Chinese New Year Traditions (part 3): The New Year's Eve
1st Day of New Year...
Finally, we make it to the 1st day of New Year. The 1st day is dedicated to the ancestors and gods. Young people/children start to greet the older members to receive red packets filled with money.
In Chinese New Year customs, the children stand in front of the elders and wish them a wonderful year. The most common phase to use is "Gong Xi Fa Cai," which means, "Happy new year and become wealthy."
For the ancestors, food will be on the altar at all times. While eating you should be careful not to break any dishes. The reason is that "breaking" can mean a lot of different things, such as the first sign of bad luck, you will be "broke" for the whole year, a "break" in your relationship, or you may "break" a leg. I think you get the point.
On New Year, everybody wishes good things for each other and should not argue. For this reason, children will not get scolded during the New Year. If you are a guest please do not use explicit language and the word "Four" when speaking. As I mentioned before, the number "Four" is consider a bad luck number. For color, you should not wear black or white on New Year.
Another Chinese tradition is that you should not wash your hair on New Year's Day. The word "Xi Fa" for "washing hair" sound likes the word "losing wealth." However, traditionally, it is required for you to take a bath and wash your hair before New Year. "Wash" out the old and bring in the new. Also, it is just for personal hygiene (hehe).
To me, the highlight of the first day is the Dragon and Lion dance, which is usually performed by martial artists in the town. At the beginning of the year, the Dragon/Lion dance symbolizes scaring away the bad luck and ghosts. So, it is not rare to see some houses having their own Dragon/Lion to dance for them.
The true dance will involve nine dragons, but that is too costly. Nowadays, you will probably see a pair of dragons at the most. Furthermore, the number nine considers as the luckiest number in the Chinese culture.
But, if you really want to see the dance, I would recommend the parade. When you are there and want to feel the excitement, you should tip the Lion -- just a couple of dollars will be fine. After receiving the tip, sometimes the Dragon/Lion will dance for you.
Thank you for joining me today. I truly appreciate your time. From where I am and wherever you are, good night and good luck, everyone.
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