Strings of firecrackers explode in the air and a fierce dragon leaps and weaves from side to side. My ears are pleasantly bombarded with gongs and clashing symbols. It’s that time of year again for best wishes and congratulations, Chinese New Year.
This year it’s the Year of the Ox, and it falls on January 26, 2009. If you are an Ox, you are bright, patient, and inspirational to others. You will make a wonderful parent, and can be quite content to be by yourself. If you are thinking of getting married, think about marrying a Snake or a Cock, and not a Sheep, as this will get you into trouble. Or at least that is what I was told growing up in China.
The Chinese use a lunar calendar with the length of each month determined by the cycles of the moon. Each New Year is given the name of an animal. There are twelve animal symbols on the Chinese zodiac. It is said that a person born under the symbol of a certain animal inherits its trait. Chinese learn about their fortune and future by their animal symbol. Each animal has good and bad traits, and why Chinese people are often unwilling to give you their age.
Chinese families make great preparations for this special occasion. Before the New Year arrives, families settle all their debts, buy new clothes and shoes, make sure all food and dry goods containers are full, and the house is sparkling clean. Special foods are prepared, sometimes a month ahead. Homes are filled with flowers and fruits. Pyramids are made of apples and oranges for good luck, as red and orange are the colors of joy. These colors are everywhere. Chinese characters written on scrolls carry messages of Good Luck, Health, Long Life, and Prosperity.
On the eve of the New Year, Chinese people celebrate at a reunion banquet. Offerings are made to family ancestors. Certain doors and windows are sealed with red good-luck papers. Many sweets made of sticky rice are offered to the kitchen gods. They are so sticky that when the gods arrive in heaven their mouths are stuck together so that they cannot say bad things.
Children can stay up all night and play. Gifts are exchanged, and children and servants are given money in little red envelopes. This is good-luck money. Then there are deafening explosions of firecrackers to scare away evil and lazy spirits.
On New Year’s morning, everything must be perfect. What happens on the first day may decide events for the coming year. Everyone does and says the right things, thinks good thoughts, and speaks only kind words. You hear “Kung Shi Fa Tsai” everywhere. We apologize to people we have offended and make new resolutions for the coming year. At the community carnival, we watch Tai Chi, Chinese boxing, lion dancing, art exhibits, and many other activities. Delicious food is served. Lion dancers move to the beat of giant drums. Gongs and cymbals are loud and fast. The lion twists and turns.
At night there will be a Golden Dragon parade. The fierce, bright-eyed dragon with many legs will lead the parade. The dragon is a sacred animal, a symbol of strength and goodness. Each year, the dragon appears in order to wish everyone peace, prosperity, and good luck. Sometimes the dragon chases a round object. If the object is red, it is the sun; if it is white, it is a big white pearl, which is a symbol of wealth and power. Children carry lanterns of all shapes and sizes. Then there are weapon bearers and musicians, followed by beautiful fireworks and deafening aerial bombs.
What a party! What a New Year! What a full stomach!
Very good insight to the Chinese New Year Celebration. Summarizes the highlights of the celebration in an easy to read yet comprehensive description of the event.