HONG KONG – Hong Kong celebrity Jeffery Ngai (魏浚笙) traded his usual stage persona for a calligraphy brush on Thursday, embracing the upcoming Lunar New Year by personally crafting hundreds of traditional spring couplets (揮春) for his ardent fanbase. Attending a fashion event in Tsim Sha Tsui, Ngai used the occasion to connect with followers, soliciting auspicious messages related to the Year of the Horse—a process that yielded both heartwarming and humorous results.
Ngai, known for his engaging online presence, spent two hours meticulously writing over 100 couplets. Reflecting the collective consumer zeitgeist, he noted that the most frequent fan requests were “Immediate Time Off” (馬上收工) and “Immediate Retirement” (馬上退休). Ngai ultimately settled on “Immediate Happiness” (馬上幸福) and “Taking the Lead” (一馬當先) for his own well-wishes.
Art, Ambition, and Avoiding Ancient Taboos
The artistic effort wasn’t without its challenges. Attempting to draw horses alongside the calligraphy, Ngai jokingly admitted his equine creations more closely resembled oxen. He also shared a moment of cultural confusion after receiving an unusual fan suggestion, “马上风,” which he initially misinterpreted, highlighting the sometimes-unpredictable slang encountered during festive seasons.
As the city prepares to “power down” for the holiday, Ngai detailed his pre-New Year routine, which includes consuming copious amounts of celebratory cakes (賀年糕點). He expressed a desire to “beef up” his physique, aiming for a more robust and energetic appearance in the coming year.
“I hope everyone sees a spirited version of me this year,” Ngai stated, confidently dismissing concerns about holiday weight gain. “I’ve discovered that losing weight is actually easier than gaining it.”
Lunar Forecast: Good Fortune and Flower Markets
Ngai also touched upon his adherence to Chinese zodiac traditions, revealing he had consulted online experts regarding his 2024 fortune. As someone born in the Year of the Tiger, he noted that the “San He” (三合) alliance—comprising the Tiger, Horse, and Dog—bodes well for him, particularly since his girlfriend is a Dog sign. He expressed gratitude for avoiding any potential clashes with the powerful deity Taisui (犯太歲).
Forecasting his holiday itinerary, Ngai plans to visit several of Hong Kong’s iconic flower markets in Sha Tin, Yuen Long, and Causeway Bay. Despite the throngs of people, the celebrity suggested he might forgo heavy disguises if he felt in good spirits, embracing potential fan encounters.
“An artist needs ‘peach blossom’ popularity,” Ngai mused, referencing the traditional Chinese symbol for good relationships and public favor. This year, however, he will prioritize buying kumquats (桔), symbolizing “great luck and great profit” (大吉大利) for the year ahead. Ngai’s public embrace of festive traditions provides a lighthearted look at how modern Hong Kong celebrities balance fame with deep cultural roots during the most important holiday of the year.
