A Double Whammy New Year

During Jen's (our Singapore Friend) visit the other weekend we ended up talking about the difference between our New Year and The Chinese New Year. Jen has kindly given me a background which I  want to share with all of you.

This year we will have the pleasure of celebrating New Year twice as it is customary in Singapore. The Chinese Lunar New Year will be the 23rd of January when it is customary for Chinese families to celebrate the season and with some pre-festive preparations. The major difference here from the way it is celebrated in China is a more simplified celebration.

Obviously no firecracker here (It's Illegal here) apart from the festivities on the eve of New Year in Chinatown. Chinatown will be decorated in similar fashion to what Orhard Road is done now. Next year is the Year of the Dragon.

A typical reunion dinner with all members of the family is held on the eve of New Year, either "steamboat" or in a restaurant. A special dish called "Yu Sheng" comprising of different vegetables and raw fish are made. The dish signify prosperity, wealth and good fortune. Ingredients are suppose to be mixed together by the family members lifting the ingredients as high as possible mumbling words of blessing with good health and wealth. Jen is going to come and give us a personal demo. I really look forward to that.

It's also the practise that children sleep as late as possible on the eve which will increase the lifespan of your parents and elders. On the first day of the New Year there are a few things forbidden when visiting relatives. No wearing black as this is associated with death and bad luck. No sweeping or cleaning as this is deemed sweeping away all your fortune. No breaking of bowls etc as this will lead to 7 years of bad luck. Worse if it is a mirror. No mentioning of the word death or bad luck. Talk about auspicious things.

The two must haves if you go visiting will be a pair of mandarin oranges and the red packets for young ones. Newly married couples (less than a year) do not have to give red packets to children and the elders.

Chinese New Year is supposed to be 15 days but in Singapore it is only 3 days. People visit relatives, and play "mahjong" or card games. The ambiance and festive mood has been dampened over the years especially for the youngsters with more emphasis on Christmas instead.

Very interesting. Thanks Jen.

Year of the Dragon

PS. I am a Tiger and Zelma a Rooster according to the Chines Lunar Year.