10 Chinese New Year traditions to get you off on the right foot…
As Chinese New Year approaches and we prepare to welcome the Year of the Rooster, we have put together a few traditions you can get involved in to ensure a prosperous and lucky year ahead.
Legend has it that Chinese New Year began with a villages’ fight against a mythical beast called Nian, or “year”. Nian looked like an ox with a lion’s head and lived in the sea only to emerge on the night of New Year’s Eve to harm people, animals and property. The villagers discovered that Nian feared the colour red, loud noises and fire which led to the creation of many Chinese New Year traditions.
1. FIREWORKS & FIRECRACKERS
In order to scare away Nian, firecrackers and fireworks are set off at 12:00am on New Year’s Day. The loud noise and fire are used not only to deter evil spirits but also to celebrate the coming of the year. It is believed that the person who launches the first firework of the New Year will have very good luck.
Countdown to the Chinese New Year and enjoy the fireworks and firecrackers display at Melbourne’s Queensbridge Square on Friday 27 January from 3pm onwards.
2. CHINESE NEW YEAR’S EVE DINNER
Considered to be the most important event of the Chinese New Year, a dinner is normally hosted at home where families will reunite before the start of a new year. Traditionally fish is served, as well as dumplings in the northern parts of China, as both dishes signify prosperity. In the South, it is customary to eat a New Year cake made from glutinous rice flour called “niangao” meaning “higher and higher every year.”
For some simple Chinese recipes ideas check out Festival ambassador Lee Chan’s suggestions here.
3. CLEANING
Removing the old and welcoming the new is a big part of Chinese New Year. Chinese people often undertake a complete clean of their house a few days before the year is out and historically people would bathe to welcome in the year too.
4. DECORATIONS
After the house is cleaned, it is usually decorated with red-coloured decorations such as lanterns, door gods, papercutting, upside down “Fu” squares and Dui Lian banners representing good luck. During Chinese New Year it is also not uncommon to see lanterns hung on trees in the streets, office buildings, and on doors of houses all to ward off bad luck.
5. RED ENVELOPES
Red envelopes containing money are traditionally given to children by their grandparents. As traditions go, the younger generation must give blessings to the older generation before receiving the envelope. Good luck money trees are also often out on display and decorated with red envelopes. As well as bringing good luck and warding off monsters, the colour red symbolises vitality, happiness and good luck in Chinese culture.
6. DECORATE YOUR HOUSE WITH TRADITIONAL “LUCKY PLANTS” & “FRUIT”
Many homes are covered in vibrant flowers and fresh fruit during Chinese New Year as they are a symbol of a good year ahead. Some of the popular auspicious plants include orange trees, mandarin, lucky bamboo, branches of cherry blossoms and stalk of pussy willow. Another favourite is the kumquat tree, which grows mini oranges called kut, said to ensure a family will see many generations to come.
7. SHOU SUI
Shou sui is one of the traditional customs practised on Chinese New Year’s Eve and means “to stay up late or all night”. Often families will stay up after their New Year’s Eve dinner to chat, tell stories and bond whilst waiting for the New Year’s arrival. The first part “Shou” means “watching and waiting” in English and “Sui” also known as “Nian” stands for “year”.
8. DRAGONS
Representing prosperity, good luck and good fortune, the Chinese often celebrate the dragon in their New Year celebrations. Dancing and performing dragons feature heavily in the Chinese New Year Melbourne Festival celebrations, so look out for them around town!
9. NEW YEAR GREETINGS
On the first day of the Chinese New Year or shortly thereafter, Chinese people will wear new clothes and greet relatives and friends with “Gongxi”, meaning congratulations, and they will also bow. This custom is performed to wish each other good luck and happiness during the year ahead. It is also customary for younger generations to visit their elders and wish them health and longevity.
10. LANTERNS
Signifying the end of festivities, “The Festival of Lanterns” or “Yuan Xiao Jie” is held on the 15th and final day of Chinese New Year celebrations. Lanterns hang in the streets and folk dances take place everywhere. This year a Lantern Festival will be held at Melbourne’s Queen Victoria Market on Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 February featuring traditional performances and beautiful lanterns, lighting the way into a prosperous New Year.
Sources
http://www.chinesenewyears.info/chinese-new-year-history.php
http://www.chinatravel.com/focus/chinese-new-year/traditional-customs.htm
http://chinesenewyear.co.nz/Traditions
http://www.china-family-adventure.com/chinese-new-year-traditions.html
http://www.history.com/topics/holidays/chinese-new-year-traditions
http://www.chinahighlights.com/travelguide/festivals/new-year-decoration.htm