Gong Xi Fa Cai*

Having in consideration the huge number of Chinese living in KL, of course that the Chinese New Year is given a lot of attention. Many malls are decorated, as well as, streets, restaurants, houses which make you feel a bit of the taste of being in China.

Probably you are wondering (as I was) what happens in the Chinese New Year. Well, as far as I understood, Chinese New Year is for Chinese more of less the same as Christmas for Catholics. Before Chinese New Year families buy new clothes, items for the house, arrange it, prepare a lot of food and the in New Year’s Eve they have a family dinner.

Normally family members, especially older family members give to younger’s, an envelope containing money which is called “Ang pow”. Also, in companies which have a Chinese background, the boss will give this envelope to employees which is a very expected moments both in companies and families.

My one and only Ang pow :)

It is also the tradition that every family thoroughly cleans the house to sweep away any ill-fortune in hopes to make way for good incoming luck. Windows and doors will be decorated with red color paper-cuts and couplets with popular themes of “happiness”, “wealth”, and “longevity”.

During the festivities is it very common to give and receive Oranges or Tangerines. The reason behind is related with the name of Orange in Chinese which is the same as for Gold, so offering Oranges and Tangerines is a way to wish a prosperous year.

Some families and companies invite a dragon/lion dance troupe as a symbolic ritual to usher in the Lunar New Year as well as to evict bad spirits from the premises.

A small example video of these dances:

These rituals, the fire-works, decorations and so, last for the first 14 days of the Chinese New Year in which each day as a particular tradition/ritual. Also gambling is a very common activity for Chinese during this period, both in Casinos and within the family.

My Chinese New Year Eve was very interesting, I was invited by a college to attend a dinner in a farm which has a lot of animals, as well as, children and teenagers who have a difficult family situation. I was very well received and joined them at the big table outside. There was rice, vegetables, chicken and pork, accompanied by cold Chinese tea.

After those 2 weeks of beautiful decorations and lion dances everywhere, I only wonder how it must be Chinese New Year in China itself, if here is already such a big event and occasion?!

*Happy Chinese New Year