On the eve of CNY, the reunion dinner forms the biggest event of the whole year; it would be unthinkable not to be together with the family on that particular evening. All over China, a migration of epic measures takes place as literally millions of people travel all over the country in order to spend this festival within their families. Even in small Singapore, roads are getting jammed by cars, motorcycles, lorries - anything that can drive and carry people - to transport Chinese who work in Singapore but live in Malaysia back home.The meal usually includes a dish of fish - the bigger the better - as the Chinese associate fish with prosperity. In order to ensure that food would be plenty in the New Year as well, not all of the fish is eaten - the remainder is stored until the next day (the New Year). While in Northern China, 'jiaozi' are served, 'niangao' is a must in the Southern part - 'jiaozi' are dumplings which resemble the shape of the old Chinese tael, thus symbolizing wealth; 'niangao' - meaning 'increased prosperity for every year coming' - is a round, very sweet and sticky cake which signifies long lasting eternal friendship. It is often given to business associates and friends as round - having no beginning and no end - symbolizes eternity and stickiness ensures loyalty (sticking together).
After the reunion dinner, families visit the temple to pray and pay respect to all the gods and ask for a prosperous New Year. In most Chinese countries, it has become customary to follow the Western Tradition of watching an entertainment show, followed by a count down to midnight (even though the Chinese New Year starts at 11pm already) culminating in a magnificent fire work.
Hand Cymbals
On the first day, no cooking is allowed as knives, scissors and anything sharp is deemed bad luck - therefore all food to be consumed has been cooked before. Most people avoid eating meat on the first day as the New Year should not be started with taking someone's life; it also ensures longevity for oneself. It is customary for the whole family to visit the eldest person of the family on the first day to convey the wishes for long life and prosperity - similar to an 'open house'. Red, orange or brightly colored clothing, preferable newly bought, is worn and mandarin oranges in pairs are exchanged as a symbol of luck (thus everyone needs to have stocked up on them in order to be prepared for visitors). In Chinese custom, everything has always to be given in pairs and with both hands as the number one is associated with loneliness. By virtue of their color and shape, these oranges symbolize prosperity and happiness and their name 'kum' pronounced in Mandarin sounds like 'gold! To all children and unmarried relatives, friends and acquaintances as well as employees.
Ang Pows (Hong Baos) are given - these are small red envelopes that should be filled with new notes of even numbered values, for example two 10 Dollar notes (or preferably more:); during the days leading up to CNY, all banks stock newly printed crisp notes for everyone to exchange against the old grubby ones - the queues are long...
Most hotels, but also many private businesses or families invite a Lion Dance group to usher in the New Year and chase away any bad spirits from the past year. These dances are performed by very young athletic men who under a huge lion's mask mimic the movements of this animal, performing artistic stunts on poles, all accompanied by clashing cymbals and loud drumming. During the first few days, the air is filled with the deafening noise of the cymbals and drums all over the place as it is customary to make noise all the time when driving on big trucks with huge waving flags from one performance to the next one.
The second day is especially for the married daughters to visit their birth family as married women only rarely go back to their families during the year.
The third day is reserved to enjoy some 'private' time after all this feasting - it would be ill fitting to visit someone on that day without being asked, but it is not unusual to be particularly invited for lunch or dinner.
After the third day, shops and offices open again and life resumes its normal pace. However, every day continues to be spent in a special way according to the different customs and religions - be it Buddhist or Taoist or Ancestor Worship.
Finally, the fifteenth day - full moon - signifies the end of CNY celebrations.
So, what does the Year of the Rabbit signify? Watch out for the next newsletter in which I will try to demystify superstitious - albeit charming - beliefs and give you some fascinating insights into an ancient philosophy that can easily be applied to our modern times.
Chinese New Year Celebration 2011 - Part 2
Apart from an early interest in the Art and Culture of Asia, Ina Niemann's professional background is in languages but most of all, in Design (Graphic, Fashion, Furniture, Interior) and painting. Ina got interested in Traditional Chinese Medicine in order to help a close family member - with amazing results. This was followed by many years of intensive professional studies of Acupuncture, Reiki, BACH Flowers, JinShinJyutsu, EFT, Personality Analysis (Four Pillars of Chinese Destiny) etc. Throughout the last 23 years, the Theory of the Five Elements - a fundamental outlook on life based on the laws of nature - has influenced her the most. Ina offers help in getting your Life in Balance at http://lifebalance.com.sg and enjoy some insight into the Year of the Rabbit at http://lifebalance.com.sg/Newsletters
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