5 Tips to make your Chinese New Year extra special

Chinese people have always had a home in the Philippines. Their values and culture have been embedded in our nation, and their presence has impacted our economy, tradition, and beliefs.

The Chinese New Year is one of the most anticipated events in the country, and just like any other occasion, Chinese people love celebrating this holiday in their special ways. Some go all out– some opt for the traditional way– but all in all, the Chinese New Year is always something to look forward to.

  • Red, the lucky color 

It’s not a secret that Chinese people loved wearing red on several occasions and events, for it symbolizes luck and prosperity. It is the color of Chinese lanterns, doors, and window panes in traditional Chinese households. In the Chinese New Year, wearing red will surely attract luck and blessings to you and your family in the coming year. People often wear traditional clothing such as Cheongsam, one of the most popular Chinese clothing for women, and is commonly worn in special events such as this. If you’re opting for a modern celebration, any red clothing will do as well—it still attracts the same good luck! 

  • The traditional Hong Bao 

Every time New Year comes rolling around, people always look forward to the Hong Bao, or the Red Packets– more popularly known as the Ang Pao. The married couples and elders give away Ang Paos to children and unmarried people within their families, each containing a specific amount of money. It is believed that this tradition brings good luck to the receiver as well as the giver, and it certainly gives out good vibes as well!

Courtesy: Kaodim Malaysia
  • Good food, great life 

The Chinese people surely know how to prepare a feast. The customary Chinese New Year banquet never misses these symbolic foods: a whole fish for additional money and good luck, pineapples for wealth and prosperity, and the famous neighborhood Tikoy and dumplings. Of course, Chinese people also adore eating pancit for long life, and they also display citrus fruits in the center table, among them pomelos, ponkan, and kiat-kiats. These marvelous foods spice up the New Year feast and it is twice the fun with every member of the family present on this grand occasion. 

Courtesy: Thatsmags.com
  • Make some noise!

To drive away bad luck and evil spirits, fireworks and firecrackers light up the sky. This tradition is deeply rooted in Chinese culture. According to a Chinese legend, the fireworks are used to scare off Nian, a mythical beast who comes down from the mountains every end of the year to destroy cities. They also try to make a lot of noise, using all sorts of things such as pots and pans, horns, and cans, among others. It may be a rambunctious night, but surely one of great fun and excitement. 

Courtesy: TripSavvy
  • Door-to-door greetings

In the spirit of friendship and forgiveness, Chinese people go door-to-door in their neighborhoods to greet their friends and colleagues. It also means that whatever disputes or misunderstandings they might have gotten into during the past year will be forgiven and forgotten. The New Year gives people a clean slate, and the Chinese people surely take this to heart. 

Courtesy: Top China Travel

The Chinese New Year may be a rambunctious event, but surely one of great fun and excitement. It honors Chinese heritage and welcomes another year of luck and prosperity for everyone. These traditions are only a few of the things that make the Chinese New Year special, but nothing beats celebrating the holiday with your family and welcoming another chapter of your lives together. Gong Hei Fat Choy! 

 

By Princess Friel Lontoc

Featured photo courtesy of ChinaBrands

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