The Chinese calendar follows the lunar year where the years are arranged
in major cycles of 60 years, and the 12 year cycles (each with a
different animal) are repeated. This year is the Year of the Pig (or
Boar). Those born in 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, and of
course 2007 are born under the sign of the pig. According to legend,
Buddha asked animals to meet him on Chinese New Year. Twelve animals
came – the Rat, the Ox, the Tiger, the Rabbit, the Dragon, the Snake,
the Horse, the Sheep, the Monkey, the Rooster, the Dog, and the Pig. So
he named each year after them claiming that a person born under that
year would have similar characteristics to the animal.
February 7th, 2008 is the first day of a 15 day Chinese New Year
celebration. Because it is the most important holiday in China, people
take weeks of holiday time from work to prepare for and celebrate the
New Year. A lot of effort and preparation goes into making the New Year
celebration festive. Superstition and tradition play a great role in the
celebration. Red is the favorite color amongst Chinese people. Red
symbolizes fire which legend says drives away evil spirits and bad luck.
People dress in red, decorate with red and children are even given red
envelopes of “lucky” money. Fireworks light up the night sky and
tradition say it is to help ward away evil spirits. Live blooming plants
represent rebirth and new growth. Mounds of oranges and tangerines are
typically given as gifts when visiting family during the two week
celebration.
Of course there would be no celebration without a wonderful banquet.
Traditionally families gather together to share large meals throughout
the Chinese New Year celebration. But the biggest feast is usually held
on New Year’s Eve. Not only is the banquet shared by family as a sign of
respect, the feast is also prepared for deceased family ancestors. The
foods that are eaten signify different aspects of life and must be
consumed to attain the meaning. Lotus seed signifies male offspring,
Ginkgo nut represents silver, dried bean curd and Black seaweed -wealth
and happiness, Bamboo shoots translates to “wishing that everything be
well”. Whole fish is served representing togetherness and abundance and
chicken for prosperity. Everything should be whole and uncut
representing togetherness. The most important Chinese New Year food is
uncut long noodles representing long life. The tremendous amount of food
represents abundance and wealth.
Chinese New Year would not be complete without the lantern festival
which usually marks the ending of the festivities. Lanterns are hung in
temples, and are carried in the evening to a parade. Many lanterns are
beautifully hand painted with nature themed designs or scenes from
history. Usually a dragon dance will take place where a large number of
people hold up a dragon made of paper or silk that could stretch as long
as a hundred feet through the streets.
Chinese New Year is not only celebrated in China but is also celebrated
in the United States. Asian communities in San Francisco and New York
have parades, banquets, and firework shows to celebrate as they do in
China. Families also gather to have elaborate feasts, pay respect to
their ancestors and ring in the New Year with good fortune.
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