Chinese New Year - The Year of the Ox

Chinese New Year or the Lunar New Year is one of the most important Chinese holidays. The holiday begins on the first day of the Lunar month on the Chinese calendar and lasts for 15 days. This year ,the year of the Ox, celebrations will start on January 26 and end on February 9.

The myth behind Chinese New Year is based on the mythical beast called the Nian. The Nian would devour the crops, children and livestock on the first day of each year. The villagers would put food in front of their doors which would protect them as Nian would eat the food instead of their crops, children etc... Myth has it that Nian was scared away by the color red, hence the use of red lanterns, scrolls and clothing in the color red during this period. All over Singapore red lanterns hand from doors of homes and shops. Lion and Dragon dances are held to scare away the bad or evil spirits and bring good luck. The dances are quite magnificent having large colorful lion heads with embroidered cloth and housed by acrobatic men making the lion dance.

Leading up to the days of the celebrations is a time of thorough cleaning, sweeping away of the bad luck. People buy new clothing, shoes, new hair cuts - symbolizing a fresh start in the New Year. The first day is a time when families come together to honor family - past and present. Each day holds particular meaning as to who it to be visited and pay homage to.

Mandarin oranges are popular during this period as they represent gold. Colorful Mandarin trees of all sizes are seen throughout the country in front of homes, hotels, etc... I participated in a Yushengs which is the tossing of the salad. The higher you toss the salad which is made of many different vegetables and fish, the greater luck and prosperity you will have that year. Another tradition is the Red Envelopes or hong bao are passed out during this period. They almost always contain money but always in even numbers with the exception of the number 4. 4 is considered bad luck because it is a homophone for death, whereas 8 is considered good luck as it is a homophone for wealth. Decorations with Chinese characters are hung on the doors and Allison pointed out to me that one must be turned upside down. This allows the good luck to come in to the home.

We were treated by our friends, Tony and Rebecca to a wonderful Chinese New Year meal. Tony and Rebecca were both born in China and have since immigrated to the US but moved over to Singapore with Abbott around the same time we did. Rebecca told us that Chinese New Year is more celebrated in Singapore than it is in China. That is because during the late 1970's China had their cultural revolution which basically stripped any cultural out of China. It was time when everyone was to be made equal and religion ceased to exist in the eyes of the government. Rebecca now is reminded of the traditions of Chinese New Year living in Singapore. They took us,with another family, Irene, John and Luca, to a Chinese restaurant and ordered food, including a yusheng salad and we tossed in the good luck for the coming year. It really was a great way for us all to celebrate our new found friendships here in Singapore.

We experienced our first Lion Dance which was truly amazing. Two men perform many acrobatic moves and manipulate the lion, it is beautiful and quite an athletic feat. One man is in the back of the lion controlling his hind legs and lifting at times his partner. The man in the front controls the head and the front feet. It is awesome how real the character becomes.

The girls fully embraced the traditions of Chinese New Year and were sure to wear Red clothes on the first night so they wouldn't be devoured by the Nian. They were mesmerized by the lion and dragon dances and enjoyed a crowded but fun trip to China Town. Overall the holiday is one that very much encompasses family and tradition.

We had a great Chinese New Year this year and hope for a great 2009, the year of the Ox. Which by the way according to the Chinese zodiac, Allison is an Ox!