Chinese New Year (CNY) is a time for joyous celebrations, reuniting with family, and catching up with friends. Over the past three years, the pandemic
Chinese New Year (CNY) is a time for joyous celebrations, reuniting with family, and catching up with friends. Over the past three years, the pandemic disrupted festivities with safe management measures, but this year, with restrictions lifted, CNY is back in full swing.
Before diving into the celebrations, it’s important to revisit some traditional dos and don’ts for CNY. These customs, steeped in symbolism, are believed to set the tone for a prosperous year ahead. While some may seem old-fashioned, others believe it’s better to be safe than sorry!
The Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre (SCCC) has also provided a handy guide on its Festive Fever microsite to help everyone navigate the cultural nuances of CNY. So, if the pandemic made you a bit rusty on these traditions, here’s a refresher with eight key dos and don’ts to ensure a smooth and successful start to the Year of the Rabbit:
Do: Settle Your Debts
In Chinese culture, wealth is a central theme of CNY. Starting the year with unpaid debts is considered bad luck. Now is the perfect time to clear any debts you may have, or to call in the debts others owe you. After all, who doesn’t want to start the year debt-free?
Do: Deposit Red Packet Earnings at Auspicious Times
Timing is crucial in Chinese traditions. To multiply your wealth, deposit your red packet money on the day of li chun, which marks the beginning of the solar term in Chinese astrology. In 2023, li chun falls on February 4. Depending on your zodiac sign, there’s an optimal time to visit the ATM for your deposit.
Do: Keep Your Rice Bucket Full
The rice bucket is symbolic of a family’s prosperity. An empty rice jar signifies a tough year ahead, while a full one represents abundance. Make sure to keep your rice bucket brimming to ensure a year of plenty.
Do: Stay Up Late on the First Night of CNY
Staying up late on the first night of CNY is believed to bless your parents with longevity. As much as you might want to go to bed after a heavy reunion dinner, consider staying up to show your filial piety. Bonus: Your parents might even give you a red packet before bedtime as a token of good fortune!
Don’t: Eat Congee or Porridge
Though comforting, congee or porridge is traditionally considered a symbol of scarcity, historically eaten during times of hardship. To avoid starting the year with bad luck, skip the congee and opt for more celebratory dishes like hotpot.
Don’t: Wash Clothes on the First Two Days of CNY
Traditionally, the first two days of CNY are believed to be the birthday of the water god. Washing clothes during this period is seen as disrespectful. Additionally, in Chinese culture, water symbolizes wealth, so washing your clothes could be like washing your fortune away.
Don’t: Wake a Sleeping Person on the First Day of CNY
Waking someone up abruptly on the first day of CNY is considered unlucky. It is believed that the person will be destined for a year of hard work with little rest. So, let your family members sleep in peace!
Don’t: Overuse “Gong Xi Fa Cai”
While “Gong Xi Fa Cai” is the most common CNY greeting, mix things up by learning a few additional blessings. The SCCC Festive Fever microsite offers a fun greetings generator to help you craft creative 4-character blessings and even greetings in dialect to impress your relatives.
Bonus: Try New Recipes for Reunion Dinner
Feeling adventurous in the kitchen? Spice up your reunion dinner with creative dishes like “Bak Kwa Fried Rice.” You can find this and other recipe inspirations on the Festive Fever microsite.
More Festive Fun
For more CNY traditions, activities, and tips, visit the SCCC’s Festive Fever website. Don’t miss the (Tu)gether Art Installation Exhibition at the SCCC Roof Garden, running until March 31. You can also download adorable CNY-themed sticker packs for WhatsApp and Telegram to spread the festive joy.
Now, go forth and enjoy a prosperous and joyous Chinese New Year!
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