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Content accurate at time of publication
01 Jan 2012
RITES OF SPRING
Traditions and rituals are the essence of Chinese New Year celebrations worldwide.
NICK WALTON highlights the festival’s symbolism.
- Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival, is a 15-day affair that's celebrated in numerous countries including Singapore, China, Vietnam, Hong Kong and Malaysia.
- 230 million people moved between cities in China in 2011 in the days before Chinese New Year. This is typically the busiest travel season in Asia as many Chinese head home to celebrate the festival with their families.
- At the traditional Reunion Dinner, where entire families come together for a feast, foods with auspicious meanings are cooked and served. Bamboo shoots represent wealth; dried bean curd means happiness; chicken served whole signifies marriage and family togetherness, while eggs represent fertility.
- In Hong Kong: Catch the parades and fireworks that light up Victoria Harbour.
- In San Francisco: Celebrate with a Chinese New Year parade down Grant Avenue.
- In Sydney: Don't miss the twilight parade, dragon boat races and festive stalls in Belmore Park.
- $18, $66, $88: Red packets should only hold even-numbered amounts; odd numbers are considered bad luck.
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DID YOU KNOW?
- Cleaning the house before the new year symbolises clearing out bad luck and ensuring good luck in the coming year. But don’t sweep the floor during the 15-day period lest you sweep away your fortune.
- When visiting the homes of relatives and friends, it’s customary to bring along two mandarin oranges (which symbolise wealth and good fortune) and to say “Gong Xi Fa Cai!” (or “congratulations and be prosperous”) as you present them to your hosts.
PHOTO GETTY IMAGES
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