What is
the story behind Chinese New Year? Why celebrate?
Well, depending on the story teller, the
origins of the celebration will vary but they all include a story of a terrible
mythical monster who preyed on the villagers. The lion-like monster’s name was
Nian (年) which is also the Chinese word for “year." One thing is the same in all the stories though. They all tell of a wise old man
who counsels the villagers on how to ward off the evil monster by making loud
noises with drums and firecrackers and by hanging red paper cutouts and scrolls
on their doors because the evil monster, Nian, is scared of the color red. (Red
symbolizes fire and wards the evil off.) The villagers listened to the old man and conquered
Nian. Each year, the Chinese recognize the “passing of the Nian”, which is the
same as celebrating the new year, hence… CHINESE NEW YEAR!
The date of Chinese New Year changes each
year because Chin@ uses the lunar calendar. The lunar calendar is based on the moon’s
orbit around the earth so CNY will always fall on the second new moon after the
winter solstice. In contrast, our western
calendar is based on the earth’s orbit around the sun.
The holiday is about a week-long now. Traditionally,
it is a 15-day holiday during which firecrackers are lit, drums can be heard on
streets, red lanterns glow at night, red paper cutouts and calligraphy hangings
are hung up in doors, and then concludes on the 15th day.
What are the traditional customs for families during Chinese New Year?
The holiday is traditionally
linked to honoring the household, ancestors and heavenly gods. It is a time to
be with family and relax from work.
Spring cleaning is common. The Chinese will
clean out their homes during the holiday as a way to break up the monotony of
the long winter months.
Many families travel far distances. Known
as Chunyun (春运), or the "Spring movement", a huge movement
takes place where many families travel through large crowds to get to their
villages.
Children are also given red envelopes with
money or candy in them and some are placed under their pillows to open on New
Year’s Day. Many cities around the world also hold Chinese New Year parades.
Food is an important part of the
celebration. Traditional foods include nian gao, or sweet sticky rice cake, and
savory dumplings, which are round and symbolize never-ending wealth. Yummy!
So, what does the Horse predict for the Pig and the Rabbit in 2014?2014 is the year of the Horse. Those born in 2014 are said to possess good communication skills, be full of cheer, seek success, are talented and popular, and are stubborn.
Michael is a pig and this is what the horse advises for him,
“Stop being such a control freak! You don’t need to plan every last detail!”
I am a rabbit and this is what the horse advises for me,
“Don’t be discouraged and follow your dreams.”
Hmmmmm…
A few inspirational
proverbs to ring in the new year:
- Be not afraid of growing slowly, be afraid only of standing still.
- "I heard" is good; "I saw" is better.
- Make happy those who are near, and those who are far will come.
- He who hurries can not walk with dignity.
- If you want 1 year of prosperity, grow grain. If you want 10 years of prosperity, grow trees. If you want 100 years of prosperity, grow people.
- If you want happiness for a lifetime; help someone else.
- A closed mind is like a closed book; just a block of wood.
- Blame yourself as you blame others; forgive others as you forgive yourself.
- If you hurry through long days, you will hurry through short years.
- If Heaven made someone, earth can find some use for them.
- Forget the favors given; remember those receive.
马年大吉
"Best wishes for the Year of the Horse" from our family!
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