Kung Hei Fat Choi!

Chinese New Year – Fun Facts

How much do you know about Chinese New Year traditions and superstitions?

Sunday 14th February 2010 marks the start of
the Year of the Golden Tiger.

New Year Decorations:
~ Anything bright red (happiness), yellow or orange (wealth)
~ Circular candy trays (togetherness)
~ Flowers – particularly plum and peach blossoms and water lilies.
(If these bloom on New Year’s Day it symbolises prosperity)
~ Tangerines and oranges, as well as tangerine trees (abundant happiness)
~ Red lanterns and banners with wishes of good fortune.

On New Year’s Eve:
~ Put away all brooms and brushes and clear the house of anything representing the old
year. Sweep dirt inwards through the door, not out, otherwise you will sweep your good
fortune away.
~ Resolve all differences with family and friends.
~ At midnight, open all doors and windows to let the old year out.

On New Year’s Day:
~ Visit family and friends.
~ Hand out red envelopes filled with ‘lucky money’. These are called ‘lai see’ and
contain new bank notes for luck. They are given by the older and senior to the
younger and subordinate. You might give lucky money to people who help you
during the year, such as your gardener or housekeeper.
~ Wear new clothes (particularly red).
~ Do not sweep or dust today – this symbolises sweeping away wealth and good fortune.
~ Do not wash your hair, as it is seen to be washing away good fortune.
~ Do not use scissors or knives as this may cut off your fortune.

Other interesting facts about CNY

Always present chicken and fish whole, symbolising completeness.

Married daughters should not visit their parents on Chinese New Year or this will bring very bad luck to the parents.

Tangerines or oranges with leaves attached represent long lasting relationships and when presented to newlywed couples bring good luck for producing many children.

Don’t expect to be visited if you are in the hospital at Chinese New Year, as this brings illness upon the person doing the visiting!

Did You Know?

The Sumatran Tiger is a critically endangered.
To find out more about what you can do to help save these magnificent animals, visit www.taronga.org.au or  www.wwf.org