Most of you have heard of Chinese new year, which is one of the biggest holidays in China. It is the first day of the year in the Chinese lunar calendar and it’s usually close to February. It is February 8th of this year.
Some traditions in North China include family gathering, feasting, setting fireworks, visiting relatives and friends, etc.
A week before the Chinese new year, families wrap up all the work of the year, and start to cleaning the house. Cleaning house means expelling bad luck in the old year and welcoming new start for the upcoming year. We also hang up red banners with good luck tagline on the side of the door.
When the new year approaches, people buy lots of food and prepare for the new year eve feast. Usually there are all different kinds of dishes on the table, beef, lamb, pork, seafood, etc. Dumplings are a must on northern China NYE’s tables.
One of the most exciting traditions for kids is receiving the “red envelope." In new years, elders in the family give out money in a red envelope to young children. The tradition originates from an ancient Chinese legend. There was a monster called “tsui” who came to hurt children on new year eve. He would touch the children's foreheads when they sleep and kids would become very sick. The parents want to protect their kids from the monster, so they start to stay up all night to guard the kids. This is where the other new year tradition come from- people stay up late on new years eve. One time, one parent put coins in a red envelope by their child’s pillow. When “tsui” came at that night, he was scared of the red envelope and flew away right away. This method spread out and it became a tradition that putting red envelopes with by kids’ pillows on new years eve. In return, children in the family need to greet the elders politely and wish “happy new year” on new years morning.
Another Chinese tradition is setting the firework and firecracker. It means having flourishing luck in the new year. The firework starts on NYE and last 3 or 4 days. Neighbors came out to meet each other and wish “happy new year."
Chinese new year is approaching. If you have Chinese friends, wish them “happy new year”!