I Love Chinese New Year
January 25th, 2009 | Categories: Life, Question of the Week | 15 CommentsToday, January 25, is Chinese New Year Eve. This means that I need to run around in preparation for the New Year today, getting everything ready before the Year of the Ox arrives. I need to clean my room and do all my laundry so that all of the bad spirits of the previous year are washed away with the arrival of the new year, and tonight I have to wash my hair as well as shower because washing hair on the first day of the New Year is bad luck. It is traditional for the entire family to get together and have a Chinese New Year Eve dinner, but as the majority of my family is in Hong Kong and I’m in the States, that’s not really an option for me this year.
Tomorrow, I have to call my family and wish them a happy new year (新年快乐) and prosperity for the new year (恭喜发财), among many other well-wishes. My personal favorite is 心想事成, which translates to “May all of your wishes come true.” Then comes the distribution of red packets (红包), which is one of the many perks of Chinese New Year! Additionally, I will abstain from eating meat for the first day of the new year, for it is believed that doing so will increase one’s longevity. It is also customary for people to visit their elders such as their grandparents, but due to geographical distance, again, that’s not an option for me. Altogether there are fifteen days of Chinese New Year (much like how there are twelve days of Christmas), and while I really only observe the traditional customs on the eve of the new year as well as the first day, it’s my favorite holiday.
I just love the feeling of a fresh start for a new year – cleaning, cooking, the well-wishes… I love how families get together and wish each other prosperity for the new year, how people visit their elders to pay their respects, and how everyone is always happy, giving out red packets and enjoying the delicious food that is served around New Year. There’s so much culture and tradition that is steeped into the customs of Chinese New Year, and I love the festive atmosphere and excitement that is part of the holiday. This is my first Chinese New Year without my family, and as it is my favorite holiday I am a little scared to spend it on my own – but I’m confident that my friends and I will make it a Chinese New Year to remember. Happy Year of the Ox, everyone!
Question of the Week: What is your favorite holiday, and why?
Tags: holidays
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Hi, I'm Manda. I'm a college student studying communications and languages. I like to read, shop, bake, and travel. I have a tendency to listen to my favorite songs on repeat for hours on end. Sometimes I catch myself thinking in a language other than English. 
I love the Chinese New Year! I wish I was Chinese so I could celebrate it. :P I have a very good friend who is Chinese and I’ve been able to experience some of what it is before. It’s a lot of fun. :)
I think my favorite holiday is Thanksgiving. I love getting together with my family, eating amazing food and enjoying each others company. Also, because it’s usually the only time I get to spend time with all of my boyfriend’s family. Now, it has become more special because it means my semester is ending soon and I’m closer to freedom. :P
Chinese New Year sounds so great! The traditions are so unique, and these 15 days must have a great feeling to them. :) I wish I could celebrate it, as well, but a) I’m not Chinese (does that count as a “disqualification”, though?) b) my family and friends would think that our own traditions are not enough for me, aand I’m snobbish. Which is true, but most Hungarians would kill me if I’d say it out loud.
I don’t really think that there are any Hungarian holidays like this, and most of them are pretty boring or war-related, anyway. We don’t even have Thanksgiving, duh! >_< Thus, I’ll be a little self-centered, and say that my birthday is my favourite holiday. :p
Chinese New Year is so interesting! My flatmate’s Chinese and she’s getting ready to go out now… so she can countdown the CNY with her friends. :) I’ve never actually celebrated it though, but do feel bad for eating all that meat tonight for dinner though…
My favourite holiday is actually the whole Christmas period. Even though we don’t celebrate Christmas in the religious sense, more in the broadly cultural sense (if that indeed makes any sense! ;)) It’s because I get the stay at home with my family, and there are great movies on T.V. and we’re all together for the New Year. We always watch a load of movies and learn so much more about each other. We don’t do anything grand or flamboyant, but I just love being able to spend cosy days and nights at home. :)
p.s. I had no idea you were Chinese! So are you in the U.S. to study, or have you lived there for a while? I don’t know why but I find this very interesting! Hee.
I’m half Chinese – I was born there and lived there for a while, but then again, I’ve lived in lots of places, so that’s just one of them! I try to go back and visit every year.
I’ll have to remember “心想事成” I like that!
My favorite holiday would have to be either my birthday or Christmas.
My favorite is St. Patrick’s Day. I am half Irish & that is our day, lol.
It’s Chinese New Year here right now, and I’ve just had the biggest vegetarian feast. I am entirely stufffed. We’re visiting temples (two) later today, and then visiting family. I love this holiday too, it’s such a fabulous occasion for family to come together and think about the future :)
I don’t really have a favourite holiday- I’m a huge fan of all of them =D
Kung Hei Fat Choi/Happy Chinese New Year, Manda!
I love chinese new year EVE as well. Also the fact I receive AMPAO too :) Happy and yet, I’m also scared, because it says that rabbit aren’t really that lucky for this year.. yikes.
Happy New year!! It’s angpao time!!
Chinese New Year sounds like a nice holiday, the whole Chinese culture seem so full of beautiful traditions :) Would be fun to experience it in person some day.
My favourite holiday is Samhain (Halloween) just because it’s in the fall and includes ghosts and candles. I love the autumn and for me that is the true beginning of the year so I always feel expectant and festive around that time :)
Hello! My favorite holiday is probably Thanks Giving. It’s the fantastic food of Christmas, the closeness of family, and all without that Christmas stress. ^^
Ps. Welcome to The Q*bee!!
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