Excerpt from China, Recipes, Flavors & Traditions
By P.J. Tierney
Chinese New Year is a 15-day celebration tied to the lunar calendar. It typically begins with the first new moon at the end of January and spans the first 15 days of the first month of the lunar calendar until the full moon arrives. Houses are thoroughly cleaned in preparation for the Lunar New Year, which signifies the removal of the old and the welcoming of the new. Cleaning is also meant to open space for goodwill and good luck.
Each year, the lunar calendar is represented by one of the 12 zodiac animals. These animals are part of a cycle of 12 stations or “signs” along the sun’s path through the cosmos.
The 12 zodiac animals are the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig. Which animal is your favorite? In addition to the animals, the five elements of earth, water, fire, wood, and metal are also mapped onto the traditional lunar calendar. Each year is associated with an animal that corresponds to an element.
In Chinese traditions, food is pivotal in fostering connections and expressing respect. The New Year’s Eve dinner is the most important meal for Chinese families. Most families gather at a family member’s home instead of a restaurant to eat this meal.
Foods made from glutinous rice are commonly eaten, representing togetherness; dumplings, representing wealth; fish for abundance; and crisp golden spring rolls symbolize bars of gold to bring wealth and prosperity in the coming year.
The Color Red
The color red denotes good luck/fortune and happiness/abundance, and is often worn or used for decoration in celebrations.
Hongbao (Red Envelopes)
Families unite, exchanging red envelopes filled with money to signify blessings and generosity for a prosperous year ahead. Elders give hongbao to children during the New Year Festival. It is believed that the money and red envelopes will keep evil from the children, keep them healthy, and give them a long life.
Fireworks and Firecrackers
These are used to scare away evil spirits and monsters.
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