The Chinese New Year dates back to 2600 B.C., when the cycle of the zodiac was introduced by Emperor Huang Ti, centuries before our calendar was even in consideration. Similar to the western calendar, it is based on the cycles of the moon. Because of this, the beginning of the year can fall any time between the months of January and February, either late January or middle of February. The exact date of the Chinese New Year that it falls on is calculated by the date of the second new moon after the winter solstice.
The Chinese New Year rotates around a twelve-year cycle, each year represented by a different animal. The legend goes on to say that Lord Buddha summoned all the animals in the world to come and say farewell to him before he departed from the earth. Of all the animals, only twelve turned up. He rewarded this animal by naming a year after them, in order in which they arrived. These animals are the following: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog, and the boar.
Are you a rat, a monkey or a tiger? Depending on your sign, there are certain rituals one must do every time Chinese New Year begins. It’s not actually the same for each animal sign. Some animal signs may have auspicious foretelling for them on particular years while other years would be unlucky for them. But there are Chinese New Year traditions and customs that are followed each year no matter what animal sign it corresponds to or represents.
Chinese New Year celebrations can normally last up to fifteen days, and as with most major events throughout the world, preparations begin way in advance. There is the Chinese New Year spring cleaning to sweep away any traces of bad luck. The Chinese and most devotees often go to temples before the New Year to minimize the impact of bad luck when the year seems unlucky for them. Those who take these traditions by heart would also give doors and windows a fresh coat of paint, normally in red because red for the Chinese is a lucky color. These doors and windows are also heavily decorated with paper garlands with verses written on them asking for happiness, prosperity and long life. New sets furniture are bought and minor repairs are undertaken.
Eating and the food placed on the dining table play significant part in the celebration. Seafood is highly revered because it brings different blessings. For instance, prawns are believed to promote happiness, oysters bring all things well while fish represents good luck and prosperity.
Hong Bao
On the day of the Chinese New Year, red envelopes are given to children and unmarried adults by their parents, married relatives and the elderly. These red envelopes are called “Hong Bao” in Chinese. They contain money. This is an ancient custom and families are expected to go from door to door paying visit to the elder relatives (Bai Nian). They will get the red envelopes during this visit. This practices signify not on the money but the wish of long life and prosperity behind the visit and giving.
