Bringing People Together - Chinese New Year
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Also known as the Spring Festival or the Lunar New Year, Chinese New Year is just around the corner filling the air with excitement and eagerness. Having originated over thousands of years ago, there are many legends trying to explain its emergence, yet there are no solid evidence for the same. Traditionally, the festival was a time to honour deities and ancestors. Celebrations last from the first day until the Lantern Festival on the 15th day of the first calendar month.
Celebrate with Food
The celebration involves traditions like exchanging mandarins, giving money to younger generations and feasting on a large variety of delicacies. Yusheng, a Cantonese-style raw fish salad, consisting of strips of raw fish mixed with shredded vegetables topped with an array of sauces and condiments, is a an authentic dish that is tossed a few times by family members before consuming on the first day with the belief that it will bring good luck and prosperity throughout the year. Nathalie Chan, a 16 year-old student says, “The tradition of Yusheng is significant for it brings the whole family together, even though just for a day.”
Parades and Such
Every country celebrating this festival has its own fashion and methods to make it more memorable. Singapore, for instance, organises the Chingay Parade, an annual street parade, involving people from all over the country capturing the essence of Singapore’s multicultural personality. Originally from China, it was held for the first time in Singapore on February 4, 1973. It includes dazzling street floats, dancing dragons and other street performers. It is just not limited to the Chinese community but the Malay and Indian community of Singapore are very much part of it. Every year, there are thousands of spectators who witness the various kinds of street performances.
Lanterns and More
Started in 1987, River Hongbao is another very important part of the Chinese New Year celebrations in Singapore. This lively festival includes huge lanterns, figures of the Chinese zodiac animals and the God of Fortune. There are many fun activities such as carnival games, mouth-watering food and an enriching experience of the chinese culture. The highlight is undoubtedly the fireworks happening everyday. The excitement to usher in the new year at the countdown party will be immeasurable.
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Being in Singapore during this time, one should make the most of the opportunity to learn about the rich Chinese culture. One may not be familiar with the customs and traditions but it can be a great way to experience and to learn something new.
