By Festivals & Celebration

The Lunar New Year or Chinese New Year 2023 heralds the Year of the Rabbit. Out of 12 animals in the chinese zodiac sign, the rabbit is thought to be the luckiest. Besides, it is a delicate animal that thinks before acting. The year of the rabbit represents calm and patient energy following the traits of a rabbit.

Here is some quick point to notice when Chinese New Year is around the corner. 

Chinese New Year Must-Have Meal

One of the main dishes prepared especially for this occasion is Yee Sang. Yee Sang is a salad seasoned with hoisin sauce and other condiments and made with various vegetables, salmon, and dumpling wrappers. The salad is delicious but it is also part of a family tradition. The salad plate is placed in the centre of the table, and everyone is supposed to toss it up in the air with their chopsticks. People will try to toss it as far as they can in order to attract good fortune.

yee sang

Chinese New Year Must-Have Decorations

Just like all festivals, decorations symbolise the culture. During Chinese New Year, there are many decorations that you will spot and these decorations bring significant meaning.

  • Red lanterns – Used to ward off bad luck.
  • Door Couplets – Spread best wishes and are posted on the doorways.
  • Paper cuts decorations – Good fortune and happiness.
  • Kumquat Trees – Associated with wealth and good fortune.

Common Chinese New Year Taboos

Chinese people believe that because the Spring Festival marks the beginning of a new year, what you do during this time will affect your luck in the coming year. Many Chinese New Year traditions involve dos and don’ts.

Here are some common must-follow taboos to ensure a smooth prosperous Chinese New Year! 

  • Don’t sweep or throw out the rubbish – It means you are sweeping off wealth away while throwing the rubbish means you are throwing out good fortune
  • Don’t wear white or black clothes – The colours are associated with sadness or mourns
  • Avoid lending or borrowing money – Debts should be sorted before Chinese New Year’s Eve and if someone has borrowed money from you, avoid going to the house to demand it as it symbolises bad luck throughout the year in terms of wealth
  • Avoid children from crying – Parents will do all it takes to keep their child happy and to avoid cries as it is considered to bring bad luck or sadness to the family.
  • Don’t give the odd amount of angpao – Never give any value that shows up the number 4 as it means death in Chinese and give them in even numbers as it is believed that good things come in doubles.

Chinese New Year Celebrations at Be Smarts

chinese new year celebration

 

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Have a look below for programmes at Be Smarts and make a smart choice!

 

🎇 Be Smarts wishes you a Happy Chinese New Year🎇

⛩️ Xīn Nian Kuài Lè & Gong Xi Fa Cai ⛩️