Jan 07 2009
Pre Chinese New Year
Weeks or even months before Chinese New Year finally arrive; every Chinese household would be busy doing some preparation to ensure their homes are ready to welcome the new year and a new beginning. Some would do some renovations, or painting their houses so it looks new and etc. As the days draw nearer ‘Spring Cleaning’ is done to remove any clutter or unwanted items from the house. After all, a new year symbolizes a fresh new start.
Besides getting a ‘makeover’ for the house, the Chinese don’t miss getting a ‘makeover’ for themselves too. We get new hairstyles, cuts, new clothes, new bags, belts, whatever we can afford to change. Auspicious colors are normally red and gold. Black and white colors are usually avoided but modern and educated Chinese do not completely believe in such superstitions anymore but observe them just as a sign of culture.
The reunion dinner on the Chinese New Year is a time when all the families get together for an enormous feast. This is usually done at the parent’s or the eldest sibling’s house. After dinner, the families spend some time together waiting for the time to welcome the New Year. Some people will go to a temple but most just stay at home with the family.
Just before midnight, all the windows and doors in the house are open to let the old year get out and for the New Year to come in. At the stroke of midnight, you will hear thunderous firecrackers at work. The skies will be marveled by beautiful fireworks display. The show normally goes on for about an hour. Thus, is the beginning of a New Year.
