Chinese New Year

On February 7th, 2008, Asian families across the world rejoiced at the coming of the Lunar New Year. (Although most know of it as 'Chinese New Year') Celebrations are even taken to the streets, with the NYC Chinatown being filled with festivities during this time. Confetti and fireworks are used and the community dons the color red during this time.

If you had the chance to come to the NYC Chinatown two years ago and this year during the Lunar New Year, you'll find it was heavily raining on both of those days. It was a sight to behold back then, there was wet graffiti all over the floor and all the dye started coming off of the paper. Simply stepping on the sidewalks dyed your shoes in the red ink. Good times.

This year, we come to the year of the Rat, the very first animal in the Chinese zodiac cycle. The cycle will continue next year with the Ox, then the Tiger, followed by the Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, then finally, the Pig. But, make no mistake, the Chinese New Year is not always celebrated on February 7th of every year, it varies from year to year; this is due to the Lunar calendar (Which the Chinese use) having a different cycle than the Gregorian calendar we all know and love here in North America.

When Chinese families celebrate the coming of the New Year, we go all out. Various charms are hung around the household, many candies and snacks are put out on display for eating, gargantuan dinners are prepared, folks say the new year's greeting, "Gung hay fat choy," to each other, and money is distributed amongst the family as gifts. Generally, us Chinese-Americans don't celebrate the Lunar New Year as long as people in Asia do, America doesn't stop for us, you know? However, China does indeed stop for the Chinese New Year--for an entire week. Businesses take a hiatus, shops close up, and people go home to spend time with their families.

The charms, mostly made of paper and colored red and gold, are hung around the house in key locations. With auspicious messages like "Luck and Prosperity," they are sure to bring happiness amongst the family for the entire year.

Candy and treats are displayed in elegant bowls to pass the New Year's luck to those who eat it. Treats vary by household and there are many staple treats to choose from. Some popular treats include: Dried coconut shreds, lotus seeds, shrimp chips, (Very popular with the kids) sugared taro root, Sugus, (A Starburst imitation) dried melon, and dried ginger.

Chinese New Year dinners are generally huge, with some families exceeding 8 different dishes made with various lucky vegetables and meats. Taro roots, chicken, fish, and much more are served to assure abundance for the entire year.

Another key tradition in the Lunar New Year is the distribution of laisee, red envelopes stuffed with money, to younger members of the family; parents, older relatives, and friends hand out these laisee for good luck. The amount that goes into each envelope is not set in stone and is entirely at the discretion of the person who is handing them out. Ask a few of your Chinese friends how much they received for Chinese New Years, and they'll all give you different answers, usually in the three-digit range. (There are some people who receive money in the thousands!)

Dorming on a college campus makes it hard to truly celebrate Chinese New Years, which is best done with your family. However, it's the spirit that matters, so if you know your folks are at home celebrating the Lunar New Year, give your parents a call and give them a zealous "Gung hay fat choy."