Traditions of celebrations for Chinese New Year

Vicky Bunarjo

Cong He

Alex Zha

Period 2

15 Days of Chinese New year1st: The first day of the Lunar New Year is "the welcoming of the gods of the heavens and

earth." People try to resist away from meat because it is believed that this will ensure long and happy lives for them.

2nd: Chinese pray to their ancestors as well as to all the gods. They are extra kind to dogs and feed them well as it is believed that the second day is the birthday of all dogs.

3rd & 4th : for the sons-in-laws to pay respect to their parents-in-law

5th: Po Woo; people stay home to welcome the God of Wealth. No one visits families and friends on the fifth day because it will bring both parties bad luck.

6th-10th: Chinese visit their relatives and friends freely. They also visit the temples to pray for good fortune and health.

7th: day for farmers to display their produce; also considered the birthday of human beings. Noodles are eaten to promote longevity and raw fish for success.

8th: Fujian people have another family reunion dinner, and at midnight they pray to Tian Gong, the God of Heaven

9th: to make offerings to the Jade Emperor

10th-12th: days that friends and relatives should be invited for dinner

13th: simple rice congee and mustard greens (choi sum) to cleanse the system

14th: preparations to celebrate the Lantern Festival

15th: Lantern Festival

Red Envelope 压岁钱• “ang pow” pronounced hong boa or lisee- lay see• Legend: In China, during the time of the Sung Dynasty, a legend arose that

the village people of Chang-Chieu were living in fear of an evil, dragon-like creature. No one could get rid of it. One day, a young man wielded his magical sword and defeated this creature. In order to give thanks, the villagers gave the young man ang pow. The villagers believed that by giving this red packet to the young man, the young man and their village would stay blessed.

• Ang pow is said to enhance energy (chi), abundance and happiness. The envelope is also utilized to ward-off, inauspicious chi and negative energy. The envelopes are red because they are considered yang energy.

• Passed out during the Chinese New Year's celebrations, from married couples or the elderly to unmarried juniors

• It’s common to give money with even-numbered values ($8 or $20)• Illustrations on the front of the red envelope signify blessings, long life, good

health--and prosperity.

Firecrackers 春联• Bamboo stems filled with gunpowder that were burnt to create small

explosions were once used in ancient China to drive away evil spirits (Nian)

• The burning of firecrackers also signifies a joyful time of year and has become an integral aspect of Chinese New Year celebrations.

Lantern Festival 元宵节• 15th day of Chinese New Year• Also seen as the Chinese version of St. Valentine’s Day where people show

their love and affection.• There are many different beliefs about the origin of the Lantern Festival • Likely to have had something to do with celebrating and cultivating positive

relationships between people, families, nature and the higher beings that were believed to be responsible for bringing or returning the light each year.

• The first month of the Chinese calendar is called yuan month and in ancient times people called night xiao, therefore the day is called Yuan Xiao Festival in China.

• The fifteenth day is the first night to see a full moon. According to Chinese tradition, at the very beginning of a new year, when there is a bright full moon hanging in the sky, there should be thousands of colorful lanterns hung out for people to appreciate.

• People will try to solve puzzles on lanterns, eat yuan xiao(元宵 ) (glutinous rice ball) and enjoy a family reunion.

• children go out at night to temples carrying paper lanterns

Special Regional Traditions • Red envelopes• Gift exchanges• Markets are open featuring new year products• Fireworks/firecrackers• Red or bright colored clothing; some wear new clothes• Different types of flowers symbolizing different meanings• Lanterns• Dragon and lion dances: loud beats of the drum and the deafening sounds of

the cymbals together with the face of the dragon or lion dancing aggressively can evict bad or evil spirits. (also popular for opening businesses in Hong Kong)

• South East Asia: Chinatown celebrations; Festive Street Bazaar (staged shows and lion dance competitions); colored floats and wide variety of cultural performances

• Outside of Asia: launch celebration, outdoor markets, evening street food stalls, Chinese top opera performances, dragon boat races, a film festival and multiple parades.