2007-02-08 16:39:43 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
A time for family reunions, the lion dance, firecrackers, mahjong, mandarin oranges and giving/collecting red packets, the Lunar New Year - or Chinese New Year (CNY)...
Its origin can be traced back thousands of years, to the legend which tells of a fearsome mythological creature known as Nian that is said to have once terrorised China, devouring people on the eve of CNY. To ward off the beast, red-paper couplets were pasted on doors, firecrackers were set off throughout the night, and huge fires were lit. (of coz, fire crackers are prohibited in many countries now...)
Today, the prevalence of the colour red, and firecrackers, form part of the CNY celebrations throughout the world, as a part of custom and tradition.
The festival, which once also marked the beginning of spring in China, begins on the first day of the lunar calendar year, the first day of the new moon, and ends on the 15th day, the last day of the full moon.
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The eve of CNY is probably the high point of the celebration as it is on this day that family members from far and near will return home for the reunion dinner, to rekindle family ties and enjoy the sumptuously prepared meals. Dinner is usually made up of seafood and dumplings; delicacies include waxed duck, prawns, braised dried oysters, scallops and “prosperity vegetables”.
After the reunion feast, entire families will try to stay up all night in adherence to shou sui, a practice which is believed to bring one's parents longevity.
With daylight, homes again become a buzz of activity. Ceremonial candles are lit, incense burned, new clothes (red is the custom) are put on, and greetings of “Kong Hee Fatt Choy” ...
Chinese families invite their relatives and friends over to their homes during CNY. Guests arrive bearing gifts of mandarin oranges, which symbolises gold or wealth.
It is also customary for married couples to give children and unmarried adults money inserted in red packets, as a gesture to mean that the recipient will enjoy a fruitful and wealthy life.
this year, its the year of the boar (pig).
2007-02-08 17:55:59 · answer #1 · answered by sista! 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
In a very Chinese fashion. Just like the Klingon's celebrate their Klingon...ian traditions: in a perfect Klingonian way.
2007-02-08 16:45:36 · answer #2 · answered by mrquestion 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Mostly with FOOD, Speeches, and Fireworks!
Great People!
2007-02-08 16:45:03 · answer #3 · answered by whynotaskdon 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Chop Sui wang dui !
2007-02-08 16:46:21 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
With chop sticks and fortune cookie.
2007-02-08 16:43:17 · answer #5 · answered by chucky 3 · 0⤊ 3⤋