Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival or Lunar New Year, is a vibrant and significant celebration that marks the beginning of the lunar calendar in many East Asian cultures. As families come together to usher in the new year with joy and auspicious traditions, it's essential to be mindful of certain customs and etiquettes. In this article, we'll explore the dos and don'ts that will help you navigate the Chinese New Year celebrations respectfully and authentically.
Photo: Lifestyle Asia
The Dos:
Offer and Receive Red Packets (Hongbao):
Do Give Red Packets: Red packets, or "hongbao," containing money are traditionally given as a symbol of good luck and prosperity. It's customary for elders to give hongbao to younger family members and unmarried individuals.
Wear Red Attire
Do Wear Red: Red is considered a color that symbolizes good fortune and happiness. Wearing red clothing during Chinese New Year is a positive and festive gesture.
Exchange Greetings
Do Offer Well-Wishes: Exchange greetings like "Gong Xi Fa Cai" (Mandarin) or "Kung Hei Fat Choi" (Cantonese), both of which convey wishes for prosperity and wealth in the coming year.
Participate in Traditional Activities
Do Engage in Customs: Participate in traditional activities such as dragon and lion dances, visiting temples, and lighting firecrackers. These customs are believed to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits.
Respect Elders
Do Show Respect: It's customary to show respect to elders during Chinese New Year. This includes using proper titles and offering well-wishes.
Share Meals
Do Share Meals: Chinese New Year is a time for families to gather and share meals. Joining in these feasts is a way to bond with loved ones and celebrate the festive spirit.
The Don'ts:
Avoid Unlucky Numbers
Don't Use Unlucky Numbers: In Chinese culture, certain numbers are considered unlucky due to their phonetic similarity to negative words. For example, the number four is associated with death. Avoid using or giving gifts in sets of unlucky numbers or odd numbers.
Refrain from Negative Words
Don't Use Negative Language: Steer clear of using negative words or discussing unfortunate events during the celebration. It's important to focus on positive and auspicious topics.
Don't Visit Sick People
Avoid Visiting the Ill: It is believed that visiting someone who is sick during Chinese New Year may bring bad luck. It's best to postpone such visits until after the festive period.
Don't Break Things
Avoid Breaking Items: Accidents happen, but breaking things during Chinese New Year is considered inauspicious. Take extra care to avoid damaging items or causing disruptions.
Don't Sweep or Clean on New Year's Day
Avoid Cleaning on the First Day: Cleaning or sweeping the house on New Year's Day is believed to sweep away good luck. It's customary to tidy up before the celebrations begin and refrain from cleaning on the first day of the new year.
Refuse Food and Hospitality
Don't Decline Offered Food: If you are offered food during Chinese New Year, it's polite to accept. Refusing food may be seen as a sign of disrespect or bad luck.
As you join in the festivities of Chinese New Year, keeping these dos and don'ts in mind will help you navigate the celebration with cultural sensitivity and respect. Embracing the customs, sharing in the joyous atmosphere, and extending warm wishes to others contribute to a harmonious and meaningful Lunar New Year celebration. Gong Xi Fa Cai!