Chinese New Year

Nine Dragon Screen, Datong, Shanxi, China.

 

I know that Chinese New Year isn't until January 23rd. But what can I say, I am in the New Year Spirit and we have a great little display downstairs in tribute to how the Chinese celebrate the New Year! I also like this idea of decorating for the New Year with lanterns. Seems very apropos. And p.s., come January 23rd, its the year of the Dragon!

Chinese New Year is the most important of the traditional Chinese holidays. In China it is also know as “Spring Festival,” marking the difference between the Western and traditional Chinese methods for measuring the seasons. Throughout the different regions of China, celebrations and customs for the New Year vary. One of these traditions include families thoroughly cleaning their houses to signify sweeping away ill fortunes in hopes of receiving the luck of the New Year. Entryways are decorated with red and yellow paper lanterns and cutouts with popular themes of “wealth”, “longevity”, and “happiness."

On the Eve of Chinese New Year, supper is a feast with families. Food will include such items as pigs, ducks, chicken and sweet delicacies. The family will end the night with firecrackers. Early the next morning, children will greet their parents by wishing them a healthy and happy new year, and receive money in red paper envelopes. The Chinese New Year tradition is to reconcile, forget all grudges and sincerely wish peace and happiness for everyone. 

恭喜发财 - gong xi fa cai (pronounced go-ong see fa chi-ai)
"Wishing you prosperity"

万事如意 - wan shi ru yi (pronounced oo-an shee roo ee)
"May everything you do goes as you wished"

心想事成 - xin xiang shi cheng (pronounced sin see-ang shee che-eng)
"May all your wishes come true"