The Lunar New Year is of great significance
for ethnic Chinese communities around the world. It is a time to take a
break from work and spend time with family and friends.
One of the most famous legends surrounding the origin of the Chinese New Year Festival is Nian, a cruel and ferocious beast that those in ancient times believed would devour people on New Year's Eve. This gave rise to the tradition of pasting red paper couplets on doors, lighting torches, and the setting off of firecrackers throughout the night. This is because it is said that the monster Nian fears the colour red, firelight and loud noise. Having kept the Nian away for another year, it is customary to greet each other with the phrase gong xi, which translates to congratulations.
Generally the festivities seem to only last for several days, starting on New Year's Eve. But in reality, the festival is around three weeks long, beginning on the 24th day of the 12th lunar month. It is believed that on this day various gods ascend to heaven to pay their respects and report to the Jade Emperor, the supreme Taoist deity. Traditionally households thus honor these gods by burning ritualistic paper money to provide for their travelling expenses.
Another tradition consists of hanging up paper scrolls and squares inscribed with blessings. The paper squares are usually posted upside down, because in Mandarin the word for upside down sounds exactly the same as the word arrival. This way the blessings are made to arrive.
On New Year's Eve family members who no longer live at home make a special effort to return home for reunion and share in a rich new year's dinner. In Taiwan, for example, it is often the case that in this time of year, one can only obtain long-haul train tickets with great difficulty if no advance booking was made. On the night family members hand out red envelopes containing cash to symbolize luck to elders and children. It is also believed that by staying up long into the night on New Year's Eve, the parents will live longer.
On New Year's Day, tradition has it that homage is made to one's ancestors and reverence is paid to the gods, followed by younger family members paying their respects to their living elders. New clothes are worn and visits are paid to friends, neighbours and relatives to exchange good wishes. The atmosphere is generally of warmth and friendliness.
Something not to be missed is the dragon and lion dance. The heads of these beasts are believed to ward off evil, and the dancing movements provide a grand spectacle. On the second day of the lunar New Year it is customary for married daughters to return to their parents' home.
There are also certain negative superstitions and taboos which still exist to this day. For example, sweeping the floor during the first five days is thought to bring bad luck, because one might accidentally sweep one's good luck and wealth out of the house.
Despite the fact that some of the magic surrounding the New Year's Festival may have worn off through industrialisation and modernisation, the festival and accompanying celebrations are still unrivalled in importance.
(Thanks Radio Taiwan)
One of the most famous legends surrounding the origin of the Chinese New Year Festival is Nian, a cruel and ferocious beast that those in ancient times believed would devour people on New Year's Eve. This gave rise to the tradition of pasting red paper couplets on doors, lighting torches, and the setting off of firecrackers throughout the night. This is because it is said that the monster Nian fears the colour red, firelight and loud noise. Having kept the Nian away for another year, it is customary to greet each other with the phrase gong xi, which translates to congratulations.
Generally the festivities seem to only last for several days, starting on New Year's Eve. But in reality, the festival is around three weeks long, beginning on the 24th day of the 12th lunar month. It is believed that on this day various gods ascend to heaven to pay their respects and report to the Jade Emperor, the supreme Taoist deity. Traditionally households thus honor these gods by burning ritualistic paper money to provide for their travelling expenses.
Another tradition consists of hanging up paper scrolls and squares inscribed with blessings. The paper squares are usually posted upside down, because in Mandarin the word for upside down sounds exactly the same as the word arrival. This way the blessings are made to arrive.
On New Year's Eve family members who no longer live at home make a special effort to return home for reunion and share in a rich new year's dinner. In Taiwan, for example, it is often the case that in this time of year, one can only obtain long-haul train tickets with great difficulty if no advance booking was made. On the night family members hand out red envelopes containing cash to symbolize luck to elders and children. It is also believed that by staying up long into the night on New Year's Eve, the parents will live longer.
On New Year's Day, tradition has it that homage is made to one's ancestors and reverence is paid to the gods, followed by younger family members paying their respects to their living elders. New clothes are worn and visits are paid to friends, neighbours and relatives to exchange good wishes. The atmosphere is generally of warmth and friendliness.
Something not to be missed is the dragon and lion dance. The heads of these beasts are believed to ward off evil, and the dancing movements provide a grand spectacle. On the second day of the lunar New Year it is customary for married daughters to return to their parents' home.
There are also certain negative superstitions and taboos which still exist to this day. For example, sweeping the floor during the first five days is thought to bring bad luck, because one might accidentally sweep one's good luck and wealth out of the house.
Despite the fact that some of the magic surrounding the New Year's Festival may have worn off through industrialisation and modernisation, the festival and accompanying celebrations are still unrivalled in importance.
(Thanks Radio Taiwan)
