Traditions of Chinese New Year

February 10, brings us the Chinese New Year, celebrated widely around the world, and the most important of the traditional Chinese holidays.

This is the year of the Snake, signifying wisdom. Those born in the year of the Snake were admired by the ancient Chinese as great thinkers.

Celebrations take place in every corner of the world, but whether you take part in festivities at home with family or at a 5 star resort, you’ll experience at least a few of these traditions, including:

New Year’s Eve Dinner
The New Year’s Eve dinner is the most important dinner for Chinese celebrants, as this is highlighted family reunion dinner, bringing all together, especially those living far away from home. Fish is traditionally served, with dumplings as an important addition in Northern China — both are considered prosperous.

Shou Sui
Shou Sui is the act of staying awake through the night, derived from some legends of a beast called “Year”, whichSome people just stay until the mid night, after the fireworks. According to tales and legends, there was a mythical beast called the “Year”. At the night of New Year’s Eve, the “Year” comes out to harm people, animals, and homes, after which the people found that in order to keep the beast away, they should launch fireworks, make loud noises and stay awake the whole night to protect themselves against the “Year”.

Even more interesting, some believe that children who observe Shou Sui increase the longevity of their parents!

Fireworks
Fireworks are used to drive away the evil in China — be the first to launch a firework in the New Year for good luck!

Red Packets
Red packets are usually given from adults to children, and contain money which is believed to suppress evil from children, as well as keeping them healthy and long-living.

Wherever you may celebrate, we wish you a happy and prosperous Year of the Snake!