Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year 新 年 快 乐

On Sunday, January 22, 2023, we celebrate the Chinese New Year. 2023 will be the year of the Black Water-Rabbit.

China will be 4270 years old since the first king of China was inaugurated in 2697 B.C. Traditionally, the Chinese New Year is welcomed with firecrackers announcing its arrival. Festivities start on Chinese New Year’s Eve on Saturday, January 21, 2023, and people will stay awake until midnight.

Gong Xi Fa Chai 恭喜發財 is the most popular saying which means “Congratulations and Make Fortune”.

Some families put on new clothes right after midnight, others worship spirits in a way of honoring ancestors and letting them know the new year is here.

Opening doors to homes in China stands for those old habits and old harmful stuff leave, giving room for new beginnings.

Red envelopes are given to children (with money inside) by relatives or the mayor of the city as a way to start the year right.

There are also things you should not do during the Chinese New Year:

• Don’t argue.

• Don’t get mad.

• Don’t touch needles or knives or razors.

• Don’t break things.

• Married women can’t visit their parents’ home.

• Clean and throw away trash.

• Don’t take a noon nap.

• Don’t wash hair or clothes.

• Don’t wear black or white.

• Don’t visit a friend’s house if someone recently passed away.

• Don’t visit the doctor or hospital.

• Don’t wake people up.

• Don’t borrow or lend money.

• Don’t eat meat for breakfast or any rice porridge.