Unit 2 – Chinese New
Year
Answer the following questions.
1- When does Chinese New Year start?
The
Chinese New Year starts on the new moon between 21st January and
February 20th. In china the lunar calendar is still used to determine
traditional holidays. Moon has a shorter cycle than sun so Chinese New Year is
never on the same day each year.
2- Why do
Chinese families do thorough cleaning of their houses before New Year’s Day?
Chinese families clean
houses before New Year’s Day. It is done to clear out any bad luck from the
previous years and to make houses ready to accept good luck from the coming
years.
3- Which color is not allowed and which color is encouraged on
Chinese New Year? Why?
Wearing black color is not allowed due to its association with death;
however, wearing red color is encouraged as the color is associated with
turning off bad spirits.
4- What do decorations on doors and windows symbolize?
During Chinese New Year’s
celebrations, it is a popular custom in China to hang up signs and posters on
doors and windows with the Chinese word fu on them, which means luck and
happiness.
5- What is the significance of New Year’s Eve Dinner?
The New Year’s Eve Dinner
is an important activity of celebration. People visit relatives and partake in
a large dinner where a number of specific food are served. Families make eight
to nine dishes because in Chinese language the word “eight” means “prosperity”
and the word “nine” means “long-lasting”.
6- What do the little red envelops filled with money symbolize?
The little red
envelopes filled with money symbolize wealth and prosperity for the coming
year. It is also common for elders to present red packets to unmarried members
of the family.
7- What is the importance of Chinese New Year for Chinese families?
The Chinese New Year
is considered to be one of the most important holidays for Chinese families.
The holiday is celebrated with big family gatherings, gift giving, the eating
of symbolic food and display of festive decoration.
