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Chinese New Year this year falls on February 14, 2010: Valentine's Day. It's different every year, since the dates on the lunar calendar are different. Perhaps it's a good sign for this Year of the Tiger.
Per usual, there is much to do in preparation for the most important holiday of the year to the Chinese. Traditionally, the Chinese are an incredibly superstitious bunch, and there are lots of things that need to be done to ensure a lucky and prosperous new year:
Clean house ... literally. The house should be cleaned from top to bottom before the start of the New Year. If you can't manage that, the least you must do is sweep the floors. By sweeping up the floor, you're getting rid of your old luck and allowing for your new luck to flow into the house.
Pay off your debts. Obviously, not all debts can be paid off in one fail swoop. These days, we just make sure all our bills are paid and sent out before Chinese New Year day. Once again, it's all about making sure your old debts and old luck are out the door so you can welcome in new wealth and luck. It's kind of like starting out fresh.
Wear something lucky. Either something new, something red, or both: Red is the most honored color to the Chinese. It's a symbol of wealth, luck, happiness and prosperity. Wearing something new is once again starting off fresh for the New Year. And with the date falling on Valentine's Day this year, it all works out perfectly.
Do nothing. On Chinese New Year day you're not supposed to lift a finger. Yup, you lay around all day, invite friends and family over, and just eat leftovers. Kind of sounds like Thanksgiving, doesn't it? We do this because you're not supposed to use any knives (you don't want to cut off your luck, do you?), go near an open flame (bad luck), or wash anything (you'll wash away your new luck!). No dishes. No laundry. Technically, you're not supposed to wash your hair, but that's not always a good idea these days.
It all seems a bit silly, and perhaps even a little extreme: We live in the modern world, and superstitions like these seem a bit ridiculous. But for me, it's more than just superstition, it's tradition. It's a way to honor my ancestors and the things they believed in. And it's a wonderful way to teach my husband and child the traditions that make this holiday so fascinating and great.
Ultimately, Chinese New Year is about renewal, family and celebration. And there's nothing silly about that.
Bloggers celebrating the Year of the Tiger:
- The Year of the Tiger and New Year traditions at House on a Hill
- 2010 is the Year of the Metal Tiger at BlogHer
- Are you a Tiger, too? at Chinese in Vancouver
- Ming-Na on her family traditions at Celebrity Baby Scoop
- Singaporean New Year Traditions at An American Girl in Singapore
- Cornflake cookies, soy sauce chicken and more Chinese New Year recipes at Rasa Malaysia
Elaine Wu is the Marketing Programs Manager for BlogHer. She’s a wife, mom, former television and radio minion, food blogger and designer handbag nut.
