Another New Year - Chinese New Year
On February 7, 2008, the Year of the Pig will officially end and the Year of the Rat will begin. Many have heard of the Chinese zodiac, even if they do not fully understand it, but how many realize they have their own New Year celebrations? The date does not always stay the same from year to year, but there are definitely traditions that are observed each year. Chinese New Year celebrations last 15 full days, though the time off from work varies from region to region. The date is based on the lunar calendar; the first new moon of each year marks the beginning of Chinese New Year.
Traditions are very important in Chinese culture, there are significant events that occur on certain days throughout the celebration, and some of these days are given special names. Even the Chinese New Year’s Eve is given one, Chúxì, which, when literally translated means change eve. Red and gold are used extensively in decorations, gold symbolizing money or wealth, and red is thought to keep evil spirits at bay, as well as bad luck. The color red is used in more than just decorations however, it is the color most wear on the New Year, and tradition dictates that the clothing be new, to start the new year off right while leaving any bad luck in the previous year.
Colors used are only part of the traditions. Chinese families clean their houses thoroughly before the New Year celebrations begin. The act of cleaning signifies that they are sweeping any bad luck that lingered that year away, to allow for good luck to enter. Cleaning supplies are put away before celebrations begin, so no good luck is swept away. Many apply a fresh layer of red paint to windows and doors. There are large family gatherings on the eve of the New Year, fish is always served, and many also serve dumplings. They symbolize wealth, due to their shape being reminiscent of gold nuggets. Meals are lavish; enough is made to eat the next day, as lighting fires is considered unlucky on New Year’s Day. The dinner is held at or near the eldest relation’s home, and families visit them on New Year’s Day too.
Chinese dragonFirecrackers are lit to scare away evil spirits, and firework displays are common, especially in bigger cities where firecrackers are discouraged due to so many accidents that have occurred with mishandling. Red envelopes with money in them are given to children and unmarried adults from their elders or married couples in their extended families. The amount of money varies widely, though it is always an even number, and $8 is common, because the number eight is considered lucky.
On the second day of each New Year, married women make a point to visit their parents, as they do not see them often. This is also when many pray to their gods and ancestors, and is believed to be the birth date of all dogs, so canines are pampered. In the next two days of the new year, visits to relatives is discouraged, they believe these days may spur arguments, and these days are reserved to show respect for those who have passed on, visits to grave sites are common. The fifth day is a return of the firecrackers, many businesses reopen and dumplings are served again, as this day is said to have been the birth of their god of wealth. Renri, or the seventh day, is the day man was believed to be created. The ninth is dedicated to prayers to the Jade Emperor of Heaven, sugarcane is offered, and honored people are served tea. The fifteenth day, Yuánxi?o jié or the Lantern Festival is the last day of celebrations. Families will typically carry lighted lanterns as they walk the streets, and lit candles are placed outside of homes to guide lost spirits home.
Throughout the world, Chinese New Year, is celebrated with a lot of enthusiasm and colorful celebrations that are enjoyed not only by people with Chinese background, but all young and old. The colorful dragons and the parades are a true spectacle indeed. For those who celebrate the Chinese New Year as well as those who do not, may the year of the Rat be prosperous, with a peaceful beginning, middle and end.
If you liked this post subscribe to our feed to get regular updates.
January 27th, 2008 at 9:35 pm
You are right, there is much work done before the new year starts so the bad luck of the past year does not harm the next year. It is a great philosophy that others will follow too if they think about it more.