Before the arrival of the Chinese New Year

 

 

 

Before the Chinese New Year arrives, the Chinese have a very comprehensive to-do list according to the motto

 

 

“Out with the Old! In with the New!”

            

 

• Clear the air - Reconcile with friends, colleagues and family members over grievances, arguments and disagreements, so everyone welcomes the New Year with a clean slate.

 

 

 

• Clean the house and work place - The Chinese believes dust, dirt and garbage harbors bad qi/energy. A good thorough cleaning from top to bottom, insides and out is of the utmost importance. This is a very good time to get rid of any items that are unusable, and give away or recycle items not used or worn for over two years. It is very important to get rid of any garbage before the New Year arrives. No sweeping or cleaning is done for the first 3 days of the New Year, so the new qi/energy stays and benefits the people within the space.

• Clear the debts - Pay off any debts incurred before the New Year arrives. From ancient China even to the present day, a pair of red lanterns would be hanged up outside the front door prior to New Year's Eve, an indication the household is debt-free and creditors are paid off.  Guess this is pretty new to most of us.  Myth?  Truth?  You decide.  But what the Chinese strongly believe is - OWE NO Money.  All debts have to be paid. 

Well, this is not quite possible these days.  Why?  Most people have loans.  Car loans, house loans, credit card bills...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RED is the Color for Chinese New Year.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• New personal items - Everyone in the household will have their hair cut, shaved and well groomed prior to the arrival of New Year's Day. New clothes, socks and shoes are bought for the occasion, especially for the children, preferably something in red, which is considered an auspicious color that attracts good energy.  But nowadays, this is not so.  Wearing something new is acceptable. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• Auspicious symbols - Decorate the space with fresh flowers, e.g. narcissus, azalea, plum blossoms, kumquat plants, orchids, Lucky Bamboo, etc. Hang up new red and gold paper cuts and couplets with "Happiness", "Longevity", "Good Health", "Good Fortunes" ... auspicious sayings and symbols.

• New Year's Eve - Family reunion for feasting together and having a good time until the New Year arrives. Very important time to make offerings to the higher beings and ancestors, thanking them for past good fortunes, and their blessings for the coming year.

• New Year's Day - Open the door to welcome in the New Year. The Lion Dance is very popular at the places of business for activating the auspicious energy of the New Year.