The Amazing Stories and Customs Associated with Chinese New Year
Millions of individuals worldwide will celebrate the Chinese New Year 2012.This event is celebrated for two entire weeks, not one day. It is also a celebration steeped in tradition some of that are as follows:
1. Kids get to receive money in red envelopes. These envelopes are handed out by the adults. These envelopes are also handed out to employees by their employers. It’s believed that doing so bring good fortune. The amount inside the envelope ought to be in even numbers, preferably 8, which the Chinese regard as a lucky number.
2. Tangerines are lucky fruits based on the Chinese. This is why they’re usually integrated in any Chinese New Year feast. Kids are expected to wish their elders a pleased new year and provide them two tangerines as they do so, that is a sign that they are also wishing for their elders to become lucky in the new year.
3. Any Chinese New Year parade wouldn’t be total with out the dragon and lion dance. You’ll see this dance in numerous Chinatowns worldwide. Towards the Chinese, the dragon symbolizes great fortune and power. Dancing is believed to bring in great luck and prosperity for the new year.
4. The Chinese decorate their houses with read banners. The Chinese paint or print “Fu” (for luck) on these banners. The banners could also have short poems printed on them. These poems basically express gratitude for all the blessings received the year before and wishes for the new year.
5. Lanterns are a typical sight during the Chinese New Year. Not a surprise since the Chinese New Year is known as the Lantern Festival too. Lanterns are lit up, welcoming the new year. Some people carry lit lanterns with them as they walk around, whilst other people hang the lanterns outside their houses.
6. An additional thing that individuals do with these lanterns is post riddles on them. Individuals take a piece of paper, write their riddle on it, after which stick the paper on the lantern. Passersby or guests have to answer the riddle correctly, and once they do, they are able to receive a bit present from the person who put up the lantern.
7. The ancestors aren’t forgotten during this time. In fact, solemn prayers are stated in their honor. As the individuals say their prayers, they burn incense sticks. Their prayers include thanking the ancestors for the blessings received the prior year.
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