Yes, did I say feasting?? Jus imagine pineapple tarts or biscuits (whether you like your pineapple jam facing you or hidden inside it still taste as nice ever), barbeque meat, cocktail prawn rolls, steamboat and yes, more food. Ooh... any1 drooling... (Think this is the only festive where you can really “pig” out and hold all your slimming plans.)
Family members will start with cleaning their homes, and this has a symbolic meaning. Read on for some practices, customs and beliefs we Chinese believe in during this festive period.
Why Spring-Clean?
Spring-cleaning is a common tradition that families carry out days before the Chinese New Year celebrations. Bringing in the New Year and expelling the old (除旧迎新，好运来). Chinese believe you can sweep away bad luck and make the home ready for good luck to arrive. During Chinese New Year, all brooms and dustpans are put away so that good luck will not be swept away but will stay within the household.
Practically, this is the best time to get rid of useless things in the home. To get into festive mood, homes are decorated with red and gold paper cut-outs of auspicious Chinese phrases and couplets that signify wealth, happiness, peace and longevity.
CNY Do’s and Don’ts
Dressing up in red on the first day of Chinese New Year is encouraged. But there are many other interesting taboos and superstitions. While they may be thought of as old wives’ tales, they were probably thought up in spirit of ensuring that people enjoy a harmonious and happy start to the year. So, disregard them at your own peril.
No sweeping – Sweeping and dusting should not be done during the first few days of the New Year for fear that good fortune will be swept away.
Open up – At the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve, you should open every door and window at home to let the old year out.
Settle all debts – All debts should be paid before the New Year and nothing should be lent out on the first day because it is believed that it will set the precedence for the coming year.
No vulgarities – Refrain from using foul language and unlucky words like ‘si’ (which means ‘four’ in mandarin) because it sounds like the Chinese word for ‘death’. Death, dying and ghost stories are also taboos.
No washing – You’re not supposed to wash your hair on New Year’s Day because it means you are washing away the good luck for the New Year.
Red only – Red clothing is preferred for this festive occasion because it’s considered an auspicious color. That is why children and singles are given Hong Baos, which are envelopes stuffed with crisp bills in even numbers, for good fortune. （鸿运当头）
No sharp objects – Never use knives or forks on New Year’s Day because, if you do, you are said to be cutting away your fortune.
On behalf of the Group, here's wishing you and your family
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