Today, 5th February 2019, is the first day of the Year of the Pig so Happy Chinese New Year! It’s a big celebration for many people and there are many symbolic traditions around this time.
Being Chinese and growing up in the UK, it was always an interesting time of year. As a child, I would receive lucky money in a red envelope from my parents to symbolise good luck. They would wish me good health, that I do well in school and that my wishes come true. I would return the good wishes citing health, wealth, prosperity and good fortune in their businesses.
On New Year’s Day, we were not supposed to sweep the house in order to not sweep away our good fortune. We would decorate the house with signs saying “Luck” in Chinese and buy clementines as the Chinese word for these sound like luck. You see – it’s a very lucky day 🙂
It’s a time of honouring our ancestors and showing gratitude for what they have done. It’s also important to interact with people in a positive way, sending good messages and avoiding conflict. Essentially, we want to start the year in the way we want to go on, thinking positively about yourself and towards others.
I wish you and your family good health, wealth and happiness in the Year of the Pig. May it be a prosperous one – Kung Hei Fat Choy!
Footnotes
1) You may hear this today so “Kung Hei Fat Choy” is “Congratulations” in Cantonese. It is “Gong Xi Fa Cai” in Mandarin.