 For Chinese everywhere, there is no holiday more important than the Chinese New Year. It is a time when families get together and feast. In the Philippines no Chinese New Year table is complete without tikoy, the sticky rice cake that symbolizes unity ("sticking together") that Tsinoys give away to friends and business associates. Ever present too are the round-shaped food like dumplings and oranges, symbols of abundant happiness. Children especially love this time of the year as trays of candies or anything sweet are everywhere so to start the year "sweetly".
 The Chinese New Year marks the first full moon of the lunar year. In more practical terms, the Chinese New Year celebrates the end of winter and the beginning of spring and is therefore also called the Spring Festival. To welcome this most wonderful of days, the Chinese make extensive preparations. The entire house should be cleaned before New Year's day. On the eve, all brooms, brushes, dusters, dustpans and other cleaning equipment must be put away. Sweeping or dusting should not be done on New Year's Day for fear that good fortune will be swept away. After the New Year's Day, sweeping must be done inwards and not out the front door, otherwise good fortune is swept out. All dirt and rubbish must leave the house through the back door. Vases of fresh flowers are scattered throughout the house and happy wishes written in gold on red paper hang from windows, doors and eaves.
 All debts have to be paid by New Year's Day and nothing should be lent on this day either otherwise, one will spend the rest of the year in debt or lending. No crying either on New Year's Day. Children can be as naughty as they want to be. (Does that mean they will be naughty throughout the year?) Hair must not be washed on New Year's Day as this is the equivalent of washing away the good luck of the year. Red is the preferred color for clothing and is sure to bring the wearer a sunny and bright future.
Most awaited are the red and gold envelopes called ang pao filled with money that grandparents hand out to their grandchildren to wish them good luck.
 Shooting of firecrackers and fireworks on New Year's Eve is the Chinese way of sending out the old year and welcoming the new. On the stroke of midnight, every door and window must be open to allow the old year out. A Dragon parade on New Year's Day is always a happy sight in any of the Chinatowns all over the world. Hope you caught one! Kung Hei Fat Choy!
|
