Happy Chinese New Year 2021

Today is February 12th and we’re happy to celebrate Chinese New Year and Year of the Ox with you! While everybody remembers this is a significant occasion, do you know why it happens as it does or how people are celebrating it?

The Chinese New Year is celebrated all over the world. People of all races come together to see the Chinese people’s soul and culture come to full bloom.

Traditionally, the Chinese New Year honoured ancestors with incense, flowers and candles. Many people are visiting temples and offering to the Buddha or the gods, for blessings for a prosperous new year, but now it’s time for families to unite and welcome the coming year. To spend this holiday, we’d like to share some of the traditions that you don’t want to miss. Here are some of the following list:

Tray of togetherness

Celebrate Chinese New Year by putting together a tray of togetherness, a serving platter that is filled with sweets, dried fruits, nuts and other bite-sized sweets to wish for a sweet and prosperous life in the year ahead.

Red lanterns

On the other side of spring cleaning, you can use these lanterns to decorate your gatherings, your home or your office. Chinese red lanterns are a good start to bring good luck and good fortune according to Chinese tradition.

Lucky foods

Chinese New Year cannot be completed without tasty food on the table. Prepare your new year’s eve dinner with your loved ones! Yes, it’s time to learn your families’ special recipes of dumplings, spring rolls, steamed fish, and longevity noodles.

Firecrackers

Legend says fireworks and gongs are set off to ward off monsters and bad luck. So don’t forget to make noise and party responsibly.

Red envelopes

This is also known as leisee or hóngbāo. Lucky colour red is seen everywhere, particularly on these special envelopes in which grandparents and parents give their children money on New Year’s Eve.

And, don’t forget each year has a designated zodiac animal. This year is the year of the ox. It is second of the twelve zodiac animals to finish the race. It symbolises wealth, prosperity, diligence, and perseverance. Are you born in the year of the ox? Let us know in the comments!

May all your dreams come true, we wish you good health and lasting prosperity. Happy New Year, everyone!

Don’t forget to share how you celebrated this Chinese New Year tradition with us at the People’s Inc. Sign up here and join us!