I Love Chinese New Year

Today, January 25, is Chinese New Year Eve. This means that I need to run around in preparation for the New Year today, getting everything ready before the Year of the Ox arrives. I need to clean my room and do all my laundry so that all of the bad spirits of the previous year are washed away with the arrival of the new year, and tonight I have to wash my hair as well as shower because washing hair on the first day of the New Year is bad luck. It is traditional for the entire family to get together and have a Chinese New Year Eve dinner, but as the majority of my family is in Hong Kong and I’m in the States, that’s not really an option for me this year.

Tomorrow, I have to call my family and wish them a happy new year (新年快乐) and prosperity for the new year (恭喜发财), among many other well-wishes. My personal favorite is 心想事成, which translates to “May all of your wishes come true.” Then comes the distribution of red packets (红包), which is one of the many perks of Chinese New Year! Additionally, I will abstain from eating meat for the first day of the new year, for it is believed that doing so will increase one’s longevity. It is also customary for people to visit their elders such as their grandparents, but due to geographical distance, again, that’s not an option for me. Altogether there are fifteen days of Chinese New Year (much like how there are twelve days of Christmas), and while I really only observe the traditional customs on the eve of the new year as well as the first day, it’s my favorite holiday.

I just love the feeling of a fresh start for a new year – cleaning, cooking, the well-wishes… I love how families get together and wish each other prosperity for the new year, how people visit their elders to pay their respects, and how everyone is always happy, giving out red packets and enjoying the delicious food that is served around New Year. There’s so much culture and tradition that is steeped into the customs of Chinese New Year, and I love the festive atmosphere and excitement that is part of the holiday. This is my first Chinese New Year without my family, and as it is my favorite holiday I am a little scared to spend it on my own – but I’m confident that my friends and I will make it a Chinese New Year to remember. Happy Year of the Ox, everyone!

Question of the Week: What is your favorite holiday, and why?

Cross-posted from breakthesky.net. Please leave any comments there.