The Chinese New Year is  the most important celebration on the lunar-based Chinese Calendar.

 It  begins with the new moon on Jan. 26 and ends with the full moon 15 days later.

For many, the most familiar aspect of Chinese New Year is the animal associated with  the Chinese Zodiac for which it is named and each year is represented by a different animal. Those born in 1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997 and 2009 under the sign of the Ox are patient, kind, stubborn and conservative. They are dependable and make good leaders and organizers.

Decorations depicting a stylized  ox  are available  in Chinese shops, as are paper lanterns in red (symbolizing happiness) and gold (symbolizing wealth); cascading chains of beautifully illustrated red paper scrolls, and red posters with messages of health, happiness and prosperity in gold lettering.

Red clothing is commonly worn throughout the Chinese New Year because it is said to discourage evil spirits and bad fortune. According to legend,  a  child wearing red scared away a mythical  beast, the  Nian, which had been terrorizing the village on the first day of the new year. As the Nian also feared light and noise, firecrackers were used to scare it away and are also associated with Chinese New Year festivals.

At new year little red packets called Lai-See, containing small amounts of “good luck” money are given to children by adults;  by married people to single friends; and by managers to employees. Lai See is given from senior to junior, from big to small, from old to young.

The home should be cleaned thoroughly before the new year;  but sweeping the floor is forbidden on new year’s day, lest it sweep away good fortune. At midnight on new year’s eve, all doors and windows are opened to let go of the old year.

Homes are decorated with floral arrangements which include peach and plum blossoms for luck, chrysanthemums for longevity, kumquat for prosperity and other plants with red and yellow flowers, which are deemed auspicious. Pussy willow is also used to invite abundant luck and prosperity.

Platters of oranges and tangerines, preferably with leaves intact, symbolizing good health and long life, are displayed. Guests are offered a Tray of Togetherness, which has eight compartments, each holding a sweet treat with special significance. The candy and a new year cake, Niango, impart sweetness to the coming year. 

A family feast is held on new year’s eve with fish, chicken or duck served whole to represent togetherness and abundance. Dumplings are served and noodles are eaten uncut to symbolize long life. Departed relatives and ancestors are remembered with great respect because they were responsible for laying the foundations for the fortune of future generations.

Celebrations culminate in the Lantern Festival on the 15th day. Glowing lanterns are hung in temples, and people carry lanterns to a parade under the light of the full moon. These are often painted with scenes of birds, animals of the Zodiac, flowers and riddles, which the bearers try to solve. A dragon or lion dance, in which a dragon or lion made of silk and bamboo is held carried through the streets by dancers, is a highlight of the festival.

Gung Hay Fat Choy!

presence of the ancestors is acknowledged on New Year’s Eve with a

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