CHINESE NEW YEAR 2006

By: Jimmy Eggleston

It will be in just a matter of days before the celebration of the Chinese New Year of the Dog.  Have you ever wonder what goes on in preparation for this celebration as well as some of the customs, taboos and superstitions surrounding Chinese New Year. I was chatting with couple of co-workers whom were Chinese and learned some interesting tidbits of information that I think would be fun to share especially w/ our non-Asian members.  

For example: 

The entire house would be cleaned before New Year's Day. On New Year's Eve, all brooms, brushes, dusters, dust pans and other cleaning equipment are put away. Sweeping or dusting should not be done on New Year's Day for fear that good fortune will be swept away. After New Year's Day, the floors may be swept. Beginning at the door, the dust and rubbish are swept to the middle of the parlor, then placed in the corners and not taken or thrown out until the fifth day. At no time should the rubbish in the corners be trampled upon. In sweeping, there is a superstition that if you sweep the dirt out over the threshold, you will sweep one of the family away. Also, to sweep the dust and dirt out of your house by the front entrance is to sweep away the good fortune of the family; it must always be swept inwards and then carried out, then no harm will follow. All dirt and rubbish must be taken out the back door.

Shooting off firecrackers on New Year's Eve is the Chinese way of sending out the old year and welcoming in the New Year. On the stroke of midnight on New Year's Eve, every door in the house, and even windows, have to be open to allow the old year to go out.

All debts had to paid by this time. Nothing should be lent on this day, as anyone who does so will be lending all the year. Back when tinder and flint were used, no one would lend them on this day or give a light to others.

Everyone should refrain from using foul language and bad or unlucky words. Negative terms and the word "four" (Ssu), which sounds like the word for death, are not to be uttered. Death and dying are never mentioned and ghost stories are totally taboo. References to the past year are also avoided as everything should be turned toward the New Year and a new beginning.

If you cry on New Year's day, you will cry all through the year. Therefore, children are tolerated and are not spanked, even though they are mischievous.  

On New Year's Day, one is not suppose to wash their hair because it would mean washing away good luck for the New Year. Red clothing is preferred during this festive occasion. Red is considered a bright, happy color, which is sure to bring the wearer a sunny and bright future. It is believed that appearance and attitude during New Year's sets the tone for the rest of the year. Children and unmarried friends, as well as close relatives are given "lai see", little red envelopes with crisp one dollar bills inserted, for good fortune.

For those most superstitious, before leaving the house to call on others, the Almanac should be consulted to find the best time to leave the home and the direction which is most auspicious to head out.

The first person one meets and the first words heard are significant as to what the fortunes would be for the entire year. It is a lucky sign to see or hear songbirds or red-colored birds or swallows.

It is considered unlucky to greet anyone in their bedroom so that is why everyone, even the sick, should get dressed and sit in the living room.

Do not use knives or scissors on New Year's Day as this may cut off fortune.

While many Chinese people today may not believe in these do's and don'ts, these traditions and customs are still practiced. These traditions and customs are kept because most families realize that it is these very traditions, whether believed or not, that provide continuity with the past and provide the family with an identity. 

Celebration of the New Year lasts for 15 days and there is even rules to follow for each of the days.   

For example the first day of the Lunar New Year is dedicated to  the "welcoming of the gods of the heavens and earth." No meat is eaten on the first day of the new year as it is believed that this will ensure long and happy life. 

On the second day, the Chinese pray to their ancestors as well as to all the gods. They are extra kind to dogs and feed them well as it is believed that the second day is the birthday of all dogs. 

The third and fourth days are for the sons-in-laws to pay respect to their parents-in-law.

The fifth day is called Po Woo. On that day people stay home to welcome the God of Wealth. No one visits families and friends on the fifth day because it will bring both parties bad luck.  

From the sixth to the 10th day, the Chinese will visit their relatives and friends freely. They also visit the temples to pray for good fortune and health.

The seventh day of the New Year is the day for farmers to display their produce. These farmers make a drink from seven types of vegetables to celebrate the occasion. The seventh day is also considered the birthday of human beings. Noodles are eaten to promote longevity and raw fish for success.

On the eighth day the Fujian people have another family reunion dinner, and at midnight they pray to Tian Gong, the God of Heaven.

The ninth day is to make offerings to the Jade Emperor.

The 10th through the 12th are days that friends and relatives should be invited for dinner.  

 On the 13th day after so much rich food, the chinese would have simple rice congee and mustard greens (choi sum) to cleanse their system.  

The 14th day would be for preparations to celebrate the Lantern Festival which is held on the 15th night.  

On the 15th is the celebration of the Latern Festival which occurs on the 15th day of the 1st Lunar month which is the first night to see a full moon. According to Chinese tradition, at the very beginning of a new year when there is a bright full moon hanging in the sky, there should be thousands of colorful laterns hung for people to appreciate. On the laterns are puzzles which people will try to solve along with eating rice balls known as "yuanxiao". This is a joyous occasion for families to celebrate together and to bring in a new year of prosperity for everyone. 

There are many more traditions that are celebrated throughout this period of time and I have only barely scratched the surface. I hope this gives everyone a glimpse into the traditions of our Asian Friends so that we can learn more and be ever mindful of the goal of Long Yang Club International to foster knowledge and friendship as symbolized in our logo of the clasps hands united to form a bridge between East and West. 

To all our Asian friends  Kung hei fat choy 

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