新年快乐 Xīnnián kuàilè
The Chinese New year or Lunar New Year is the Chinese festival that celebrates the start of a New Year on their traditional calendar. It is referred to as the Spring Festival in the mainland China and is one of several Lunar New Years in Asia. The first day of the new year starts on the new moon between 21st Jan and 20th Feb. This year it is on 25th January and is the year of the Rat.
It's a major holiday in china and has greatly influenced lunar new year celebrations of China's neighbouring cultures. ie Korea, Vietnam and Tibet. It is also celebrated overseas where there are a lot of Chinese people. ie Singapore, North America, Europe and several other places.
It is associated with myths and customs. It was traditionally to honour deities as well as ancestors. In China, they have regional customs and traditions, and the evening before Chinese New Year's Day is regarded as a time for families to gather for the annual reunion dinner. Every family will thoroughly clean their house to sweep away any ill-fortune and to make way for good luck. They also decorate the windows and doors with red paper cuts and couplets.
Red is considered a lucky colour, which drives away evil spirits!
They also light firecrackers and give money in red paper envelopes. In the North, dumplings are featured in the meals celebrating the festival and is often served as the first meal of the year either at midnight or breakfast of the first day.
I like the look of them, but not sure I would want them for breakfast!
Chinese New Year Food: Top 7 Lucky Foods and Symbolism
Fish — an Increase in Prosperity. ...
Chinese Dumplings — Wealth. ...
Spring Rolls — Wealth. ...
Glutinous Rice Cake — a Higher Income or Position. ...
Sweet Rice Balls — Family Togetherness. ...
Longevity Noodles — Happiness and Longevity. ...
Good Fortune Fruit — Fullness and Wealth.
Some other food eaten at the New Year Celebrations.
This is regarded as a feast.
This, I think, looks very pretty.
I’m on my way to China !!
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