I am not Chinese nor do I have any of the race running through my veins, but I still look forward to this time of the year, my Chinese friends seem to have influenced me a little...:) I remember my best friend, Kai, called me as she was supposed to wake up at a certain hour and go out to have meteor shower of something of that sort. :) She said I should do the same, obedient as I was, having no idea what it's suppose to do with me, I sleepily got out of bed and of the house. Then, just stood outside wondering why I did it...:) After a few minutes, she said "you can go back to sleep now...Happy Chinese New Year!"When is it celebrated?
Spring festival, or what is more known as the Chinese New Year, is considered one of the most important events in China. The celebration is based on the lunar calendar, so that the first day of the lunar year marks the Chinese New Year. Thus, the event falls between late January to early February. The celebration begins on the eve of the lunar new year and continues on until the fifth day of the lunar calendar's first month. Next will come the lantern festival.
The coming New Year is symbolized by the Earth Rat. In the Chinese horoscope, the Rat is the first in the 12-year animal zodiac cycle (supposedly based on the legend that when Buddha invited the animal kingdom to heaven, he named a year for the first 12 animals that arrived). The zodiac cycle is also marked in conjunction with the 10-year cycle of heavenly stems. These heavenly stems include the five elements of Chinese astrology, i.e. Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water.
The first time the New Year was celebrated historically in
According to ancient Chinese legends, the Chinese New Year traditions originated from the custom of scaring away the Nián, a beast that preyed on humans, which came out every 12 months prior to the winter season. Due to the belief that the beast was sensitive to loud noises and the color red, they used fireworks and the liberal use of the color to scare away the Nian.
What's In the Menu?
After the festivities, the family will sit down to a feast. A sticky rice pudding called nian gao (or "tikoy" in my native tongue) as well as dumplings is usually present in these feasts. Nian gao is also given to family and friends, the belief behind this is that the stickiness of the nian gao will hold or bond the family together. Also, because of its' round shape and sweet taste, it is said to bring good fortune and sweetness to one's life. In my home, we usually cut the nian gao into lengthwise pieces, roll it into beaten eggs and fried. It's delicious!
Greeting the New Year
As the Chinese New Year approaches, the saying kung hei fat choi (also sometimes spelled as gung hay fat choy) is commonly heard and used. However, despite the mistaken assumption that this means ‘Happy New Year’, the saying actually translates to ‘congratulations and be prosperous.’
The saying became more widespread in use as the Chinese spread around the world and developed sizable Chinese-speaking communities in foreign nations.
So, remember, when you’re is greeting a friend, loved one or a stranger on the Chinese New Year, you’re actually wishing good fortune and prosperity for the coming Lunar New Year.
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