Chinese New Year
This important and longest Chinese celebration occurs at the turn of
the Chinese calendar. It began on February 4th and lasts until March 15th.
February 19th is the official
New Year’s Day this year! Roll
Thanksgiving, Christmas and the Fourth of July all into a 40 day celebration. Traditions are plentiful during this celebration. People wear red
and give children “lucky money” in red envelopes. Red streamers with poems
written on them are decorations. Red is the symbol for fire which drives out bad luck. Like our American holidays, there are family feasts
everywhere. Some favorite foods are
steamed cakes, spring rolls and fish (Yu) which sounds like wish and abundance.
If the fish is served whole with the head on and tail attached, your abundance
will be ensured.
2015 The Year of the Goat: Legend has it Buddha named the 12 years after
animals and those born within that year carry some of the animal’s
characteristics. You can look up what
year and sign you are under. The Goat is creative and artistic, gentle and persuasive.
Your Chinese New Year Dinner:
If you are inclined not to eat out but would like to brave the delicious world of
Chinese cuisine, I recommend something simple. Noodles with beansprouts and
onions represent a long life. NEVER chop your noodles or you will chop your
life short! Perhaps try one the recipes from http://www.chinasichuanfood.com/15-free-chinese-new-year-recipe-ebook/
and order out the rest of your meal. Remember enjoying this meal with those
that you love helps ensure a year of abundance. You may include fortune cookies
but they are an American created tradition and did not originate in China.
Decorate with red paper streamers and Chinese lanterns. Make
your own like the one pictured here. Pinterest has some great ideas for
celebrations.
Ending your celebration with Fireworks is tradition and
fun. If you live near a Chinese
community near your city, check out their celebration. Click on the link to see
the migration of about 80 million holiday travelers in China using a heat map. http://www.aol.com/article/2015/02/17/heat-map-captures-massive-chinese-new-year-migration/21143392/
Celebrations are great in any culture. Why don’t you create
a family tradition including some of the traditions for Chinese New Year. It
won’t hurt but will bring you fun, good time and maybe some luck!
新年快乐 / 新年快樂 (Xīnnián kuàilè)
'New Year happiness!'
·
In Mandarin: /sshin-nyen kwhy-ler/
·
In Cantonese: /sen-nin feye-lor/
I hope you enjoy Chinese New Year with your loved ones. Wishing you abundance and success this year!
Linda Richardson
linda@allcleartranslations.com
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