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Chinese New Year Celebrations |
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On 24 January, the Chinese will usher in the Year of the Snake. It will be a joyous festival and celebrations will last for 15 days.
No one really remember the origins of Chinese New Year (or Guo-Nian) as it is too old to be traced. One popular myth goes like this : Once, there was a ferocious beast called Nian who can swallow several people with one bite. One day a mysterious old man appeared. He told the people to paint their houses red and put off fire-crackers, as the beast Nian was most afraid of the color red and loud noises. They took the old man's advice, and when the beast Nian went to their villages that night, it was scared away by the color and noise.
Thus people began to celebrate Guo-Nian : Guo in Chinese means 'surviving' and Nian is of course the name of the beast. In time, Nian becomes known as 'year' and Guo-Nian carries the meaning, "the passing of another year".
Even in today's world of modern technology, certain traditions of Chinese New Year are still observed. Several days before New Year, the Chinese will give their houses a thorough cleaning. This is to cleanse the house of ill fortune that may have accumulated during the past year. However any cleaning of the house on the first day of Chinese New Year is strictly for bided. The Chinese believe that this will 'sweep' away good luck that comes with the New Year.
On the eve of New Year, families will gather for a reunion dinner. This symbolizes the intimateness of the family. They will then welcome the New Year together.
On the first day of New Year, the Chinese will visit their close relatives. Children (and teenagers) will receive ang-pows, which are small red packets filled with money from their elders. Food that symbolizes wealth and happiness are consumed. Quarrels and arguments are easily forgiven (who knows if forgotten?) and everyone is generally well and in high spirits.
During the next few days of New Year, friends will call on each other. It is a joyful sight of children playing happily and long time friends getting together. Greetings such as 'Xing Nian Kuai Le' (Happy New Year) and 'Gong Xi Fa Chai' (Congratulations, may you get rich) are cheerfully exchanged.
On Chap Goh Mei (the last day of New Year celebrations), singles will throw fruits into rivers or seas, in hope of a good spouse. Females will throw oranges and males will toss in apples. Each fruit thrown is accompanied by a wish, such as, 'with this orange I throw, a good spouse will follow' or 'having thrown this apple I won't fear, that a lovely female will appear'.
HAVE A HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR!
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