The Chinese New Year is the longest and most important holiday in China – lasting 15 days. It’s similar to Christmas… as it’s a time of gift-giving and feasting with family and friends. Traditionally is a time of house cleaning and saying goodbye to things that no longer serve our highest good and evolution. It’s the perfect time to welcome in a new year of PROSPERITY, HEALTH, HAPPINESS and GOOD FORTUNE as well. Here are a few “traditional” things (several) Asian cultures do prior to and during the celebration days:
BEFORE NEW YEARS EVE
- Space clear and clean the house of sorrows, failures and defeats of the prior year by washing windows, carpets, cupboards and floors.
- Pay off debts.
- Resolve differences with neighbors, relatives, family members, friends, and business associates.
- Prepare ‘special” holiday dishes for New Years Eve and New Years Day.
- Decorate the home with “live” flowering plants to symbolize growth and rebirth.
- Display oranges and tangerines to symbolize abundant happiness.
- Add candy & dried fruit to welcome in a “sweet” year.
NEW YEARS EVE
- Gather with family for a traditional meal of fish and dumplings
- Enjoy treats and games with the family.
- Pay respect to elders & ancestors.
- Open doors and windows at midnight to LET GO of the past.
- Set off firecrackers to welcome in a New Year!
NEW YEARS DAY – February 10, 2024
- The Chinese believe that events that occur on New Years Day impact the rest of the year, so be mindful of your words, actions and deeds.
- Wear new clothes and the color RED for a bright future.
- Greet & bless relatives, neighbors, and friends.
- Gift money and poems to children and unmarried people for good luck.
新年快乐
The Chinese Year of the .. DRAGON