Chinese New Year Information

Celebrating Chinese New Year is a wonderful way to connect to your child’s Chinese tradition and culture. This year the holiday was on February 8, 2007.

For those of us unfamiliar with this New Year tradition, it is helpful to do a little research before visiting the local Chinese restaurant to celebrate.

Chinese New Year Tradition

Chinese legend says that a beast that eats men would come down from the mountains on New Year’s Eve to eat the people. To ward off this beast, the Chinese discovered that the color red and loud noises (e.g., firecrackers) scared it away. Once the beast was gone, the people celebrated in hopes of having another year of safety from the beast.

Chinese New Year Calendar

The Chinese New Year calendar is based on lunar and solar movements. It begins on the day of the first new moon of the New Year and lasts for fifteen days of the first lunar month.

Each day is filled with specific celebrations that revolve around Chinese New Year tradition.

Before Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year tradition dictates that before the New Year begins, homes must be swept and cleaned thoroughly. Sweeping symbolizes sweeping out the bad luck so good luck can arrive on the New Year.

On New Year’s Eve, family members journey to the senior family member’s home to celebrate with traditional Chinese New Year food. This is a feast usually with chicken and fish, vegetables, or dumplings, depending on the region’s tradition.

Day One

On this day the gods of heaven and earth are welcomed. Meat is avoided because the Chinese believe this will lead to a long and happy life. Families continue to visit other members. A lion dance is sometimes performed.

Day Two

Daughters-in-laws visit their own families because traditionally they do not see them that often during the year.

Days Three and Four

Families do not visit each other during these days. New Year tradition says that either family arguments can get started or it is not appropriate to visit families who have lost members recently.

Day Five

Day five is called Po Wu. The people pay homage to the god of wealth.

Day Seven

This is believed to be the birthday of mankind. It is celebrated by eating vegetables and drinking a blend of juices from seven types of vegetables.

Day Nine

Tribute is paid the Jade Emperor of Heaven.

Day Fourteen

Preparations are made for the New Year Lantern Festival to take place on Day fifteen.

Day Fifteen

Children usually go out on the night of day fifteen carrying lanterns. This is known as the Chinese Lantern Festival.

It is also Chinese “Valentine’s Day.” Hoping love was in the air, matchmakers hoped to pair up couples on this night.

Many of the traditional New Year celebrations can be modified for our adopted Chinese children, especially the Lantern Festival.

While adoptive parents may not understand or choose to participate in all the New Year activities, exposing ourselves and our children to New Year tradition is a way to strengthen our red thread connection within our families and to China.

Return to www.china-adoption-threads.com.