Traditions

History

Chinese New Year has been celebrated as early as the Xia Dynasty sometime 1558 BCE. According to legend, Chinese New Year originated because each year, a mythical beast called the "Nian" (meaning "Year" in Chinese) would come to devour the local villagers. Out of desperation, the villagers sought help from a great lion spirit. When the Nian next came to attack, the Lion Spirit came to the Village's rescue and wounded the Nian, which was driven away. Hearing of the Lion Spirit's great abilities, the Emperor invited the Lion Spirit to protect his palace. However, this left the village defenceless so the local people created a mimic of the Lion Spirit made of cloth and bamboo, which would be used the following year to scare the Nian away. When the Nian returned to attack, it saw the false Lion Spirit and mistaking it for the real one, was too frightened to return. This is why Lions and Dragons play such an important role in Chinese New Year celebrations, as they are said to scare away bad spirits and poor luck.

Preparations Before New Year

Traditionally, Chinese New Year lasts for 15 days, beginning on the 1st day of the Lunar Year. Before the New Year arrives, it is good practice to clean one's household and settle all business debts. This removes "bad luck" from the house and business and hopefully prepares for the arrival of "good luck". On the 1st day, all cleaning implements are to be stored safely away in case anyone accidentally "sweeps" the good luck away! Lots of red banners, auspicious characters and symbols are used as decoration. It is also ideal to wear new or fresh, clean clothes.

The First Day of New Year

Many Chinese families (especially Buddhists) abstain from eating meat on the first day to promote longevity by sparing the life of animals. Therefore, the day begins with a vegetarian breakfast (such as Buddha's Delight) that is usually prepared the night before, as using sharp knifes or fires on the first day might invite bad luck. The most important event is to pay one's respect to the most senior members of both immediate and extended family. Therefore, it isn't uncommon to see an entire family gathering in one household or a train of cars roaming from one household to the next. Married members of the family traditionally give red packets or "hung bao" which contain money for younger children. Before accepting a "hung bao", it is polite to clasp one's hands together and say "Happy Chinese New Year" or "Gong Hei Fat Choi". Red packets must never be opened in public view.

Chinese New Year Food

Many of the dishes of Chinese New Year symbolise prosperity, health and luck. The symbolism can derive from the method of preparation, the Chinese sound of its name or even its shape. For example, a Reunion Dinner is common held either before or during the New Year at the household of the most senior member. The dinner is usually of a grand scale, including dishes of chicken and fish. The fish may not be eaten entirely but stored overnight, as the Chinese phrase "may there be surpluses every year" sounds the same as "may there be fish every year." Chinese dumplings such as "Jau Gok" (which resemble Chinese gold ingots) and "Jiaozi" (where the preparation is similar to packaging luck inside the dumpling) will be eaten. Mandarins are also popular as their name "Kam" sounds like "Gold" in Chinese. Long uncut noodles will also be served to promote longevity and good health. Other common food appearances are dried fruit and nuts, Chinese sweets and candy, and dried meat. Typical desserts range from Taro cakes to puddings called "Nian Gao". 

Lions, Dragons and Firecrakers

Throughout the 15 days of New Year, there will be visiting troupes of Lions and Dragons to both households and businesses such as restaurants. They are often accompanied by traditional chinese instruments such as Drums, Gongs and Cymbals. The nature of these instruments and loud and noisy, in accord with the mythology and belief of driving away bad spirits and poor luck. They can go hand in hand with firecrackers to further celebrate the occasion. In Cairns, the Lion Dancers have been touring many venues and restaurants for over 20 years. It has become a local game for children and adults to feed the Lions the red packets or "Hung Bao", in the hope of inviting good luck. For more information about these performances, please visit our CADCAI Lion Dancers information page.