6 Customs For Good Fortune - Chinese New Year
January 12, 2017
The year of the Rooster begins on 28 January 2017! During this two weeks festive period, families get together to celebrate a year of hard work, take some rest, and spend time together. A good start to the year is important and will lead to luck in the new year. Here are some lucky customs!
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Eating lucky foods: Dumplings are a must, as they are small and round, and help “roll” into the new year easily. Eating something red is good for luck too - the Jujube is frequently enjoyed and given as a gift as it symbolises wealth and prosperity.
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Red envelopes: people put money inside the colourful envelopes and give them to youngsters and retired seniors to bring luck to the receivers. Why not share some luck with those less privileged in a red envelope this Chinese New Year?
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Visit family and friends. People travel back to their families, often very long distances. The first two days in the New Year are spent visiting relatives and friends.
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Large meals with many dishes are a must, and families enjoy a reunion dinner together on New Year’s Eve (27 January).
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Wear new clothes: Starting the new year in new clothes will bring luck and other positive new things. A great excuse to go on a shopping spree!
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Fun but important fact: People born in the year of Rooster (1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005) should wear red underwear to ward off bad luck and misfortune. Do you know someone who is a Rooster? Buy them some red underwear! (And a pack of jujube fruit for good health!)
In this spirit, we wish you Xin Nian Kuai Le, or 新年快乐 (Happy New Year in Mandarin)!
