CHINESE NEW YEAR - The Year of the Rabbit - Everything you need to be know about the Chinese New Year

Published: 04 February 2011
by SARAH MARSH

ALSO known as Yuan Tan, Chinese New Year is translated into English  as “let bygones be bygones”. It is at this special time of year that the New Moon is commemorated, after the winter solstice. Each day of the 15-day-long celebration has a different meaning. 

Day 1
The first day is known as “the welcoming of the gods of the heaven and earth”.

To ensure a long and happy life, on the first day of the New Year, Chinese culture stipulates that meat or fish cannot be consumed. 

In addition, a vegetarian dish helps to purify the body, as well as honouring a Buddhist tradition that nothing living should be killed on the first day of the New Year. 

According to a Chinese legend, Nüwa is the goddess who created the world, and she made animals on a different day – that is why each day is considered the birthday of the corresponding animal.

Day 2
Dog lovers will be delighted to learn that on the second day of Chinese New Year (the birthday of all dogs), tradition demands that people are extra kind to canines, feeding them well. The Chinese pray to their ancestors, as well as to all the gods.

Days 3 and 4
These are days for the sons-in-laws to pay respect to their parents-in-law. Families who have had an immediate relative die in the last three years will not go house visiting out of respect for the dead. Some people believe it is bad luck to do any house visiting at all, as it is believed evil spirits roam the earth this day. It would therefore be inauspicious to be outdoors.

Day 5
On the fifth day – known as ‘Po Woo’ – people stay home to welcome the God of Wealth. No one visits families and friends on this day because it will bring both parties bad luck.

Day 6
Chinese people can now visit their relatives and friends freely, up until the 10th day. They also visit the temples to pray for good health and fortune.

Day 7
The seventh day, named renrì (literally meaning “human day”) is the day for farmers to display their produce. These farmers make a drink of seven types of vegetables to celebrate the occasion. Noodles are eaten to promote longevity along with raw fish for success. The day is also known as Day of Men or Men Day. According to a different legend, on the seventh day after the creation of the world, Nüwa created human beings from yellow clay. With the divine power entrusted to her, Nüwa made the clay figurines come to life.

Day 8
Another family reunion, and at midnight a prayer to Tian Gong, the God of Heaven.

Day 9
Offerings are made to the Jade Emperor

Days 10-12
On these days, friends and relatives should be invited for dinner for a rich feast!

Day 13
On the 13th day, you should have simple rice congee and mustard greens (choi sum) to cleanse the system.

Day 14
The 14th day should be for preparations to celebrate the Lantern Festival, which is to be held on the 15th night.

Day 15

The final day of Chinese New Year marks the first full moon after the Spring Festival. The day is well known as Lantern Festival day – another reunion dinner is held with lanterns and oranges being a large part of the celebrations! Traditionally, people eat special sweet dumplings called yuanxiao, resembling the shape of the full moon.  These delicious round balls are made from glutinous rice flour stuffed with sugar and they symbolise reunion. 
During this festival, lanterns are displayed – at lantern fairs and also children carry them into temples. 
The festival is connected with guiding lost or evil spirits home, while celebrating the good relationship between people, families and nature.