Happy Chinese New Year! Chinese New Year runs from February 8, 2016 until January 27, 2017. It is from the lunisolar Chinese calendar which the dates change from year to year.
Metal, Water, Wood, Fire, and Earth are five elements that are applied in the Chinese calendar. In addition, the color of fire is red and the character it responds to is the Monkey, therefore it is known as the year of the red monkey.
Each Chinese New Year character is by one of the 12 animals which appear in the Chinese zodiac. The Chinese zodiac divides into twelve blocks. Each block has a time length of one year. Since this is the year of the Monkey, the next year of the Monkey won’t be until 2028.
According to the Chinese five elements of horoscope, the Monkey contains metal and water. Furthermore, metal connects to gold. Also, water connects to wisdom and danger. Those born in the year of the Monkey are lively, quick-witted, curious, innovative, and mischievous. Also, it is known to be one of the most unlucky years in the Chinese calendar. All in all, the characteristics of those falling under this zodiac sign are:
- Sociable
- Innovative
- Enthusiastic
- Self assured
- Suspicious
- Jealous
- Cunning
- Selfish
- Arrogant
- Bright
- Lively
- Smart
Chinese New Year Taboos!
The Chinese have many taboos that you need to avoid on the first day of the New Year. They are:
- Medicine – if you take medicine on this day some think you will get ill for a whole year.
- New Year’s breakfast – avoid eating porridge as this is considered poor and a bad omen.
- Laundry – In the first place, skip laundry on the first two days of the holiday. These two days are birthdays for Shuishen and the Water God.
- Washing hair – do not wash your hair on the first day of the lunar year.
- Sharp objects – Also avoid any sharp object. As it is thought to deplete wealth.
- Going out – A woman should not leave her house or she will have bad luck for the coming year.
- Broom – do not sweep today. Your wealth will be swept away.
- Crying Children – Do not let children cry and try to keep them happy.
- Theft – avoid having your pocket picked.
- Debt – Do not give out money. In addition, all debts should be paid by New Year’s Eve.
- Empty rice jar – this can cause anxiety. Also cooking is a bad omen.
- Damaged clothes – this can cause bad luck for the year.
- Killing things – blood is an ill omen.
- Monochrome fashion – Do not wear white or black as these two colors have an association with mourning.
- Welcome the New Year – According to the tradition people should stay up late to celebrate the New Year.
- Giving of certain gifts. Giving scissors, clocks, and pears all have a bad meaning in the Chinese culture.
Chinese New Year
Hence, the Chinese red envelope represents good fortune. In addition, envelopes usually have messages and symbols of prosperity. Also inside the red envelopes are money.
There are many large Chinese communities. To summarize, plan to celebrate the beginning of the year of the Monkey in style. In Massachusetts, there are many celebrations going on in Chinatown. Also, today I will be visiting my Nail Salon who has a custom going on every year where they have their Customers select a red envelope from a tree offering a discount. Furthermore, I look forward to learning more about how the holiday from my Nail Technician, Jenny.
Happy Chinese New Year!