When sounds of crashing cymbals and lilting flutes play endlessly in malls and supermarkets, you understand Chinese language New 12 months is simply across the nook.
Chinese language Singaporeans are stocking up on mandarin oranges and packing hongbao as they put together for the 12 months of the Dragon – a part of many rituals for ringing in a brand new 12 months.
Listed below are another festive practices and beliefs for the season that you just may not learn about.
1. Depositing cash on Li Chun
The time period “Li Chun” interprets to the beginning of spring. It’s the first of 24 phrases within the Chinese language photo voltaic calendar.
Li Chun falls on Feb 4 on most years, give or take a day or two, when the solar is on the celestial longitude of 315 deg.
Historically, that is when Chinese language farmers pray for a bountiful harvest 12 months.
Lately, snaking queues are seen at banks as individuals wait in line to deposit money into their financial institution accounts on that day.
Many consider that doing so will increase their wealth and produce them good luck. Some additionally put on the fortunate color purple, or put together quantities related to prosperity like $88.
2. Paying your money owed earlier than the beginning of Chinese language New 12 months
Going into the brand new 12 months with money owed is alleged to be inauspicious.
This customary Chinese language follow displays a symbolic want to begin the 12 months on a clear slate.
Those that are superstitious consider that not closing your books earlier than the beginning of the primary day of Chinese language New 12 months will trigger you to be in debt all 12 months lengthy, and even for the remainder of your life.
3. Conceal sharp objects and brooms
Discover one other strategy to open that bag of chips, as a result of sharp objects resembling scissors, needles, nail clippers and knives are seen as ominous and inauspicious objects.
These objects are mentioned to “lower away” good luck or trigger fights.
Different objects that belong within the taboo closet embrace brooms – to keep away from sweeping luck and wealth out the door.
4. Keep away from washing your garments or your hair
Don’t do your laundry through the first two days of the Chinese language New 12 months. In keeping with folklore, these two days are mentioned to be the birthday of the god of water, who could get offended by a rinse and spin.
There are additionally those that go so far as to keep away from washing their hair on the primary day.
The Chinese language phrases for “hair” and “prosper” sound comparable, so preserve your tresses away from water to keep away from washing away any good luck.
5. Seven greens on the seventh day
In keeping with Chinese language mythology, the feminine goddess Nu Wa created human beings on the seventh day of the creation of the world, which is why it’s marked because the birthday of humankind in Chinese language tradition.
Often called “renri”, individuals rejoice the seventh day of the Chinese language New 12 months by consuming auspicious dishes, resembling soup, congee or stir-fry, with seven greens.
The dishes are inclined to characteristic greens resembling Chinese language leek, Chinese language celery, Chinese language mustard greens, coriander, spring onion, napa cabbage, chives, chard and spinach.
Every of those greens is filled with symbolism.
For instance, the Chinese language phrases for “spring onion” and “mind” sound comparable, so those that eat spring onions are blessed with intelligence and wit.
6. Retaining vigil on Chinese language New 12 months’s Eve
Many youngsters stay up for the eve of Chinese language New 12 months as a result of it’s the one night time they’re inspired to remain up late.
It’s mentioned the longer youngsters keep awake, the extra long-lived their mother and father shall be.
In keeping with Chinese language folklore, villagers would preserve a lookout for a legendary beast on the night time of the eve of the Spring Competition. This follow continues to be referred to as “shousui”.
After the vigil comes the primary day of Chinese language New 12 months, when youngsters obtain blessings and purple packets from their mother and father and elders.
This text was first revealed in The Straits Occasions.
Supply: Her World
