Vibrant Chinese New Year Traditions
Article by Pushpitha Wijesinghe
Summary - The Chinese New Year is celebrated enthusiastically by the Chinese communities of Singapore. Many customary traditions are observed, from cleaning and decorating the house and celebrating family reunion dinners to taking part in parades and fairs.
Chinese communities in Singapore, just like people of Chinese ethnicity around the world, enthusiastically celebrate Chinese New Year which has the distinction of being the most significant festivity in the lunar calendar of the Chinese. This time of the year is a joyous occasion on which many special traditions are observed.
Since the New Year marks the beginning of a fresh year, it is considered essential to give the house a thorough spring cleaning; this signifies the elimination of the dirt and dust of the old year. In keeping with this theme people settle all debts, get a new haircut, fill the home with fresh foods and purchase new apparel.
After the cleaning of the house, it is time to adorn it with good luck symbols, typically in vibrant red and eye-catching gold. Red banners decorated with symbols of auspicious fortune and good wishes for the new year are put up; it is also considered favourable to purchase a couple of kumquat or orange trees.
Customarily families enjoy a reunion dinner on New Year's Eve, which all family members, even those residing in far-flung regions, make it a point to attend. However today many Singaporean families visit a favourite restaurant for their reunion dinner where they enjoy a delectable banquet with delicacies such as abalone and shark fin.
Presenting Hong Bao, red packets containing money, to young members of the family is an important custom. Bosses will often give Hong Bao to employees as a New Year bonus.
Many lion dances performed by various troupes are seen on the streets of Singapore at this time of the year. These attractive dances are considered to usher in prosperity and happiness, and scare off evil spirits.
Visitors should make it a point to v! isit the Hong Bao River Carnival which is a huge vibrant fair featuring the innumerable different foods, folklore and traditional arts of China. Travellers should also take the time to visit the Chingay Parade, a mesmeric parade with international performers ranging from salsa dancers to Taiwanese acrobats.
A Singapore hotel reservation at a renowned Singapore city centre hotel such as the Copthorne King's Hotel Singapore. It is the ideal accommodation choice for the visitor. This conveniently located rest offers excellent rooms and attentive service.
Chinese Lantern Festival, Dandong, China, Feb 6, 2012 fireworks and bangers
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