More On CNY

The following is quoted from Living in Singapore, A Reference Guide by the American Association of Singapore.

"Depending on the lunar calendar, which follows the cycles of the moon and has 354 days, except during leap years, Chinese New Year falls sometime between January 21 and February 19, each year. The new year is greeted with much rejoicing and celebrations continue for 15 days. For many days prior to CNY's Day families are busy cleaning and decorating their homes and shopping for special foods such as waxed ducks, Chinese sausages, fresh fish, barbequed pork, mandarin oranges, and traditional cakes and biscuits.

"On CNY's Eve the very important main event is the family reunion dinner. After dinner parents give their children red packets or "hong bao," which contain money. It is considered good luck for the children to stay up late to herald in the new year ith their parents.

"CNY's Day is a time to reaffirm ties with family and friends. Some also offer prayers to deities and ancestors. The first two days of the 15 day celebration are spent visiting relatives and feasting. For this happy, festive occasion people wear new clothes in auspicious colors such as red, pink, or gold.

"Red scrolls and banners bearing the greeting, "Gong Xi Fa Cai," which means, "Wishing You Great Prosperity," decorate homes and businesses. Many households bear a sign with the Chinese character "Fu," which means "Luck." It may be hung upside down in the belief that good luck will come upon the household. As gestures of good luck children and unmarried people receive "hong bao" from married, older poeple. Mandarin oranges, which symbolize completeness and good fortune, are exchanged between hosts and guests. Both the money and mandarins are given in even numbers for good luck.

"During this time unlucky words are not spoken and brooms are not used to avoid sweeping away good luck. While most people in Singapore resume business on the third day, which is considered unlucky for visiting, festivities continue until Chap Goh Mei, the fifteenth night. Special dishes are served throughout the fesetival including "yu sheng," a raw fish salad which symbolizes prosperity and abundance.

"Towards the end of the celebration the colorful and popular Chingay Procession of floats, marching bands and cultural dances is held. Chingay means the art of masquerading. The parade has been held annually since the early 1970's andis now televised live. It is quite a spectacular, muliticultural celebration.

"The Chinese lunar calendar is a sixty-year cycle. Years have names that are repeated every 60 years. Each year is represented by one of 12 animals, which, much like the Western zodiac, is said to influence the life and character of the people born during that year. Legend is that the Buddha called all animals together one new year and, as a reward, a year was named after the first twelve animals to arrive. The years fall in the order the animals appeared."
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As in interesting side note this is the order of the animals, "Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, Boar." I'm guessing that if you visit a Chinese restaurant around CNY this year you will see the red decorations and maybe the signs for good luck and prosperity...order some stir fry and think of us:) BTW: Some of the traditions mentioned above are probably unique to Singapore like the parade and the businesses being re-opened on the third day. I'm wondering if in China it's different.