Kung Hei Fat Choy!
Or
Happy New Year!
This post is a little bit different from what I usually post
about. I am really excited for this post because I will be sharing some
information about my culture, traditions and New Year with you. For those that
do not know, I am Chinese, born in South Africa, and today the 19th
February I am celebrating my Chinese New Year.
The New Year is determined through the lunar calendar. There
are 12 zodiac signs and each year a different one is celebrated. This year we
celebrate the year of the goat.
The Chinese culture is one of very strong and old
traditions. Many of which have been westernised and interpreted differently
throughout the years. The Chinese culture is one with many beliefs and symbols
therefore many gestures and items have very symbolic meanings attached to them.
I will only touch on a few, what I feel are the most important and most common.
On old year’s eve, your house should be cleaned and
cleansed. This is believed to rid your home of all misfortune and bad omens in
which should not enter the New Year with you. This also allows for good fortune
to flow into your home in the New Year. After which, your family should gather
to share in a 9 course meal where certain dishes that represent good health and fortune are prepared.
Red “Leisie” envelopes are handed out to the children. These
are basically money packets (containing any amount) and they symbolise that you
shall always have money going into the New Year. Children (adults too) are
given new clothes which should be worn on New Year’s Day to symbolise a new
beginning and always having clothes to wear. The older generations usually
exchange fruit or cakes when visiting as this holds the meaning of being
fruitful and brings fortune to one another.
In my culture, red symbolises good fortune, happiness, wealth
and prosperity. It is also believed to be the colour which wards off evil
spirits. So this is definitely a colour you want to be wearing to reign in the
New Year!
Fire crackers are also burned on old year’s eve to burn away
any “evil spirits” and bad luck which makes way for good fortune. The fridge is
also well stocked with food which signifies that you will always have food on
the table. Hair should be cut on old year’s eve, signifying the cutting of the
past and not bringing your past into the future with you.
On New Year’s Day, children (even adults) put on their new
clothes, which always incorporate the colour red, and head out to
festivals. Here, the streets are dosed
with red lanterns and decorations. Most with sayings of new beginnings and
wishes of good fortunes.
Many will gather to watch the dragon and lion dances. It is
believed that the loud beating of the drums and the face of the dragon will
chase away any evil spirits and bad omens. You may also notice that many
businesses or shops will have a long string of crackers hanging at the entrance,
these are burned to ward off the evil spirits and clear the entry for the lion
to enter the shop and bless the shop and owner with a prosperous year ahead. The
lion, in turn, is then given a red “leisie” envelope and vegetables to thank
him.
All the loud fireworks and music add to the festivities and
celebrations and signifies a joyful occasion.
The festival celebrating Chinese New Year will be held this
Saturday in First China Town, 11 Commissioner Street Johannesburg from 18:00.
Come and share in the joyous festivities and reign in the New Year with us!
I hope you have enjoyed reading this post and that it has
helped you understand my culture and traditions a little bit more.
I would like to wish my readers a good and happy new year! May
the year of the goat bring you all good fortune, happiness, success and
prosperity!
Thank you all for reading!
Kung Hei Fat Choy!
The Looi Look
xxx
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| A Wishing Tree. |
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