This post, written by Li Jia, United Planet’s International Programs Manager, was published previously on the UP Blog but because we love it so much, we thought we would share it with you again this year! Hope you enjoy learning about Chinese New Year Traditions as much as we did.

I have always loved celebrating Chinese New Year, despite the fact that I am far away from home. It brings back a lot of old childhood memories– I could play as much as I wanted without my parents’ supervision; I could receive many red envelopes from elder relatives; and I could eat all kinds of delicious food all week . The whole country gets seven days off for the celebration, so that we can relax and savor a few meals together, and have the time to fully enjoy the festivities.

Everything associated with Chinese New Year should represent good fortune. To single people, good fortune may mean love and romance. Good fortune may mean good grades for students, children for families, jobs for the unemployed and improved health for the sick. There are a few traditions we have to prepare for New Year: houses are swept clean to get rid of traces of bad luck; all debts should be paid off before the New Year begins; and problems of the previous year are to be left behind.

Food plays a huge role in Chinese culture and lots of food is consumed during the New Year celebration. Chinese New Year dishes are symbols of prosperity, happiness, health and longevity for everyone at the table. Each and every food, either by its appearance or the multiple meanings of its name, represents Chinese beliefs. For example, dumplings symbolize the hope for prosperity in the coming year (people even insert a coin into a couple of dumplings for good luck). According to Chinese belief, if you are fortunate enough to be served one of the special dumplings, you may acquire even more wealth in the coming year! Noodles represent longevity for their appearance; they should not be cut or severed. Fish represent prosperity since the Chinese word for fish, yu, also means abundance and prosperity. During the Chinese New Year, fish is served whole, to represent family unity. The fish should not be fully consumed by the family, so as to symbolically save for the year to come.

As Chinese culture tends to be highly collectivistic, family relations are extremely important to the Chinese. Decisions are made with full family member involvement. On New Year’s Eve, a huge family reunion dinner is held in every home in China. No matter where people live, they are expected to return home for Chinese New Year. It is not only to have a fabulous dinner together, but also an important time to let family act as “one”: we share joy together, we listen to each other, we wish everyone happiness in the family, and most importantly, we know our family will always support us no matter what. Back when I was a kid the most exciting thing for me was visiting my grandparents’ house on New Year’s Day, where a big red envelope with money inside would be waiting for me. The gift’s meaning was always my grandparent’s wish for my health, happiness and success. Elders all over China do the same for their grandchildren during Chinese New Year to wish them health, happiness and success in the coming year.

I am glad to see this unique festival transforming into an exciting cultural event the world over. I would like to wish all of you Happy Chinese New Year. May the year of the Tiger bring you good health, increased prosperity, great happiness and success with your 2010 resolutions!

If you want to see Hong Kong Fireworks for Chinese New Year, click here!

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Tags: China, Chinese New Year, culture, Festival, tradition, UP Team

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