Chinese New Year traditions hold deep and unique meanings and philosophies. Let’s explore these traditions and what they symbolize.
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Chinese New Year is one of the most important holidays in Indonesia. Leading up to the celebration, typical decorations, predominantly in red, can be seen everywhere. It’s common to witness lion dance performances in malls and public places during this time. Behind the joy of the Chinese New Year celebration lie several fascinating traditions worth discovering. Read on to learn more!
1. Cleaning the House
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Cleaning and tidying the house are typically done one day before the Chinese New Year celebration. This act is believed to bring good luck and fortune for the coming year.
2. Home Decoration
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Decorating the house is another vital activity before the Chinese New Year. Doors and windows are often repainted and adorned with decorations featuring auspicious phrases or words, which symbolize prosperity and strength and attract good luck.
3. All Red
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A prominent aspect of every Chinese New Year celebration is the use of the color red. This color symbolizes strength and prosperity and is thought to bring good luck. Red is also believed to ward off Nian, a mythical creature said to disturb humans, especially children, during the spring season. To protect themselves from Nian, people decorate their homes, wear red clothing, and use red accessories during the celebrations.
4. Typical Chinese New Year Dishes
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No holiday is complete without special foods for celebration. Basket cakes and oranges are essential dishes during Chinese New Year. Typically, at least 12 types of food are served, representing the 12 zodiac signs. Each dish carries significant meaning; for example, a whole chicken symbolizes family prosperity, long-life noodles represent longevity (as they are not to be cut), and a layered cake signifies multi-layered fortune.
5. Avoid Eating Porridge
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During the Chinese New Year celebrations, porridge is avoided as it symbolizes poverty. Instead, a variety of special dishes are served to commemorate the occasion.
6. It is Forbidden to Flip Fish When Eating It
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In Chinese New Year traditions, flipping the fish while eating is considered improper. Additionally, it is customary to leave some fish uneaten for the next day. This practice symbolizes abundance for the year ahead.
7. Firecrackers and Fireworks
Lighting firecrackers and fireworks is a way to ward off bad luck from the previous year. Consequently, a spectacular fireworks display often accompanies festivities during the Chinese New Year.
8. Lion and Barongsai Performances
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Around the time of Chinese New Year, lion dance performances take place. In Chinese tradition, these performances symbolize happiness and joy and are believed to bring good luck. They are also thought to help drive away evil spirits that may cause harm.
9. Angpao
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One of the traditions that children eagerly anticipate is the sharing of Angpao. This custom involves married Chinese individuals sharing their good fortune with their children. Interestingly, it is not only the children who receive Angpao; parents may also receive them from their adult or married children. The act of sharing Angpao is believed to promote good fortune in the future. This tradition symbolizes the transfer of energy and prosperity and is thought to enhance financial luck.
In Chinese culture, the money placed in the Angpao must not contain the number four, as this number is considered unlucky. In Mandarin, the word for "four" sounds similar to the word for "death." Additionally, the amount of money given should not be an odd number, as odd numbers are associated with funerals.
10. Visiting Family
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Chinese New Year celebrations typically provide an opportunity for visiting family and relatives. This occasion serves as a moment for the Chinese to strengthen their familial bonds. Therefore, it is common for many to gather and celebrate with their families as the New Year approaches.
11. Yu Sheng Tradition
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The tradition of eating Yu Sheng has recently gained popularity in Indonesia. However, this practice was originally brought by fishermen from South China who migrated to the Malaysian Peninsula in the 19th century. According to tradition, the dish is served on a single Yu Sheng plate, which contains various cold ingredients, such as sliced salmon and carrots. These ingredients are then topped with sesame sauce, plums, and other components. People at the table stir the dish together and lift it with chopsticks as high as possible while saying "Lao Qi" or "Lao Hei." The accompanying prayer when eating Yu Sheng is for the family to receive a better fortune in the upcoming year.
12. Ancestor Prayer
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Another unique tradition during the Chinese New Year celebrations is the prayer for ancestors who have passed away. This activity often takes place at home the day before the New Year. During this ritual, incense and candles are lit, and food offerings such as fresh fruits, cakes, meats, and beverages (usually tea and wine) are presented as a sign of respect for the ancestors.
