Because there’s a big Chinese community in the country, we aren’t strangers to Lunar New Year celebrations. You may see tons of businesses and storefronts adorned with festive red decors but the Chinese New Year isn’t just about that.
There are traditions and celebrations you can participate in during the occasion. After all, it’s a non-working holiday so what better way to spend it than be familiar with the event.
Clean your house
One of the many Chinese New Year traditions is cleaning your home days prior to the Lunar New Year. Sweeping away the dust and ridding the home of dirt signifies saying goodbye to old things and the past year.
Set up healthy plants
According to Feng Shui, plants bring great energy and good Chi to the home. Depending on which corner you place them, plants will provide plenty of good luck and fortune as the Chinese New Year rings in. One of the most popular plants used for the New Year is the kumquat plant, which symbolizes good luck and ‘yang’ energy to your home.
Wear red
If you notice, a lot of Chinese decors are red. The color represents luck, happiness, and positive energy. Red isn’t limited to the New Year either—it’s worn during birthdays and other Chinese celebrations. You can also wear yellow, orange, or even pink!
Give out red envelopes
For most of us, ang paos are given out like free candy during Christmas but we actually acquired this from the Chinese custom. If you really want to get into the spirit of the Lunar New Year, stuff some cash in red envelopes and give them out to your friends. The red symbolizes good fortune and is supposed to ward off evil.
Dragon and lion dance
You don’t need to have Chinese blood to anticipate and enjoy Binondo’s dragon and lion dance. Business owners would hang red envelopes at their storefronts and the dragon would consume it as it passes by.
Watch the fireworks display
It is simply customary to set off firecrackers during Chinese New Year. In Chinese culture, the fireworks were used to scare away evil spirits. Now it has become a major custom worldwide to celebrate and ring in the new year.
Consume lots of tikoy
We simply cannot end this list without this. We know you’ve been waiting for this! These delicious glutinous rice cakes have become a favorite even among Pinoys and have become a Chinese New Year staple. It’s usually enjoyed deep-fried in beaten eggs so if you have Chinese friends, you’re likely to receive these.
