When I was a kid, I always wondered, why we celebrate two New Year holidays in a year. The one that we commonly celebrate a week after Christmas is New Year’s Day. Meanwhile, the second holiday is the Chinese New Year, which marks the start of the Chinese Lunar calendar.
What are the differences between celebrating the first one from the other one?
The latter, known as Spring Festival, is that time of the year we, Filipinos, often see as a regular holiday but is actually one of the most important holidays for the Chinese people. Considered their longest holiday, Chinese New Year plays a vital role in their culture and tradition.
How we celebrate our traditional New Year’s Day is almost the same as the Chinese New Year, except that it has more superstitious beliefs and practices than our polka dotted-dresses and ‘jumping-as-high-as-we-could’ acts when the clock strikes 12 at midnight.
My mom asked me last week the exact date of the celebration of Chinese New Year since she is planning to celebrate it this year, which we haven’t done before. She also asked me to look for Chinese traditions that we could practice on January 22nd.
Prosperity Yu Sheng salad
Last Tuesday, I had the opportunity to attend an intimate media lunch at a hotel in Makati. To give us a sample of their Chinese New Year deals, we were offered to try the menu of their in-house Chinese restaurant.
I was introduced to the Prosperity Yu Sheng salad, which is a custom food every Chinese New Year. It consists of raw fish, usually salmon, and vegetables like radishes, carrots, and peanuts.
Every ingredient of the salad has corresponding symbolisms such as money, health, and good luck.
Before eating, family members will toss the ingredients using chopsticks seven times, while saying ‘Gong hei.’ Take note: The higher the toss you make, the more blessings await you for that year.
Dragon and Lion Dance
Chinese New Year will not be complete without a dragon dance or lion dance.
Traditionally, the performance consists of dragons held by a number of performers and two lions controlled by dancers.
The dragon itself has strong symbolisms such as wisdom, great power, and dignity. It is performed during special Chinese occasions or festivals to drive away evil spirits and bring good luck.
Tikoy or sweetened rice cake
In the Chinese New Year celebration, the chewy, sticky tikoy is essential.
Nian Gao in Cantonese term and ade with premium glutinous rice flour, sugar, and water, tikoy is served during Chinese New Year for a happy and lucky year ahead.
More than its delectable taste, tikoy’s sticky consistency represents a healthy bond within the family.
Red envelope
I could still remember how happy I was when I was a kid whenever I received a red envelope during the holiday season. Who wouldn’t like the magic envelope?
More commonly known to Filipinos as ‘angpao,’ the red envelope normally has money in it given to family members, symbolizing good fortune. Not just on Chinese New Year, it is traditionally given during weddings and other special events.
Fireworks and firecrackers
Just like any other Chinese traditional practice, a New Year is not a celebration without setting fireworks or firecrackers.
Originally, it is used every Lunar New Year to chase away evil spirits. Chinese people believe that the loudness and light it releases could take away the bad luck that the previous year brought.
Firecrackers are lit during Chinese New Year’s Eve, when the clock strikes 12, and lastly during the day to continuously dispel bad spirits and welcome good fortune for the whole year.
Feng Shui and lucky charms
The coming of the new year means new time to grab opportunities and claim the energy force of good luck. If there’s one thing that Filipinos believe in the Chinese New Year traditions, it is the power of Feng Shui and lucky charms.
Literally, feng shui, which means wind-water, is an ancient Chinese art that involves spatial alignment and orientation. It is practiced to harmonize or realign individuals with the energy of their surroundings or environment.
It also tackles the perfect color, stone, or charms that match your animal sign.
Well, these are just some of the traditions and culture practiced by Chinese people every Chinese New Year for thousands of years. But always remember that great blessings come to those who really persevere and pursue their goals.
Gong Xi Fa Cai!