Outside the Box – Carrie Mizera
What is all the fuss about Chinese New Year?
Chinese New Year aka Lunar New Year or Spring Festival is one of the most celebrated festivities in the world. With Mandarin Chinese being the most widely spoken language on earth, Chinese New Year is not only celebrated in the Chinese speaking countries: China, Hong Kong and Taiwan. It is a major annual event in Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Philippines, Mauritius (go figure) and now North America and Europe.
Chinese New Year is based on the lunisolar calendar and February 12, 2021 is the first day of year 2021. It is the beginning of the Year of the Ox. The animal symbol is based on the 12 Chinese Zodiac in this order: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, Pig.
There are many traditions during the more than two-week long Chinese New Year celebration. The most popular tradition for children is by far the giving of red envelops. Red is a symbol of good fortune and joy which is also said to scare away spirits of bad fortune. The lighting of firecrackers and Lion or Dragon Dance is also meant for chasing away the bad spirits by the loud noise. This time of the year is marked by family gatherings and visits with relatives. Houses are decorated with bright color couplets written with well wishes and warm greetings.
To wish someone Happy Chinese New Year in their native tongue, you can say “新年快乐”(Xin nian kuai le) which simply means happy new year or “恭喜發財” (Gong hey fat choi). The latter is a more popular saying for those who are Cantonese speaking, and it means “wishing you prosperity”.
During Chinese New Year, food is top of the list and certain dishes have special meanings. Fish is a must because it symbolizes that every year there will be enough wealth left for the family. Dumplings always make it on the new year menu of the northerners and sticky rice balls for those in the south. Mandarin orange, roasted melon seeds, taro or turnip cakes are other favorite items.
So, now that you have learned about the basics, when Chinese New Year comes around in a few weeks, you can join in the fun and speak intelligently. 新年快乐!
Renascence School International (RSI) provides children from preschool through twelfth grade with an exceptional education that draws out the brilliance and potential in every student while preparing them for an extraordinary life. For more information, call 714-783-7070 or visit www.rschooloc.org.
Article was featured in the January 2021 Issue of Mesa Verde Living Magazine. Follow Mesa Verde Living on Instagram @mesaverdelivingbvm or on Facebook @mesaverdeliving.
