The Chinese Lunar New Year sees a culmination of many things. Family gatherings, thematic costumes, lion dance displays, feasting and so much more. As millennials, we go through the motion of things year after year but has anyone actually stopped to understand why certain traditions and practices even exist in the first place?
Take the iconic yu sheng toss for example. It’s more than just a group of rowdy folks screaming and tossing food in the air in a barbaric fit. In fact, it is a tradition with so much meaning and positivity around it.
To ensure traditions live on, here is our guide to 8 Chinese New Year traditions that every millennial should know.
CHINESE NEW YEAR SNACKS
What Millennials think: Time to put my diet aside to get fat on all these new year goodies!
What it actually represents: Each Chinese New Year snack has its own symbolic meaning which brings about well wishes for the upcoming year. For instance, watermelon seeds represent vitality and longevity while pineapple tarts are thought of to bring good luck and prosperity to the house.
EATING DUMPLINGS
What Millennials think: Just another dish that’s served during a reunion meal.
What it actually represents: Dumplings are actually eaten for good fortune as they resemble ingots which were an ancient currency used by the Chinese in the past. Therefore, based on that, the more dumplings you eat, the more wealth you will accumulate for yourself!
FIREWORKS AND FIRECRACKERS
What Millennials think: Perfect photo opportunity for Instagram! It’ll make a pretty aesthetic Boomerang shot.
What it actually represents: Fireworks and firecrackers symbolise good luck for the rest of the year and also is a way to drive away evil spirits. This is based on the ancient story of a mystical beast called Nian who liked to feed on livestock on the eve of Chinese New Year. In order to chase Nian away, the people lit firecrackers to scare it off.
LION DANCE
What Millennials think: Noisy repetitive beats and a furry lion high on ecstasy.
What it actually represents: People, especially businesses, hire lion dancers to welcome in good luck as well as to drive away evil spirits. The lion itself is a symbol of power, wisdom and good fortune. So, if the lion happens to bite you on the head during one of these performances, lucky you!
NEW YEAR’S EVE REUNION DINNER
What Millennials think: Time for another round of feasting and have relatives ask about our lives as if they genuinely care.
What it actually represents: New Year’s Eve reunion dinners are considered to be one of the most important dinners for Chinese families, especially for those families who spend very little time together or have family members overseas. During such dinners, family members gather around to catch up as well as spend much-needed quality time with their loved ones over a sumptuous meal.
RED PACKETS
What Millennials think: Huat ah, free money! I can use this to buy a new iPhone (or gamble at my friend’s place later on).
What it actually represents: Red packets are a channel for sending good luck and wishes to the person on the receiving end.
SPRING CLEANING
What Millennials think: Time to revamp my wardrobe and bedroom! Guests are coming, better not let them see what kind of a horrible pig I am.
What it actually represents: Spring cleaning is regarded as a way of sweeping away the bad luck to welcome in all the good luck. However, be sure not to let your spring cleaning session drag into the new year — that would mean that you’ll be sweeping all the new year luck away!
STAYING UP PAST MIDNIGHT
What Millennials think: Tomorrow is a public holiday, I can sleep in. No work, no school, no problem!
What it actually represents: People believe that by staying up past midnight after the reunion dinner, they will be able to properly send off the old and welcome in the new. When it comes to children, it is said that the longer the child stays awake at night, the longer their parents will live. So if your kid manages to stay awake for 24-hours, you’re going to be one old, happy parent.