Chinese New Year is just around the corner, and millions of people around the world are preparing to celebrate with their friends and family.
The food, the dances, the music, we know pretty much all of these traditions by heart, right?
Well maybe not - you can always learn something new about something you thought you knew…
Here are some CNY traditions you may not have known or may not have understood properly!
1. New Year Vigil
Children are encouraged to Shou Sui (守岁) (stay awake as long as possible on the eve of the new year) to see out the old year and welcome the new. The Chinese believe that the longer the children stay awake, the longer their parents will live. In return, the young ones get hong bao (红包), traditional red packets containing money, before going to bed.
Breathe’s advice: We know staying up is cool, but don’t forget that getting enough sleep is vital to starting the new year on the right foot! (We suggest that you aim for 8 hours of sleep every night).
2. Taboos Abound
There are lots of things the Chinese think you shouldn’t do during New Year’s celebration: crying on New Year's Day means you will cry for the rest of the year, washing your hair or using knives and scissors may wash away or cut off good luck. Children are told not to use bad words to avoid a misfortunate start to the year and the word for "four" (四) is avoided min particular, because it sounds like the word for "death" (死). Families clean out their houses ahead of the New Year to clear away old and bad things and start the new year freshly. Cleaning on New Year’s Day, however, is forbidden as it results in sweeping away good fortune for the year ahead.
Breathe’s advice: Equip yourself with practical coping skills to deal with any unforeseen circumstances during Chinese New Year. Staying positive can do wonders for your mental wellbeing. Start by keeping spirits up with your beautiful smile!
3. Reunion Dinner
On New Year’s Eve, a reunion dinner is held to reaffirm the loving and affectionate bonds of a family unit. It is known as tuan yuan (团圆). All family members are expected to return to their parental home for the feast, which is made up of huge portions of the finest food. Irrespective of wealth, the Chinese believe that having plenty of food at the feast will bring the family great prosperity in the New Year. Some delicacies include abalone and pen cai (盆菜).
Breathe’s advice: It may be the year of the dragon, but we recommend that you eat in moderation. Check out our tips here, on how to excel in plate kung fu, and still stay svelte in your new clothing!
4. Seventh Day
The seventh day of the new year is Ren Ri (人日) (meaning "Birthday of Man"). Ren Ri celebratory customs vary: in Fukien people prepare a special soup with seven healthy ingredients to counteract ill health, while those in Chekiang eat Peace Dumplings to bring peace to the country. In Singapore and Malaysia, yu sheng (鱼生) or "raw fish" is widely enjoyed. The raw fish salad is made up of heart healthy salmon and lots of fresh shredded veggies like turnip, carrot, cucumber, and ginger.
Breathe’s advice: Go meat free on Ren Ri (人日). Because so much of the two-week holiday revolves around food, having a vegetarian diet on the 7th day is a good way to cleanse the body naturally.
5. Fifteenth Day
The first full moon of the New Year falls on the 15th evening. It is known as Yuan Xiao Jie (元宵节), meaning "first night of the full moon". Another reunion dinner is held, with oranges and lanterns playing a central role, hence the alternative name for the day of Deng Jie (灯节) or "Lantern Festival".
Breathe’s advice: More feasting! See above.
6. It’s time to renew EVERYTHING
Chinese New Year is the time for renewal, for reconnecting with loved ones, improving bonds with your family and friends, setting new goals and forgiving those against whom you bear a grudge.
Breathe’s advice: Make an effort to speak to everyone during house visits, and build your network! By putting in time and effort to maintain your relationships, you will enjoy the positive returns from the strong connections you have with the people in your life.
What other Chinese New Year traditions do you enjoy? Share them with us in the comments below! You can also give us your feedback on Facebook and Twitter.
