Chinese New Year, also known as Lunar New Year, is one of the most eagerly anticipated occasions each year. This is the biggest and most significant event of the Chinese community, and it is observed by Singaporeans. We were told by many to expect celebrations bigger than that of the Christmas holiday!
The festival traditionally begins on the first day of the first month in the Chinese calendar and ends on the 15th day. That equals fifteen days of celebrations!! Wow...
Random Facts About CNY:
- Symbolically, new clothes are usually worn to signify the new year... In particularly, the color red.
- You are also supposed to get your haircut before CNY, because you should not cut your hair after CNY for 15 days... or it will bring bad luck.
- It is also the tradition for every family to thoroughly clean their homes to “sweep away” any ill-fortune, making way for the arrival of good luck.
- The holiday brings people together, and is marked by visits to relatives and friends.
- The highlight for children and younger members of the family during these visits comes in little red packets, or “hong bao”, filled with money... How cool is that?!
- Another significant tradition is the Reunion Dinner, which takes place on the Eve of Chinese New Year, and is an occasion for families to come together and eat.
During this celebration, the streets were alive with lights, decorations, music, and performances. We chose to visit Chinatown the day before CNY and were pretty surprised
by the masses of people there. It was a pure chaos!
This is a very special year in the Chinese New Year, the year of the DRAGON- which is said to represent power and strength! The dragon is the most powerful animal in the Chinese zodiac. So, all across the city, you’ll notice dragon decorations everywhere. There are also dragon and lion dances – lending a cheery, festive atmosphere to the occasion. Dragons and lions are prominent characters in Chinese mythology; its roots originating in ancient China when Nien, a mythical beast which tormented villagers was discovered to be afraid of the colour red.
Singapore bursts with all sorts of activities and events during Chinese New Year each year. Recently, while shopping at the grocery store, I heard the banging of loud drums and music and instantly knew... a lion dance was being performed outside the door! This is not uncommon and adds a bit of magic to the holiday!
 |
| So, the camera totally messed up... But, on a positive note, this captures the chaos of CNY perfectly! :) |
 |
| Just a few decorations on this house. lol |
Wishing you luck and prosperity for the rest of the year!
