Chinese New Year is a major festival celebrated around the world by many millions of people. The event is not a single day but spread over a full two weeks. It is also a celebration steeped in tradition some of which are as follows:
1. Grown-ups and other married family members hand out red envelopes containing money to children for Chinese New Year. Employers also hand these out to employees to ensure good fortune. The amount in the money should always be in even numbers, ideally 8, which is a lucky number for the Chinese.
2. Tangerines are lucky fruits according to the Chinese. This is why they're always included in any Chinese New Year feast. During the celebration, children are expected to offer their elders two tangerines as they wish their elders a happy new year. The act of offering tangerines is also taken to mean that they wish their elders luck in the new year as well.
3. The dragon and lion dance is something that's never missing in Chinese New Years parades, especially in the various Chinatowns around the world. Power and good luck are represented by the dragon. The Chinese lion dance is meant to welcome prosperity and good fortune for the new year.
4. The Chinese decorate their homes with read banners. The Chinese paint or print "Fu" (for luck) on these banners. The banners could also have short poems printed on them. These poems essentially express gratitude for all the blessings received the year before and wishes for the new year.
5. Lanterns are a common sight during the Chinese New Year. Not a surprise since the Chinese New Year is called the Lantern Festival too. People buy these lanterns to light them up. It's their way of ushering in the new year. You'll see people walking around carrying lit lanterns. You'll also see many homes with lit lanterns hanging right outside.
6. These lanterns may also have riddles on them. What they do is write riddles on pieces of paper and place them on the lantern. Anyone -- guests and passersby -- can try to guess the riddle. If they answer it correctly, they get a present from the person who hung the lantern.
7. The ancestors are not forgotten during this time. In fact, solemn prayers are said in their honor. Incense sticks are burned as the prayers are said. The people thank the ancestors for all the good fortune they've received the year before.
1. Grown-ups and other married family members hand out red envelopes containing money to children for Chinese New Year. Employers also hand these out to employees to ensure good fortune. The amount in the money should always be in even numbers, ideally 8, which is a lucky number for the Chinese.
2. Tangerines are lucky fruits according to the Chinese. This is why they're always included in any Chinese New Year feast. During the celebration, children are expected to offer their elders two tangerines as they wish their elders a happy new year. The act of offering tangerines is also taken to mean that they wish their elders luck in the new year as well.
3. The dragon and lion dance is something that's never missing in Chinese New Years parades, especially in the various Chinatowns around the world. Power and good luck are represented by the dragon. The Chinese lion dance is meant to welcome prosperity and good fortune for the new year.
4. The Chinese decorate their homes with read banners. The Chinese paint or print "Fu" (for luck) on these banners. The banners could also have short poems printed on them. These poems essentially express gratitude for all the blessings received the year before and wishes for the new year.
5. Lanterns are a common sight during the Chinese New Year. Not a surprise since the Chinese New Year is called the Lantern Festival too. People buy these lanterns to light them up. It's their way of ushering in the new year. You'll see people walking around carrying lit lanterns. You'll also see many homes with lit lanterns hanging right outside.
6. These lanterns may also have riddles on them. What they do is write riddles on pieces of paper and place them on the lantern. Anyone -- guests and passersby -- can try to guess the riddle. If they answer it correctly, they get a present from the person who hung the lantern.
7. The ancestors are not forgotten during this time. In fact, solemn prayers are said in their honor. Incense sticks are burned as the prayers are said. The people thank the ancestors for all the good fortune they've received the year before.
About the Author:
The 2012 Chinese New Year commences in January this year. Delve into the mysteries of this amazing Celebration and the Year of The Dragon by visiting out website , visit our site Chinesenewyear2012.net