The eve of CNY is probably the high point of the celebration as that is when relatives gather, from far and near, for a reunion dinner. It is a time to rekindle family ties and enjoy sumptously prepared meals.
On New Year's day, ceremonial candles are lit, incense burned, and new clothes (red is the custom) worn. Greetings of "kong hee fatt choy" are made, which literally means "Happy New Year." Visits are made to relatives, friends, and neighbours to exchange wishes for health and good fortune.
Guests arrive bearing gifts of mandarin oranges which symbolize gold. It is also customary for married couples to give children and unmarried adults money inserted in red packets known as ang pow (which means "red packet"), as a gesture of wealth and good health. (I think this is probably the only time I'm happiest being single, just kidding!)
There are also taboos and beliefs, some of which are spiritual in nature, that must be observed. For example, traditionally, feasting generally goes on for 15 days. A break is taken on the third day where most businesses remain closed and visits to relatives and friends are discouraged.
Also, no one is allowed to sweep the floors on New Year's day as it is considered unlucky; doing so might result in one sweeping away one's good fortune for the new year. What is believed to bring good fortune and ward off evil is the lion which, according to legend, was the only animal that managed to wound the Nian.
In Chinese mythology, the Nian is a beast that arrives in the spring and would come to China and eat up the people it saw. The Chinese tradition of decorating in red, burning firecrackers, and the lion dance with loud drums and gongs was to scare away the beast.
The 15th and final day of the Lunar New Year is known as Chap Goh Meh (in Malaysia). The term is from the Hokkien dialect and translates to literally mean fifteenth day of the first month. It is the occasion of the first full moon of the New Year.
The occasion is marked by more feasting and festivities. In traditional Chinese culture, the day is celebrated as the Latern Festival; it should not be confused with the Mid-Autumn Festival which is also known as the Lantern Festival in Hong Kong, Singapore, and Malaysia.
The Lantern Festival is a very sacred, happy, and joyful festival. Children go out at night carrying bright candle-lit lanterns. The brightest lanterns were symbolic of good luck and hope.
Traditionally, the date once served as a day for love and matchmaking. Matchmakers acted busily in hopes of pairing couples and young people were charperoned in the streets in hopes of finding love.
Beginning February 18th 2007 till February 6th 2008 is the year of the pig.
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