How to Celebrate Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year, also known as the Lunar New Year, is one of the most important traditional festivals in Chinese culture. While vibrant red lanterns and colourful lights may be the most recognised symbols for those in the West, the celebration involves a rich array of rituals and customs that have been passed down through generations. Here’s how Chinese people welcome the New Year with joy and tradition:

Preparation begins well before New Year’s Day. About two weeks before the celebrations, families thoroughly clean their homes to symbolise clearing out bad luck and making space for good fortune. Once the house is spotless, it’s time for decorations! Red lanterns, couplets with auspicious phrases, and paper cuttings are placed around the home, creating a festive atmosphere full of hope and prosperity.

The New Year’s Eve reunion dinner is the highlight of the celebration. Families, near and far, gather to share a meal that symbolises unity and togetherness. The dinner is a lavish feast, often featuring dishes like dumplings, whole fish (symbolising abundance), chicken, and vegetables, each carrying its own special meaning for good fortune.

An enduring tradition is the giving of red envelopes, or “hongbao.” Elders present these envelopes, containing money, to younger family members as a token of luck and blessing. The red colour of the envelopes is thought to ward off evil spirits and ensure happiness and prosperity in the coming year.

As the clock strikes midnight, the skies light up with dazzling fireworks. According to Chinese mythology, these loud and colourful displays are meant to scare away the mythical monster Nian, which is believed to come out on New Year’s Eve. The loud bursts of firecrackers also mark the beginning of the New Year with excitement and celebration.

New Year’s Day is traditionally spent at home with immediate family, but the following days are dedicated to visiting relatives and friends. Guests often bring gifts such as fruits, sweets, or other tokens of goodwill, and children may receive more red envelopes. These visits are an important way to strengthen family bonds and spread New Year’s blessings.

The celebrations don’t end after New Year’s Day. Until the 15th day of the Lunar New Year, communities hold folk performances, temple fairs, and cultural events. Dragon and lion dances, traditional music, and vibrant markets bring people together to enjoy the festive spirit. Many also visit temples to pray for good fortune in the coming year.

Food plays a central role in Chinese New Year celebrations. Each dish served during the festival carries symbolic meaning:

• Dumplings: Represent wealth, as they resemble ancient Chinese gold ingots.
• Fish: Symbolises abundance and surplus for the year ahead.
• Noodles: Long noodles signify longevity.
• Glutinous Rice Cake (Nian Gao): Associated with rising success.

Though customs may vary across regions and families, Chinese New Year is universally celebrated as a time of renewal, gratitude, and hope. It’s a joyful reminder of the importance of family, community, and cultural heritage.

So, whether you’re cleaning your home, enjoying a feast, or admiring a dragon dance, embrace the spirit of Chinese New Year and its timeless traditions.