Chinese New Year is the longest and most principal celebration in the Chinese Lunar Calendar and is therefore revered and considered the most important holiday throughout the entire year for the Chinese population throughout the world.

The festival traditionally begins on the first day of the lunar calendar. The corresponding date in the solar calendar varies from early January to as late as February 19th. And Chinese New Year's Eve is usually the day where Chinese families gather for their annual reunion dinner - that is the most significant family day of the entire year.

Although Chinese New Year is not an official holiday in countries such as Australia, Canada and the United States, many Chinese migrants in these countries hold substantial celebrations and the postal services in the respective countries even issue themed stamps in recognition of this special occasion.

Even within China, regional customs and traditions concerning the celebration of the Chinese New Year vary considerably from province to province. Preparations can begin up to a month beforehand and of course money is spent on gifts, decorations, food and clothing but there are other customs that hold key significance during this time.

The Chinese New Year history is rich and diverse, wrapped in traditions and rituals. Also called the Spring Festival it lasts for a period of two weeks. The history of the Chinese New Year is so old that its origins are lost in the vastness of time. It is said though, that in ancient times, the medieval sovereigns placed great substance in Chinese New Year celebrations and organized grand ceremonies to mark this period. So, there are several myths and traditions that are still recounted today.

For example, poetry specifically relating to New Year is hung on the sides of the homes main entrance. According to one legend, the beginning of Chinese New Year started with the fight against a mythical beast that would come on the first day of New Year to devour livestock, crops, and ravage the villagers. As a form of protection and pacification, the villagers used firecrackers, placed food at their doors and began the custom of hanging red lanterns and calligraphy scrolls around the home in the belief that this beast was afraid of the red colour.

It is also the tradition that every family thoroughly cleans the house. A huge clean-up gets underway and the home is cleaned from top to bottom, to sweep away any ill-fortune that has befallen the family throughout the past year, and by so doing, making way for good luck to enter. The doors and windows are then decorated with paper inscribed with expressions of good wishes for the family with themes of happiness, wealth, good health and longevity. In addition, symbolic flowers and fruits are decoratively used throughout the home.

In traditional China, the Kitchen God was regarded as the guardian of the family hearth and so needed to be considered and appreciated. Part of the way this was done, is that once the home had been thoroughly cleaned it became a time to stock up on foods and gifts. Often, the gifts chosen would be foods, such as fruits and tea.

Given the importance of food in Chinese culture, it is not surprising that huge feasts feature prominently in Chinese New Year celebrations. "Lucky" foods are served throughout the two week Chinese New Year period.

There are particularly symbolic foods that are considered significant for different reasons such as appearance. For example; noodles represent a long life and clams are said to resemble money. However, a food may be significant because it sounds similar to another word. Lettuce in Cantonese sounds like 'rising fortune'. Tangerines and Oranges are generously gifted during this time because their names sound like 'luck and wealth'. Fish also plays a vital role during the festive celebrations as its name sounds like the words for 'wish and abundance'. Sweets are also popular during this season in part because their sweetness represents a rich, sweet life.
The tradition of giving of red packets during Chinese New Year is still observed today. A red envelope with money in it, symbolising luck and wealth are typically given to one another, particularly to the younger members of the family.

Finally, firecrackers have been traditionally used to frighten away any bad omens. It's a method of getting rid of the old and welcoming in the new good fortune. However, in some countries firecrackers are banned and therefore not always a part of the New Year's Eve celebrations.
Chinese New Year more than any other holiday signifies the importance of family. It is a time for family reunions, and social activities with friends. It also denotes the turning over of a new leaf. It is a time to put aside past grudges and reconcile with a sincere wish for harmony and happiness to all. It is also a time to reflect on the priorities a person holds dear and how they have conducted themselves throughout the previous twelve months.

As you're celebrating your Chinese New Year, be sure to enjoy and give generously to the Lion Dancing that always plays a critical role in the festivities.

2011 [Nova Magazine - January edition]