Chinese New Year Traditions and Superstitions

The Chinese New Year is the most important and elaborate holiday in Chinese culture, lasting two weeks -- from the first day of the full moon through the end of the full moon. Whether it's family gatherings or citywide celebrations, the New Year is a time rich in traditions and ancient superstitions.

Sweeping of the Grounds

The Chinese New Year is the most important and elaborate holiday in Chinese culture, lasting two weeks -- from the first day of the full moon through the end of the full moon. Whether it's family gatherings or citywide celebrations, the New Year is a time rich in traditions and ancient superstitions.

Anticipation and preparation for the Chinese New Year begins well in advance. The 20th day of the Twelfth Moon is known as the Sweeping of the Grounds, a day during which homes are fastidiously cleaned and prepared for the New Year. Classical poems are written on large red scrolls and hung on the walls or gates to usher in good fortune for the family.

Farewell to the Kitchen God

Known as the Zaowang, the Kitchen God is considered the guardian of the family home. He is believed to reside in each home throughout the year, but returns to Heaven on the 23rd day of the last month of the year. He reports on the family's behavior, which determines their fate in the coming year. Eager for a good report, families traditionally bid Zaowang farewell before his journey with a dinner filled with sweet foods and honey -- to prevent him from being able to speak unsweet or unkind words about the family.

Red Envelopes

On New Year's Day, children wake up excited to receive their Lai-See Envelopes. This good luck money, wrapped in small red envelopes, is considered an omen of good fortune in the coming year. The entire first day of the New Year is spent together with close family members, and all young children receive their lai-see. Beginning on the second day of the New Year, people visit their friends and relatives, continuing to bring gifts to the adults and share red envelopes with the children.

In the new year there is now a regular on the popular modern society do traditionally red packets are also handed out to younger generation by their parents, grand parents, relatives, and even close neighbors and friends during Imlek. Nowadays giving red packets as a bonus at the year-end by employers becomes popular and Imlek parcel is also a tradition of giving to business associates or relatives.

Giving Imlek parcel to employees prior to the New Year is also a good idea. This can be either a gift or a bonus. If it is as a gift, the money should be just right for a gift. If as a bonus, you may enclose a check in the parcel gift and hand it out in an office.

Article Source : http://www.holidays.net/chineseny/traditions.htm

Chinese New Year - Get Free Chinese New Year 2010 And Chinese Valentines Day Cards

When the world is already done with its New Year celebration, China still awaits for its gala celebration. Chinese New Year or Spring festival is the most important traditional Chinese holiday. It is also called 'Lunar New Year' outside China. It begins on the first day of first lunar month in the Chinese calendar. Chinese New Year is famously known as Chuxi by its native people. 'Chu' means "pass" and xi means "Eve."

Chinese New Year Day is the new moon day of the first lunar month. Chinese New Year approximately falls in the second half of January or the first half of February and contains winter solstice. Chinese New Year is a 15-day celebration and its first day is "the welcoming of the gods of the heavens and earth." On the second day, Chinese pray their ancestors and gods. On second and fourth day, sons-in-laws pay respect to their parents-in-laws. Fifth day is "Po Woo," when people stay at home and welcome 'God of Wealth'. From sixth to tenth day is a time for festivity and merry-making. Chinese visit their families and friends, and visit temples for good fortune, health and prosperity. On 12th and 13th day lavish dinner preparations are made and served to the guests. Rice congee and mustard greens (choi sum) are the traditional dishes prepared at home to cleanse the system. And finally 14th and 15th days marks the preparation and celebration of Lantern Festival. Lantern festival is also known as 'Little New Year'. It marks the end of the series of celebrations that starts from the Chinese New Year. Chinese New Year calendar assigns a unique animal name every year. There are 12 different Chinese New Year animals, which are Rat, Cow, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Chicken, Dog, Pig, in the counting system.

Chinese New Year 2010 is falling on 26th January and the special animal sign and number is assigned to it. Chinese New Year animal of the year is Ox and the number is 4707. The Chinese New Year 2010 will not just not merely be a fifteen days festivity, but it will be a time to strengthen the bond of love and respect. Its will mean reunion, feasting, revelry and parties for Chinese people. Dinners will be organized by Chinese families and will be a great get-together to come close with family, friends and dear ones. Delicious and delectable gastronomical delights will be cooked at home like chicken, fish, cakes, so that New Year will usher in happiness, wealth and good fortune.

Besides New Year, there are other festivals also to cheer the Chinese people. Chinese Valentines Day is also called the 'Daughter's festival'. Its similar to the popular Valentines Day which is celebrated round the world by love birds with much fanfare on 14th February. On Chinese Valentines Day, lovers pray for their everlasting love and union, which soon turn into marriage and marital bliss. Both, those who are in love or single, go to the temple of Matchmaker. This day girls wash their hairs, and dress to their finery. Couples woo their sweethearts by splurging them with thoughtful gifts and spend time with them.

Chinese New Year is not just any other day, its importance is deeply rooted in Chinese culture and traditions. Its heralds the onset of good times, that will brighten their each day and open different avenues that will take them to the future of beautiful tomorrows.

When the world is already done with its New Year celebration, China still awaits for its gala celebration. Chinese New Year or Spring festival is the most important traditional Chinese holiday. It is also called 'Lunar New Year' outside China. It begins on the first day of first lunar month in the Chinese calendar. Chinese New Year is famously known as Chuxi by its native people. 'Chu' means "pass" and xi means "Eve." Chinese New Year Day is the new moon day of the first lunar month. Chinese New Year approximately falls in the second half of January or the first half of February and contains winter solstice. Chinese New Year is a 15-day celebration and its first day is "the welcoming of the gods of the heavens and earth." On the second day, Chinese pray their ancestors and gods. On second and fourth day, sons-in-laws pay respect to their parents-in-laws. Fifth day is "Po Woo," when people stay at home and welcome 'God of Wealth'. From sixth to tenth day is a time for festivity and merry-making. Chinese visit their families and friends, and visit temples for good fortune, health and prosperity. On 12th and 13th day lavish dinner preparations are made and served to the guests. Rice congee and mustard greens (choi sum) are the traditional dishes prepared at home to cleanse the system. And finally 14th and 15th days marks the preparation and celebration of Lantern Festival. Lantern festival is also known as 'Little New Year'. It marks the end of the series of celebrations that starts from the Chinese New Year. Chinese New Year calendar assigns a unique animal name every year. There are 12 different Chinese New Year animals, which are Rat, Cow, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Chicken, Dog, Pig, in the counting system. Chinese New Year 2010 is falling on 26th January and the special animal sign and number is assigned to it. Chinese New Year animal of the year is Ox and the number is 4707. The Chinese New Year 2010 will not just not merely be a fifteen days festivity, but it will be a time to strengthen the bond of love and respect. Its will mean reunion, feasting, revelry and parties for Chinese people. Dinners will be organized by Chinese families and will be a great get-together to come close with family, friends and dear ones. Delicious and delectable gastronomical delights will be cooked at home like chicken, fish, cakes, so that New Year will usher in happiness, wealth and good fortune. Besides New Year, there are other festivals also to cheer the Chinese people. Chinese Valentines Day is also called the 'Daughter's festival'. Its similar to the popular Valentines Day which is celebrated round the world by love birds with much fanfare on 14th February. On Chinese Valentines Day, lovers pray for their everlasting love and union, which soon turn into marriage and marital bliss. Both, those who are in love or single, go to the temple of Matchmaker. This day girls wash their hairs, and dress to their finery. Couples woo their sweethearts by splurging them with thoughtful gifts and spend time with them. Chinese New Year is not just any other day, its importance is deeply rooted in Chinese culture and traditions. Its heralds the onset of good times, that will brighten their each day and open different avenues that will take them to the future of beautiful tomorrows.

In the new year there is now a regular on the popular modern society do traditionally red packets are also handed out to younger generation by their parents, grand parents, relatives, and even close neighbors and friends during Imlek. Nowadays giving red packets as a bonus at the year-end by employers becomes popular and Imlek parcel is also a tradition of giving to business associates or relatives.

Giving Imlek parcel to employees prior to the New Year is also a good idea. This can be either a gift or a bonus. If it is as a gift, the money should be just right for a gift. If as a bonus, you may enclose a check in the parcel gift and hand it out in an office.

Article Source : http://www.sooperarticles.com/home-and-family-articles/parties-articles/chinese-new-year-get-free-chinese-new-year-2010-chinese-valentines-day-cards-30230.html

A Big Festival Is Coming Chinese New Year 2010

The Chinese New Year is celebrated for about fifteen days is one moment in the year. On this very special day the whole nation join hands and feel united to celebrate the coming happiness and the farewell of going year. The Chinese New Year gets recognized by the Chinese New Year calendar. In other words Chinese New Year calendar is also called as the Lunar New Year. As every one knows the significance of this day the working people in china can take weeks of holidays so that they can enjoy this day by grand celebration with there families and there near ones by some get together. Although with the changing times the celebration way of this New Year day is getting a bit changed but as everybody still very fervently follows all the customs that their elders have taught them. It is often called the Lunar New Year by people in mainland China and Taiwan. Chinese New Year is the longest and most important festivity in the Lunar Calendar.

The origin of Chinese New Year is centuries old and gains significance because of several myths and traditions. Ancient Chinese New Year is a reflection on how the people behaved and what they believed in the most. The New Year is the year of tiger as the religious myths says. It is also said that those who have born on this day have the nature of acceptance, broadminded and daring in nature. The New Year celebration includes the traditional dance form of china that is dragon dance performed by the people. On this day every one forgets the grudges there hearts and meet all the peoples whom they love.

The "Nian Gao" is New Year Cake which is specially made for this day with flour and eggs. It is said that as large as the cake the year would me more prosperous. This day have importance in every ones life as many made resolutions and follow them. At some places there are parties which are organized. It is the most remarkable day as the clock touches the 12:00 the day of New Year starts with the smile on every ones face and with lots of wishes. For people in china it is also known as ji-chou year. Here jji is the sixth of the ten Celestial steam and the yin is the third of two twelve territories branches and marks the year of tiger.

The Chinese calendar is based on the combination of lunar and solar movement. The lunar cycle is about of 29.5 days. It is also that the Chinese calendar and lunar calendar shows the different year for the New Year so as to match up both the Chinese calendar are inserted extra months that is seven years out of 19 year cycle. the track of the new moon changes from year to year that is why Chinese New Year can begin anytime between late January and mid-February.

All the people who have something special set for the day are ready to work on that. Like some have planes for engagements and some to start new work. The new year of china is the most amazing time to watch as every street is decorated with lots of flowers and lost of lights. Its like new life in return of old days. The tiger in 2010is for any recent setbacks or obstacles can be overcome and is to look forward to a year in which there is a real shine either personally or professionally. People have many expectations from this year and look forward to make it the most of it. The next day of Chinese new year is special for the married daughters as they have opportunity to visit their parents because traditionally daughters who are married are not allowed to visit there parents frequently. In short note the Chinese New Year is a symbol of happiness and joy for every people and the live this moment at the fullest.

In the new year there is now a regular on the popular modern society do traditionally red packets are also handed out to younger generation by their parents, grand parents, relatives, and even close neighbors and friends during Imlek. Nowadays giving red packets as a bonus at the year-end by employers becomes popular and Imlek parcel is also a tradition of giving to business associates or relatives.

Giving Imlek parcel to employees prior to the New Year is also a good idea. This can be either a gift or a bonus. If it is as a gift, the money should be just right for a gift. If as a bonus, you may enclose a check in the parcel gift and hand it out in an office.

Article Source : http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/A-Big-Festival-Is-Coming-Chinese-New-Year-2010/934278

Chinese New Year With Yee Sang - Another Chinese New Year Famous Food

In Yee Sang (or Yu Sheng) is a raw fish salad that is usually eaten throughout the entire Chinese New Year.

Yee Sang can also be prepared as a vegetarian dish as well by omitting the fish and replace them with more vegetables. Typically, the vegetables included are shredded radish, carrot, yam and sweet potato with added coloring, pickled ginger and green papaya.

The most common raw fish used in the set of dishes is salmon while some might like this dishes with jelly fish for an extra chewy texture. Other condiments that usually go with Yee Sang are crackers, crispy wanton skin, roasted peanuts, roasted sesame seeds as well as pickled fruits and vegetables. Lastly, the sauce is important as well. Plum is the usual choice together with rice vinegar and sesame oil.

By tradition, it was originated from Chaozhau, China where simple ingredients and sauce were used like fresh raw fish, strips of turnips and carrot together with the combination of oil, vinegar and sugar as the sauce. The modern Yee Sang is reinvented by a master chef from Singapore. Now, we can easily prepare and buy the set of dishes from restaurants or local retailers.

Since the enhancement of the modern Yee Sang, Malaysia follows suit, making it a tradition that every family loves. Besides that, it also bring in the meaning of harmony where whole families having the dinners and Yee Sang together.

Having this dishes during Chinese New Year is mandatory and meaningful because it is a symbol of prosperity and abundance. It is essential to usher in a brand new year with auspicious food to ensure a better life ahead.

In the new year there is now a regular on the popular modern society do traditionally red packets are also handed out to younger generation by their parents, grand parents, relatives, and even close neighbors and friends during Imlek. Nowadays giving red packets as a bonus at the year-end by employers becomes popular and Imlek parcel is also a tradition of giving to business associates or relatives.

Giving Imlek parcel to employees prior to the New Year is also a good idea. This can be either a gift or a bonus. If it is as a gift, the money should be just right for a gift. If as a bonus, you may enclose a check in the parcel gift and hand it out in an office.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=CN_Pong

Chinese New Year - is on the way

Celebration means when everybody is in a mood how best he or she can celebrate a particular event with his or her parents, friends, spouses, relatives and lots more. The time when the whole world celebrates its New Year and busy in new parties and celebration functions on other hand Chinese community is in a plan how best they can arrange their New Year party. It is because the Chinese New Year is on the 14th February. The main thing which cannot be ignored by one while considering Chinese New Year is animal. Means every coming year is denoted by animal. Therefore, as per the Chinese traditional calendar, Chinese New Year 2010 is denoted by tiger.

While Chinese new year 2010 celebrations define how best they can arrange their parties, events and functions. As red is the favorite color for people in china that depicts their belief in good or evil, animal spirits, on gods and legendary beings. As per the upcoming chinese new year calendar 2010, the coming year is the ji-chou year that reflects the combination between jji and yin. Means "Jji" is among the sixth of the Ten Celestial Stems and yin is among the third of the Twelve Terrestrial Branches. So, the coming year is denoted by Tiger.

Besides chinese new year, there is also one more term name Lunar New Year which is only observed by Vietnamese, Chinese and Koreans. As Lunar New Year Calendar is base on the cycle system of the moon and sun. This further deflects Chinese New Year that can be starts from anywhere between the last week of the January and the middle of the February. So, Chinese new year calendar plays a vital role in fixing chinese new year date which is also known as lunar new year. As per the calendar lunar new year 2010 festival is start from the 14th of February. In the moment the entire nation comes together that make them feel of each other's pleasure. It is only time when Chinese people takes weeks of holidays to celebrate this big even with their near and dear.

During this event you will find people with red clothes giving gifts to each other and making lot of fire works. Here 365celebration defines complete information about the importance of chinese new year celebration, chinese new year greeting cards, chinese valentines day cards and lots more related to event and new year celebrations.

Celebration means when everybody is in a mood how best he or she can celebrate a particular event with his or her parents, friends, spouses, relatives and lots more. The time when the whole world celebrates its New Year and busy in new parties and celebration functions on other hand Chinese community is in a plan how best they can arrange their New Year party. It is because the Chinese New Year is on the 14th February. The main thing which cannot be ignored by one while considering Chinese New Year is animal. Means every coming year is denoted by animal. Therefore, as per the Chinese traditional calendar, Chinese New Year 2010 is denoted by tiger. While Chinese new year 2010 celebrations define how best they can arrange their parties, events and functions. As red is the favorite color for people in china that depicts their belief in good or evil, animal spirits, on gods and legendary beings. As per the upcoming chinese new year calendar 2010, the coming year is the ji-chou year that reflects the combination between jji and yin. Means "Jji" is among the sixth of the Ten Celestial Stems and yin is among the third of the Twelve Terrestrial Branches. So, the coming year is denoted by Tiger. Besides chinese new year, there is also one more term name Lunar New Year which is only observed by Vietnamese, Chinese and Koreans. As Lunar New Year Calendar is base on the cycle system of the moon and sun. This further deflects Chinese New Year that can be starts from anywhere between the last week of the January and the middle of the February. So, Chinese new year calendar plays a vital role in fixing chinese new year date which is also known as lunar new year. As per the calendar lunar new year 2010 festival is start from the 14th of February. In the moment the entire nation comes together that make them feel of each other's pleasure. It is only time when Chinese people takes weeks of holidays to celebrate this big even with their near and dear. During this event you will find people with red clothes giving gifts to each other and making lot of fire works. Here 365celebration defines complete information about the importance of chinese new year celebration, chinese new year greeting cards, chinese valentines day cards and lots more related to event and new year celebrations.

In the new year there is now a regular on the popular modern society do traditionally red packets are also handed out to younger generation by their parents, grand parents, relatives, and even close neighbors and friends during Imlek. Nowadays giving red packets as a bonus at the year-end by employers becomes popular and Imlek parcel is also a tradition of giving to business associates or relatives.

Giving Imlek parcel to employees prior to the New Year is also a good idea. This can be either a gift or a bonus. If it is as a gift, the money should be just right for a gift. If as a bonus, you may enclose a check in the parcel gift and hand it out in an office.

Article Source : http://www.sooperarticles.com/art-entertainment-articles/celebration-way-chinese-new-year-2010-34996.html

Chinese New Year in Singapore – a celebration like no other

The Chinese New Year celebrations in Singapore are a colourful time for the city. The festivities set out for 2010 will coincide with Valentines’ Day as well. So, those planning a visit to Singapore during the New Year season will have much to celebrate.

Known among locals as the Chun Jie Festival, the festivities carry on for about three whole weeks, and are mainly centred around the celebrations that take place at Singapore River, Hongbao, Chinatown and the Chingay parade. Aside from these venues there are other scattered events around Singapore during the New Year season.

The birthplace of all that is traditionally Chinese to Singapore is Chinatown. Chinese who migrated to Singapore saw many a beginning in Chinatown. The area also saw the first celebrations in 1985 and is still considered as the place to be to experience the best parts of the New Year celebrations. Visitors could delve into the traditional Chinese culture and experience the festive spirit for themselves first hand by strolling through the streets of this city.

The streets normally display an array of stalls serving traditional sweets and delicacies. These include waxed duck and cookies as well as little colourful ornaments. The New Year is welcomed with the countdown party where all the merrymaking goes on way past dawn and into the early hours. The traditional Chinese New Year celebrations draw to a close usually by the lunar month’s fifteenth day.

Huge figures of the God of Fortune are created at the Hongbao River. Blessings in the form of gold dust are usually sprinkled on passers-by as a means of evoking good tidings in the future, including prosperity and wealth. Those who are looking to make a wish for the New Year can make their way to the prosperity garden. Here, shows to welcome the specific animal according to the Chinese horoscope for that particular year are held with wild fireworks and dance troupes from overseas as well as local groups.

The Chingay Parade is known for its brightly decorated floats and packed crowds that dance the night away. The floats are taken in procession down the streets with musical performances to entertain the crowds. The highlight of the parade is the choreographed performances of the energetic cheerleaders. The parade usually winds up with a gala party on Orchard Road, and is an event that should not be missed.

In the new year there is now a regular on the popular modern society do traditionally red packets are also handed out to younger generation by their parents, grand parents, relatives, and even close neighbors and friends during Imlek. Nowadays giving red packets as a bonus at the year-end by employers becomes popular and Imlek parcel is also a tradition of giving to business associates or relatives.

Giving Imlek parcel to employees prior to the New Year is also a good idea. This can be either a gift or a bonus. If it is as a gift, the money should be just right for a gift. If as a bonus, you may enclose a check in the parcel gift and hand it out in an office.

Article Source : http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/chinese-new-year-in-singapore-a-celebration-like-no-other-1476810.html

River Hongbao 2010 Marking The Chinese New Year

Heading in to its 24th year in 2009 as Singapores main Chinese New Year tradition, River Hongbao is once again set to bring the city to life. Starting 15 days ahead of the Chinese New Year this massive festival features a wealth of music, song and dance combined with a range of events to mark the occasion.

Come 12th February the Esplanade Waterfront Promenade and the Marina Bay Floating Platform will be emblazoned with a vibrant presentation of Chinese culture. Each year the streets are lined with traditional red Chinese lanterns, while dragons and other creatures prance in parades as music resonates through the air. Fireworks are another integral part of the festivities and light up the sky in style providing a sparklingly eye catching lightshow. Visitors will find the atmosphere during the most important festival of the year truly electric and will last till the 20th of February.

Visitors will also see an array of lanterns throughout the area of the event including some in the form of the animal of the year which for 2010 is the Tiger. Other effigies that can be seen here include the God of Fortune and the other animals from the Chinese zodiac. Musical performances that grace the festival each year include both local and international artists which in addition to traditional Chinese dance and music.

The festival offers visitors a choice of shopping and dining options through the various stalls that are located here. Items that can be purchased include artistic handicrafts straight from China and more relating to the Chinese New Year. Food Street on the other hand is filled with stalls that offer mouth watering cuisine in addition to demonstrations on how to prepare such delicacies.

Attending River Hongbao also presents an opportunity to glimpse Chinese customs and practices firsthand during the most important festival of the year.

In the new year there is now a regular on the popular modern society do traditionally red packets are also handed out to younger generation by their parents, grand parents, relatives, and even close neighbors and friends during Imlek. Nowadays giving red packets as a bonus at the year-end by employers becomes popular and Imlek parcel is also a tradition of giving to business associates or relatives.

Giving Imlek parcel to employees prior to the New Year is also a good idea. This can be either a gift or a bonus. If it is as a gift, the money should be just right for a gift. If as a bonus, you may enclose a check in the parcel gift and hand it out in an office.

Article Source : http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/River-Hongbao-2010-----Marking-The-Chinese-New-Year/924569

Get more chinese new year 2010, lunar new year calendar and chinese calendar 2010

Chinese New Year follows the track of Chinese calendar and the people of China give it a hearty welcome in the cheerful season of spring. And therefore, the entire month of February brings in exciting holiday time for all parts of East India. The entire fervor attached to the Chinese New Year 2010 that is about to begin with 7th February, is bound to stretch to the next 15 days that comprise to form the time when the New Year seeps in. And the last day of Chinese New Year celebrations touches its culminating mode with the bright celebrations of Lantern festival, which adds glitter to the overwhelming celebration mood with an array of bright and colorful lanterns.

Lighting numerous lanterns is similar to glorifying all the newfangled things coming our way with New Year. Also, the days preceding the Lantern festival are filled with the illumination of candles of varied sizes. People consider it auspicious to refurbish their surroundings through and through so that their homes exude good vibes to influence their future days. Along with candles, all the bulbs and chandeliers at home are turned on to burnish every pocket of home. Thus, we can say that all the jolly fifteen days marked by New Year gaiety witness the sparkle of lights that New Year brings with it.

Apart from lights, a variety of flowers are drizzled over varied parts of our house and all of them together add the scent of New Year to everyone’s life. Beautiful flowers like Plum blossom, Sunflower, Narcissus and many others promise to bring in loads of good fortune. Their fragrant bunches spill over the display areas of almost all the markets.

Other than flowers and lights, there are a host of multifarious objects that hold immense significance in all Chinese New Year celebrations. Embroidered decors surfacing various colorful fabrics are used to spruce up different walls of your home. They showcase wonderful Chinese calligraphy that is used to convey wishful New Year messages. Chinese people make it a point to shape up such pretty wall adornments and many traditional designs along with rich Chinese idioms find their space on the whatever material they use to make them. Such compelling adornments with their indigenous Chinese element diffuse every aspect of our home with their compelling beauty and ensure to remain close to us throughout the year.

Another thing that Chinese people consider extremely felicitous is Koi Fish. Even the artificial image of this fish stands for brighter fortune. Also, this fish has direct associations with the inflow of money. They appear to be extremely lively and their cheerful posture along with their slanting tail brings in bundles of money and good luck. Because of their high significance in the beliefs of the people of China, beautiful figures of these fishes can be easily spotted as the attractive toppings of several Chinese dishes.

Moreover, Chinese New Year celebrations cannot be imagined without being redolent with elegant Lion dances that team up with the rhythm of complementing musical drums. The entire dance is rejuvenating and symbolizes happiness to accompany us in the upcoming Chinese New Year 2010.

In the new year there is now a regular on the popular modern society do traditionally red packets are also handed out to younger generation by their parents, grand parents, relatives, and even close neighbors and friends during Imlek. Nowadays giving red packets as a bonus at the year-end by employers becomes popular and Imlek parcel is also a tradition of giving to business associates or relatives.

Giving Imlek parcel to employees prior to the New Year is also a good idea. This can be either a gift or a bonus. If it is as a gift, the money should be just right for a gift. If as a bonus, you may enclose a check in the parcel gift and hand it out in an office.

Article Source : http://www.articlealley.com/article_1272249_22.html

Chinese New Year - Get more chinese new year 2010, lunar new year calendar and chinese calendar 2010

Chinese New Year follows the track of Chinese calendar and the people of China give it a hearty welcome in the cheerful season of spring. And therefore, the entire month of February brings in exciting holiday time for all parts of East India. The entire fervor attached to the Chinese New Year 2010 that is about to begin with 7th February, is bound to stretch to the next 15 days that comprise to form the time when the New Year seeps in. And the last day of Chinese New Year celebrations touches its culminating mode with the bright celebrations of Lantern festival, which adds glitter to the overwhelming celebration mood with an array of bright and colorful lanterns.

Lighting numerous lanterns is similar to glorifying all the newfangled things coming our way with New Year. Also, the days preceding the Lantern festival are filled with the illumination of candles of varied sizes. People consider it auspicious to refurbish their surroundings through and through so that their homes exude good vibes to influence their future days. Along with candles, all the bulbs and chandeliers at home are turned on to burnish every pocket of home. Thus, we can say that all the jolly fifteen days marked by New Year gaiety witness the sparkle of lights that New Year brings with it.

Apart from lights, a variety of flowers are drizzled over varied parts of our house and all of them together add the scent of New Year to everyone’s life. Beautiful flowers like Plum blossom, Sunflower, Narcissus and many others promise to bring in loads of good fortune. Their fragrant bunches spill over the display areas of almost all the markets.

Other than flowers and lights, there are a host of multifarious objects that hold immense significance in all Chinese New Year celebrations. Embroidered decors surfacing various colorful fabrics are used to spruce up different walls of your home. They showcase wonderful Chinese calligraphy that is used to convey wishful New Year messages. Chinese people make it a point to shape up such pretty wall adornments and many traditional designs along with rich Chinese idioms find their space on the whatever material they use to make them. Such compelling adornments with their indigenous Chinese element diffuse every aspect of our home with their compelling beauty and ensure to remain close to us throughout the year.

Another thing that Chinese people consider extremely felicitous is Koi Fish. Even the artificial image of this fish stands for brighter fortune. Also, this fish has direct associations with the inflow of money. They appear to be extremely lively and their cheerful posture along with their slanting tail brings in bundles of money and good luck. Because of their high significance in the beliefs of the people of China, beautiful figures of these fishes can be easily spotted as the attractive toppings of several Chinese dishes.

Moreover, Chinese New Year celebrations cannot be imagined without being redolent with elegant Lion dances that team up with the rhythm of complementing musical drums. The entire dance is rejuvenating and symbolizes happiness to accompany us in the upcoming Chinese New Year 2010.

In the new year there is now a regular on the popular modern society do traditionally red packets are also handed out to younger generation by their parents, grand parents, relatives, and even close neighbors and friends during Imlek. Nowadays giving red packets as a bonus at the year-end by employers becomes popular and Imlek parcel is also a tradition of giving to business associates or relatives.

Giving Imlek parcel to employees prior to the New Year is also a good idea. This can be either a gift or a bonus. If it is as a gift, the money should be just right for a gift. If as a bonus, you may enclose a check in the parcel gift and hand it out in an office.

Article Source : http://www.articlealley.com/article_1272249_22.html

Creative Chinese New Year Crafts That You Can Do For Your Holiday Celebrations

The Chinese New Year is a very important time of year for Chinese people all over the world. One great way to celebrate this special time is to make fun and easy crafts with your family. There are so many crafts that you can do to help you have more fun as you celebrate, plus these crafts will make good decorations for your home as you celebrate.

This Chinese New Year craft will be one that your whole family will enjoy doing together. It is the Dancing Lion or Dragon Toy. Draw the head and tail onto paper. Then cut the head and tail out. You want to decorate with bright colors, glitter or feathers. You want to take a piece of paper and fold it in half the long way. Then cut on the fold line so that you end up with two long rectangles. Then take the paper and fold it so that it looks like an accordion. Then glue or tape the pieces together. This will form the animal's body. You want to glue or tape the head to one end of the body and the tail to the other end. Then use straws and attach them to the back of the head and tail. This will allow you to make your animal dance for your Chinese New Year.

Another great one to do is the fireworks craft. You will need old newspapers that you can spread out to work over. Get some dark construction paper and spread glue in geometric shapes. You can also use a straw and blow on the glue so that it spreads out in different shapes if you want to. Then you just sprinkle glitter onto the glue. Make sure that you put the excess glitter that is on the paper back into the glitter container. You can do this craft with just one color or a lot of colors. These two crafts are great decorations for your Chinese New Year celebration.

In the new year there is now a regular on the popular modern society do traditionally red packets are also handed out to younger generation by their parents, grand parents, relatives, and even close neighbors and friends during Imlek. Nowadays giving red packets as a bonus at the year-end by employers becomes popular and Imlek parcel is also a tradition of giving to business associates or relatives.

Giving Imlek parcel to employees prior to the New Year is also a good idea. This can be either a gift or a bonus. If it is as a gift, the money should be just right for a gift. If as a bonus, you may enclose a check in the parcel gift and hand it out in an office.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gail_Leino

Parade Tradition Chinese New Year

All Chinese communities go ecstatic and extravagant during Chinese New Year. One of the highlights of this is events the Chinese New Year parade. The Chinese New Year Parade continues to amaze and delight the millions who witness it year after year and remains to be one of the most inspiring, most widely-celebrated events.

The Chinese New Year parade is indeed grand in every sense of the word. The young, the old, the rich and the poor crowd the streets to watch the event with excitement. The showcase of lion and dragon dances, street performers, colorful costumes, strings of fireworks, and the happy faces all make the annual parade and Chinese New Year celebration truly unforgettable.

The lion dance symbolizes the bringing in of good fortune. As the performers dance through the streets, people are also entertained by the drums and gongs. These instruments create the lively and dynamic sounds that accompany the Lion Dance. The Chinese people believe the loud drum beats awaken the legendary animal and ward off evil spirits.

Millions of spectators are also wowed by the brilliant sparkles and fireworks display as no Chinese New Year Parade is complete without them. Loud firecrackers are also set off around the lion and the dragon to banish ghosts.

In China, the dragon is considered a popular symbol for power, wisdom and luck. This is why most, if not all, Chinese people believe that they are descendants of the dragon. In the Chinese New Year Parade, the dragon is the biggest attraction. The dragon used for the special event is usually made from silk, bamboo and other colorful materials. The dragon can be as long as 100 ft. and can be carried by 50 young men on poles. It is a belief that the longer the dragon is, the better the year would be.

The Chinese New Year Parade is also where East meets West. This is because the Chinese New Year Parade also features other Non-Chinese traditions. Aside from the symbolic lion and Golden Dragon dance, the parade also features non-Chinese activities like the beauty pageant. Many people come to see the newly crowned Ms. Chinatown and her court along with the colorful Chinese-themed floats, marching bands and other Asian groups that join the parade.

How it All Started

During San Francisco's Gold Rush period, over 50,000 hopefuls came to work in the mines hoping for a better life. Among them were Chinese immigrants who later on formed friendships and ties with everyone else. These Chinese immigrants soon shared their unique culture by using the good old-fashioned American Parade. Through the help of other groups from different parts of the city, they were able to promote the rich Chinese culture.

Today, all Chinatowns across the world celebrate Chinese New Year with festivals and parades with the San Francisco Chinese New Year Parade as the grandest of its kind outside of Asia. The Chinese New Year Parade has indeed come a long way.

In the new year there is now a regular on the popular modern society do traditionally red packets are also handed out to younger generation by their parents, grand parents, relatives, and even close neighbors and friends during Imlek. Nowadays giving red packets as a bonus at the year-end by employers becomes popular and Imlek parcel is also a tradition of giving to business associates or relatives.

Giving Imlek parcel to employees prior to the New Year is also a good idea. This can be either a gift or a bonus. If it is as a gift, the money should be just right for a gift. If as a bonus, you may enclose a check in the parcel gift and hand it out in an office.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=RR_Ritchey

Chinese new year 2010 - Get Chinese New Year Eve Celebration around the World

The Chinese New Year is a fifteen day celebration that falls on a different date each year as it is a combination of lunar and solar movements. It usually falls in the month of January or February. This year marks the 'Year of the Horse'. The Chinese New Year's date varies every year and falls on second new moon after the winter solstice. The date for the occasion is decided according to the calendar which is a combination of the solar and the lunar calendar. Rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, cat, dragon, snake, horse, ram, monkey, rooster, dog and boar are the animals that are considered to be auspicious. Each person as is believed in the Chinese calendar resembles an animal and this reflects their traits. The Chinese New Year or the Spring Festival as it is also known is the most revered holiday of the year. This is the time when family and friends gather and offer prayers to their ancestors and deities followed by a lavish dinner to usher in the New Year. During this time, families clean their homes while feng shui believers decorate their homes accordingly. On chinese new year 2010, members of a family stay up late as legend goes that long ago; the gods in heaven would give gold to each family so they would keep awake, active and ready to accept the gold gift. Families decorate their homes with pretty vases and colorful flowers symbolizing that nature has reawakened. Oranges and tangerines are placed in the house as a sign of happiness and prosperity. A tray of candies made of eight different types of candies are placed along with these. The candies are made of lotus seeds, longan, peanuts, coconut, cumquat, red melon seeds, candied melon, etc. The traditional food that is a significant part of the Chinese New Year party includes Jai, Fish and chicken, noodles and desserts. The dinner has a symbolic meaning in which the Chinese dumplings imply wealth as they are in the shape of ancient Chinese gold or silver ingots. Jiu is the traditional hard liquor in China symbolizes longevity as also Daikon, a white radish. Red chilies symbolize good luck while rice ensures harmony. Chinese people are usually out on the roads, especially kids who wear Chinese dragon masks and go for the chinese new year calendar 2010 Dragon parade. Dragon dances are a vital part of the Chinese New Year. One man who has a 'Pearl Of Wisdom' on a pole entices the dragon to follow him to the drum beats as though searching for wisdom and knowledge. The lion dance is an equally important ritual in the consecration of any auspicious time in China. The Lantern Festival is an amazing visual display of multicolored paper lanterns created by craftsmen in designs of butterflies, dragons, birds, dragonflies and other insects or animals. The Dragon Boat Festival marks the day of a certain Chinese scholar who threw himself into the river over a political protest. Chinese New Year is not just a festival of fun and part, but also a time to welcome the new season, pray for prosperity and well being and cleanse away the any thing evil

The Chinese New Year is a fifteen day celebration that falls on a different date each year as it is a combination of lunar and solar movements. It usually falls in the month of January or February. This year marks the 'Year of the Horse'.

The Chinese New Year's date varies every year and falls on second new moon after the winter solstice. The date for the occasion is decided according to the calendar which is a combination of the solar and the lunar calendar. Rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, cat, dragon, snake, horse, ram, monkey, rooster, dog and boar are the animals that are considered to be auspicious. Each person as is believed in the Chinese calendar resembles an animal and this reflects their traits.

The chinese new year or the Spring Festival as it is also known is the most revered holiday of the year. This is the time when family and friends gather and offer prayers to their ancestors and deities followed by a lavish dinner to usher in the New Year. During this time, families clean their homes while feng shui believers decorate their homes accordingly. On chinese new year 2010, members of a family stay up late as legend goes that long ago; the gods in heaven would give gold to each family so they would keep awake, active and ready to accept the gold gift.

Families decorate their homes with pretty vases and colorful flowers symbolizing that nature has reawakened. Oranges and tangerines are placed in the house as a sign of happiness and prosperity. A tray of candies made of eight different types of candies are placed along with these. The candies are made of lotus seeds, longan, peanuts, coconut, cumquat, red melon seeds, candied melon, etc. The traditional food that is a significant part of the Chinese New Year party includes Jai, Fish and chicken, noodles and desserts. The dinner has a symbolic meaning in which the Chinese dumplings imply wealth as they are in the shape of ancient Chinese gold or silver ingots. Jiu is the traditional hard liquor in China symbolizes longevity as also Daikon, a white radish. Red chilies symbolize good luck while rice ensures harmony.

Chinese people are usually out on the roads, especially kids who wear Chinese dragon masks and go for the chinese new year calendar 2010 Dragon parade. Dragon dances are a vital part of the Chinese New Year. One man who has a 'Pearl Of Wisdom' on a pole entices the dragon to follow him to the drum beats as though searching for wisdom and knowledge. The lion dance is an equally important ritual in the consecration of any auspicious time in China. The Lantern Festival is an amazing visual display of multicolored paper lanterns created by craftsmen in designs of butterflies, dragons, birds, dragonflies and other insects or animals. The Dragon Boat Festival marks the day of a certain Chinese scholar who threw himself into the river over a political protest.

In the new year there is now a regular on the popular modern society do traditionally red packets are also handed out to younger generation by their parents, grand parents, relatives, and even close neighbors and friends during Imlek. Nowadays giving red packets as a bonus at the year-end by employers becomes popular and Imlek parcel is also a tradition of giving to business associates or relatives.

Giving Imlek parcel to employees prior to the New Year is also a good idea. This can be either a gift or a bonus. If it is as a gift, the money should be just right for a gift. If as a bonus, you may enclose a check in the parcel gift and hand it out in an office.

Chinese New Year is not just a festival of fun and part, but also a time to welcome the new season, pray for prosperity and well being and cleanse away the any thing evil.

Article Source : http://www.articlesbase.com/humor-articles/chinese-new-year-2010-get-chinese-new-year-eve-celebration-around-the-world-1668382.html

Celebrate The Imlek For 15 Days

The first day of the Lunar New Year is "the welcoming of the gods of the heavens and earth."Many people abstain from meat on the first day of the new year because it is believed that this will ensure long and happy lives for them.

On the second day, the Chinese pray to their ancestors as well as to all the gods. They are extra kind to dogs and feed them well as it is believed that the second day is the birthday of all dogs.

The third and fourth days are for the sons-in-laws to pay respect to their parents-in-law.

The fifth day is called Po Woo. On that day people stay home to welcome the God of Wealth. No one visits families and friends on the fifth day because it will bring both parties bad luck.

On the sixth to the 10th day, the Chinese visit their relatives and friends freely. They also visit the temples to pray for good fortune and health.


The seventh day of the New Year is the day for farmers to display their produce. These farmers make a drink from seven types of vegetables to celebrate the occasion. The seventh day is also considered the birthday of human beings. Noodles are eaten to promote longevity and raw fish for success.

On the eighth day the Fujian people have another family reunion dinner, and at midnight they pray to Tian Gong, the God of Heaven.

The ninth day is to make offerings to the Jade Emperor.

The 10th through the 12th are days that friends and relatives should be invited for dinner. After so much rich food, on the 13th day you should have simple rice congee and mustard greens (choi sum) to cleanse the system.

The 14th day should be for preparations to celebrate the Lantern Festival which is to be held on the 15th night.

in the new year there is now a regular on the popular modern society do

Traditionally red packets are also handed out to younger generation by their parents, grand parents, relatives, and even close neighbors and friends during Imlek. Nowadays giving red packets as a bonus at the year-end by employers becomes popular and Imlek parcel is also a tradition of giving to business associates or relatives.

Giving Imlek parcel to employees prior to the New Year is also a good idea. This can be either a gift or a bonus. If it is as a gift, the money should be just right for a gift. If as a bonus, you may enclose a check in the parcel gift and hand it out in an office.

Article Source : http://www.educ.uvic.ca/faculty/mroth/438/CHINA/15-day_celebration.html

Chinese New Year

The Chinese New Year history is rich and diverse. This year the Chinese New Year is on February 8th.The Chinese New Year is very similar to the Western one, wrapped in traditions and rituals. The history of the Chinese New Year is so old that its origins are lost in the mists of time. It is popularly recognized as the Spring Festival and celebrations last 15 days.It is said that in ancient times, the feudal rulers placed great importance on Chinese New Year celebrations and organized grand ceremonies to mark this event.

Preparations tend to begin a month from the date of the Chinese New Year as people start buying presents, decoration materials, food and clothing. A huge clean-up gets underway days before the New Year , when Chinese houses are cleaned from top to bottom, to sweep away any traces of bad luck, and doors and windowpanes are given a new coat of paint, usually red. The doors and windows are then decorated with paper cuts and couplets with themes such as happiness, wealth and longevity printed on them.

In the history it's mentioned that Chinese peasants eagerly wait for this day because it is on this day that the kitchen God is supposed to depart away to the lord of heaven (known as to the Jade Emperor) to report about the family. During his absence-that is, the period in which He leaves the kitchen only to return in the New Year -the family members clean up the house and make a fresh start to welcome the God as well as the new promising year.

Historically speaking, the Chinese New Year Day has practically been regarded as the only day of the year when China's hard-working peasants allowed themselves to rest.

The eve of the Chinese New Year is perhaps the most exciting part of the event in the history of time, as anticipation creeps in. Here, traditions and rituals are very carefully observed in everything from food to clothing. Dinner is usually a feast of seafood and dumplings, signifying different good wishes. Delicacies include prawns, for liveliness and happiness, dried oysters (or ho xi), for all things good, raw fish salad or yu sheng to bring good luck and prosperity.

It's usual to wear something red as this color is meant to ward off evil spirits - but black and white are out, as these are associated with mourning. After dinner, the family sit up for the night playing cards, board games or watching TV programmes dedicated to the occasion. At midnight, fireworks to mark the Chinese New Year welcome light up the sky.

On the Chinese New Year day itself in history , an ancient custom called Hong Bao, meaning Red Packet, takes place. This involves married couples giving children and unmarried adults money in red envelopes. Then the family begins to wish greetings from door to door, first to their relatives and then their neighbours. Like the Western saying "let bygones be bygones," at Chinese New Year , grudges are very easily cast aside.

The end of the New Year is marked by the Festival of Lanterns, which is a celebration with singing, dancing and lantern shows.

Nowadays giving red packets as a bonus at the year-end by employers becomes popular and Imlek Parcel is also a tradition of giving to business associates or relatives.

chinese new year tradition in the office environment also marked by Giving Imlek Parcel to employees prior to the New Year is also a good idea. This can be either a gift or a bonus. If it is as a gift, the money should be just right for a gift. If as a bonus, you may enclose a check in the parcel gift and hand it out in an office.

Although celebrations of the Chinese New Year vary, the underlying message is one of peace and happiness for family members and friends.

http://www.123chinesenewyear.com/chinesenewyear/history/