Preparing for the Lunar New Year
It is that time of the year when we gather with our families and enjoy festivities such as lion dances and big feasts. Yes, it’s the Lunar New year!
Even though celebrations are going to remain controlled this time around, the spirit and excitement of the new year still remain the same.
The Lunar New year is perhaps the most important event in the Chinese calendar. Also known as the Chinese new year and the spring festival, it usually falls between the winter solstice and the beginning of spring. It is not a single-day event. The celebrations usually begin on the last day of the previous year and last till the fifteenth day of the first month. This year the Lunar new year falls on the first of February.
The Global Significance
Celebrated by the Chinese populace all over the world, it is a very important event in Singapore too and is one of the biggest ethnic events across the globe. The Chinese new year was traditionally followed as a means to honour both traditional deities and familial ancestors. With time passing, it has also become a time to remember one’s roots and heritage.
Chinese New Year is a very important event in Singapore. Streets and houses are decorated, especially in Chinatown- it is a sight to behold. Malls and markets offer huge discounts and offers. People stock up snacks and desserts. You can see markets and stalls popping up all over.
2022 – The Year of the Tiger
The New Year is also connected to the Chinese Zodiac. Traditionally, there are 12 Zodiac animals and each animal is linked to certain traits and elements. Different years are associated with different animals in the zodiac. 2022 is the year of the tiger. It starts on February 1 and goes on till January 2, 2023. Children born in the Year of the Tiger are said to grow up to be brave, competitive, and confident. Since it is the year of the tiger, you will see many wearing clothes and accessories with tiger images on them.
Preparing for the Lunar new year
Planning for the Chinese new year involves two halves – clearing away the previous year’s bad luck and preparing our home for the upcoming year’s good luck.
Most businesses remain closed for a two-week duration citing the Chinese New Year festival. People generally don’t cook or clean after new year’s eve, so they end up stocking up all essential items. One more reason for this is that the Chinese believe that the abundance at the Chinese new year will be carried forward to the new year as well, and this “stocking” of goods has a lot to do with it.
Read up on the traditions, dos, and don’ts related to the new year
It is a good time to get to know about a culture you might be unfamiliar with. Even if you are of Chinese ethnicity, younger generations might not know about the various traditions, dos and don’ts, and activities associated with the event. So, take some time to educate yourself and your children on those.
Customs to be followed three days prior to the New Year
Keep your home spick and span
Cleaning your home is believed to keep your households free of last year’s troubles and prepare you for the next year. Most families paint their homes, mend their clothes and do repairs during this period. Make sure you involve your kids too in the act of cleaning your home. No cleaning is done on New Year’s day as it signifies sweeping away good luck. So, make sure you perform your cleaning tasks a couple of days prior to the new year.
Clear your debts
Make sure you settle your credit card bills, settle any outstanding debts and make peace with people with whom you’ve had issues this year. Start the new year on a fresh note. Go for a walk to clear your mind from worries, set your thoughts right and also do a lot of shopping. Make sure you approach the new year in a very optimistic way.
New Year’s eve and midnight
Dinner Party
Planning on a dinner party with your loved ones, make sure you start cooking the day before. Make sure you focus on the dishes – those that need to be served cold and those that require marinating and so on.
Celebrate at midnight
Welcome the new year by lighting firecrackers. Also, keep your windows and doors open while you burst crackers. It is done to scare off the evil spirits and welcome good luck into your home. It is said that at the stroke of midnight, the new year’s zodiac animal enters our home, takes its throne and provides a sense of hope to all.
Let the celebrations continue post-dinner
Families pass the time between dinner and midnight in different ways. They play games, watch television shows together, decorate their homes and share funny family stories. Dress up your children in their new pyjamas and let them play with other children.
New Year’s Day
The first day of the lunar new year is most often a very quiet affair. Families come out of their homes dressed in new clothes. No one works on this day. Unlucky words and negativity are totally avoided. Make sure you give red envelopes, eat the leftovers, greet your neighbours and wish them good luck for the upcoming year.
Check for events near you
There are many events organised in association with the new year celebrations. Chinatown street light-up, the Chingay Parade, Lion dances, street performances- these are a few among the many events that are going to happen during the new year celebrations. Due to the pandemic situation, you might have to be content with watching many of these events online this year.
Most of our celebrations might be virtual this year, similar to how it was in 2021. But let us make sure that we make the most out of the available resources. We know everyone would be excited for the new year to come. We wish you a 新年快乐! 🙂
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