Posts on Wedding Planning :-)
It is just for thoughts, and to share experiences, mostly, to spread the happiness to all brides to be.

Specifically, I am also dedicating this to two very special people in my life who are about to be married. I love them both very much, and I would love to share as much as I can, since I am often away. I will be at the wedding though, definitely.

This is for Both of You, you know who you are.

When you visit any country in Asia, you will always hear recommendations of visiting a local market.

It is just so common and in fact, is part of the Asian lifestyle.

Asians love their markets; the morning market where they get their fresh produce, the night market where they enjoy that stroll and browsing through the curios on sale while snacking on street food, theme markets which are specific such as the Flower and Jade Market in Hong Kong; well, basically, just markets.

It is a phenomenon, it is the culture.
You can't go to Asia and leave without visiting any market.

It will not justify your experience.
In fact, it wouldn't even count that you have actually been to Asia, if you have not been to a market.
I am serious.
We do not joke about our markets.

I am not a big fan of markets; a fact that I have not failed to mentioned repeatedly on my blog (even on my old blogs) over the years.

However, growing up in Asia and having visited the different countries (and neighbors) in the region, I can safely attest to the fact that Asians, love their markets.
Asians take their markets very seriously.
In fact, the love has even spread to the extent of boosting the tourism.
For generations now.

Even tourists, from other parts outside Asia, look forward and share that same enthusiasm and joy when it comes to visiting an Asian market.

Vietnam, being part of Asia, is no exception.

There are just so many markets around; small and local, to the big and commercial ones that you won't know where to begin.

However, do your research with the travel guides and simply, even Google, will point you with plenty of resources.
There are always those that stand out, or tops the list of recommendations.

Mention the word, or even Google the term market in Ho Chi Minh City, and you will always, definitely be directed to the most famous market in the city.

The Benh Tanh Market.

It is the buzz of the city, and as you expected it, it is also a very commercialized market and is one simply, tourist-infested.

This is not a post about Benh Tanh market; I will post on it later.

I have visited the market, but this post is about another market; a less-touristy though just as famous, but more localized market where the locals frequent, and that is what caught my attention.

I love following routes off the beaten path, and this is how I found myself in this market.


Binh Tay Market, in the Cholon district.
(Not exactly off the beaten path, but less popularized compared to Benh Tanh Market anyway)



Also simply known as the local Chinatown in Ho Chi Minh City, or Saigon; and located in District 6 of the city.
(You would probably have known by now how the city is segregated into the different districts. I could do a post on that as well later).


Historical Background of Cholon District
Cholon is one of the older districts in the city; existing since its Saigon days.



It used to be an independent district, back in 1879, gaining her own city status then.

Its proximity to Saigon (as HCMC was formerly known), by a mere distance of 11km, soon led to the marring of the borders of both cities as they both expand in the coverage of their areas.
In 1931, during the French occupation, they made the decision to merge both the cities of Saigon and Cholon to form an area known as Saigon-Cholon; merely combining both the names for the new district.

The merger was soon dissolved following Vietnam's gain of Independence from the French in 1955; and the name Cholon was officially dropped whereby this part of city, is included and treated as Saigon as a whole.

Situated on the western bank of the Saigon River, the area is filled with a majority population of Chinese, making it obviously the Chinatown of the city.

In fact, the name Cholon itself; though is Vietnamese, was originally derived from a Chinese name; 堤岸 which is Tai Ngon (in Cantonese) or Di' An (in Mandarin), translated to mean "embankment".

The Vietnamese term of Cholon itself, is split to mean Big(lon) Market(Cho).




How did Cholon become a Chinese-populated district?

That goes back to the earlier days, to the early settlers; Hoa, who were also the Chinese minority in the country.

The Hoa had been living in Bien Hoa (where they originally hail from) and they have been supporting the Nguyen Lords (whose descendants later ruled in a monarchy period famously known as the Nguyen Dynasty).
Their support incurred the wrath and instigated a rebellion towards them by the Tay Son forces, forcing the Hoa to flee their homes and seek refuge in an area which is now known as Cholon, in the year 1778.
They were killed in a bloody massacre by the rebels of the Tay Son forces, causing them to reinforce their defense and to rebuild their establishment in this region.
Settling in the area by the bank of the river, they had to build high embankments to protect themselves against the flow of the river.

That was how Cholon got its name; from embankment and as they are locally referred to as Tai Ngon by the Hoa community.



Cholon is located partially in District 5; though generally and mostly in District 6.

There are many attractions in this densely populated district; filled with local shrines, temples, cultural beliefs, and of course, most of all, food.
That is why Chinatown is always such a populated area in most countries.
They are always the place where one can find food.
Asian food, mostly, of course, read the name.

Anyway, for an area which is also known as the Big Market in its Vietnamese name, it is no surprise that they are home to a large-sized market in their turf.

There was even a Black Market which existed in Cholon during the period of the Vietnam War; whereby the deserted and the soldiers from the US Army ran the market and traded in the goods mainly from the United States; particularly the belongings from the US Army.


Binh Tay Market
Binh Tay Market, is just that market (and is probably the main reference to the name of the district)

Located in the District 6 of Ho Chi Minh City, this is actually the new market, following the destruction of the original Old Market (舊街市) in an unknown period.
For some reason, there is not much mention or information on the Old Market, since it was destroyed where the current market is quickly built in its place to continue its extensive function to serve the local population.


Binh Tay Market was once supported and financed by a local Chinese businessman, Guoyan (郭琰); also known by his Vietnamese name, Quach Dam.
Hailing from Chaozhou, China, he started his humble and poor beginnings by recycling materials from trash before moving on to other trades.
Slowly, he made his fortune and ran his businesses under the name Thong Hiep.
He was locally known to the Chinese in the area by his nickname, "Handicapped Thong".
He died in 1927, but they erected a bronze statue which stood in the center of Binh Tay Market, as a tribute to his efforts.
The life-sized statue was surrounded by four bronze lions and four bronze dragons; which sat under the fountain upon which Thong's statue stood, as his guardians. 
The statue is no longer there, and is instead transferred to the Fine Art Museum in Ho Chi Minh City.
In its place, is a smaller glass altar which replaced the statue.
Reasons for the replacement was unknown.
The bronze statues of the guarding lions and dragons were also no longer to be seen, and they were last seen in 2007.



Binh Tay Market, is today referred to as "The New Market of Cholon"(堤岸 - 新街市), by the local Vietnamese-Chinese who resides in the area.

Generally, the local Vietnamese also refer to it simply as Cho lon; Cho Binh Tay, or Cho Lon Moi.



Chinese, in general would even refer to it by its former or original Chinese name, Tai Ngon/Di An (embankment).


This is a huge market, spanning over four streets in which they are connected; mainly:-
North: Confucius Street(Đường Khổng Tử) 
South: Hau Giang Street (Đường Hậu Giang)


This is one of the largest and most important commercial market hubs for Vietnam; sustaining the economy for both the local Vietnamese and Chinese and providing that avenue for the local farmers to trade in their harvests; especially for those hailing from the southern part of Vietnam.





Life at Binh Tay Market starts really early, as early as 5-6am for one to really catch all the action at the market.

Watch the vendors set up their stalls, loading and unloading their goods and generally, the start up of the market before it is bustling in action.



If you are heading here for the action or even to buy fresh vegetables and fruits, Be Early.

The early bird always catches the worm.
This saying is perfectly applied right here, in this market.


For some reason, this market reminds me of Penang's very own Chowrasta Market.

The inner section, or the Dry area of the Market bears such striking resemblance to Chowrasta Market
(Penangites would know what I'm talking about)















It is fascinating, to walk through even the dark alleys and corridors.




I was there at about 9am, so understandably, I had already missed some of the early bird traders who had closed their shops, inside the market.


Outside, the market was still bustling and rowdy.
Well, just like your usual market.

Busy, and Noisy.


The section, between the inner and outer section, shaded by tarpaulin.
This is where you can find a mix of dried goods, dry cooking ingredients, cooking utensils, etc.















Food section, where you can sit down to a bowl of noodles.
The vendors will be beckoning you to their stalls.
All of them.




Well, what's a market without a little action?




After all, that's why they always tell you that if you were talking loudly or behave in a rowdy manner, you are acting as if you are in a marketplace.

This is where it all fits in.
Perfectly.

Outside; the outer section of the market


















More stalls, on the sides of the streets 






This is one of my favorite places, or markets in Ho Chi Minh City.

For some reason, it is just captivating.

Perhaps it is the local culture, or just the overall atmosphere.

And this came from someone who does not even like markets, let alone visit/frequent markets.



There's just something about Binh Tay Market.

I am captivated by the colors and just watching it all in action.





P.S:
Most of the goods here are sold in bulks; or wholesale trade.
The vendors here don't speak a lot of English.
Just point or use a calculator, or it's best if you have a local Vietnamese with you to help with the communication.
Otherwise, sign language is generally understood.
Bargain wisely and carefully, they don't really like a lot of haggling (well, no one ever does), so do your research.

Prices are more reasonable compared to other commercial markets.
This is where most of the locals recommend or come themselves.

Take extra care of your belongings when you are here, and practice caution just like any other cities.
The locals and even the vendors would even remind you to be wary of your surroundings and be watchful of your belongings, especially camera, cell phones and for ladies, handbags.
Snatch thieves are not uncommon here.
So, be careful.
Well, generally, you will always need to be alert and cautious wherever you go anyway.
Don't forget that.