Chinese New Year (I)

CNY is celebrated as the symbol of spring's celebration. It is celebrated after the fall harvest n before the spring planting season. The date of the CNY is always changing n is dependent on the Chinese calendar. Although celebrations of the CNY vary, the underlying message is one of peace n happiness for family members n friends.

It is popularly recognised as the Spring Festival n celebrations last 15 days. Preparations tend to begin a month from the date of the CNY as people start buying presents, decoration materials, food n clothing. A huge clean-up gets underway days before the new year, when Chinese houses r cleaned from top tp bottom, to sweep away any traces of bad luck, n doors n windowpanes r given a new coat of paint. Here, traditions n rituals r very carefully observed in everything from food to clothing.

CNY SYMBOLS

CNY is associated with many symbols n customs. Each of these CNY symbols has its own importance.

1) 'Hong-Bao'

Money is placed in these envelopes n given to children n unmarried young adults at CNY's time, much in the spirit as Christmas presents.

2) 'Fu'

The single word 'Fu', or fortune, is often displayed in many homes n stores. They r usually written by brush on a diamond-shaped piece of red paper. This is supposed to be a lucky CNY symbol.

3) Plum Blossoms

They stand for courage n hope. The blossoms burst forth at the end of winter on a seemingly lifeless branch. In Chinese art, plum blossoms r associated with the entire season of winter n not just the new year.

4) Spring Couplets

This CNY symbol is a very old one n holds traditional significance. Spring couplets r traditionally written with black ink on red paper. They r hung in storefronts in the month before the CNY's Day, n often stay up for 2 months. They express best wishes n fortune for the coming year.

5) Tangerines, Oranges n Pomelos

Tangerines r symbolic of good luck, n oranges r symbolic of wealth.

6) Tray of Togetherness

Many families keep a tray full of dried fruits, sweets n candies to welcome guests n relatives who drop by.

7) Water Narcissus

This CNY symbol signifies good luck n fortune, flower that blossom at new year's time. If the white flowers blossom exactly on the day of the New Year, it is believed to indicate good fortune for the ensuing 12 months.

8) Chinese Zodiac

This is a folk method for naming the years in traditional China.

Lastly, i'll update more facts about CNY very soon. Happy reading!!! And now I would to wish all of u a very HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR!!! Stay tune...