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Chinese New Year is one of the biggest public holidays in Singapore. Whenever the Lunar New Year rolls around, it is common to see the streets lined up with festive decorations as everyone gears up for the occasion. And as with many Chinese holidays, there are various customs and traditions associated with Chinese New Year.
These traditions are considered an integral part of the celebrations and have been passed down from one generation to the next. Various such customs, such as spring cleaning, the giving of ang baos, and tuan nian fan (团年饭), are familiar to many Singaporeans. However, do you understand the importance of these traditions? If you don’t, fret not! Allow us to share the significance behind familiar Chinese New Year traditions and customs.
Why do we need to do spring cleaning?
It is common to see various households performing spring cleaning prior to the Chinese New Year. Known as da sao chu (大扫除), the Chinese will traditionally sweep the floors with bamboo leaves as it is widely believed this practice will drive the evil spirits out. Although the use of bamboo leaves has since been replaced with conventional brooms, this practice still endures to this day.
Another reason why a spring cleaning is done before the Lunar New Year is because it is customary not to sweep, wash, or mop on the first day of Chinese New Year, lest the good luck is swept away. The more superstitious have even taken to hiding their brooms during this time.
What is the significance behind the reunion dinner?
The family reunion dinner is one of the highlights of Chinese New Year’s eve (chu xi 除夕). This annual feast is an occasion for family members to gather and reaffirm the respect and love that binds everyone as a unit. It is a crucial event of great significance to many Chinese as the reunion dinner is a means to ensure the cohesiveness and solidarity of the family.
As custom dictates, the sons will return to their parental homes for the occasion, whereas married daughters will typically join their husbands’ families on chu xi. The more traditional family may even “invite” the spirits of their dead ancestors to join them for the reunion dinner by placing offerings on the family altar.
Why are children encouraged to stay awake past midnight on Chinese New Year’s Eve?
While this may not be as common of a practice as it was before, children are encouraged to stay awake past midnight on Chinese New Year’s Eve to welcome the new year. It is also widely believed that the longer the children stay awake, the longer their parents’ lifespans will be. And in return for the vigil, they are rewarded with an ang bao before going to bed.
Why do we wear red during Chinese New Year?
Red has always been a significant colour in Chinese culture, symbolising joy, luck, and prosperity. Furthermore, famous Chinese folklore, such as the story of Nian (年), prominently feature this colour, establishing the colour red as an important part of Chinese New Year celebrations.
Usher in the Lunar New Year with SK Jewellery
Gong Xi Fa Cai has become the go-to greeting for many of us as we wish our friends and relatives a prosperous new year. For the Year of the Tiger, why not shower your loved ones with abundant blessings by giving them a gift that symbolises wealth, prosperity, and success?
As you begin crafting your Chinese New Year shopping list, let us share the best gifts you can consider giving your loved ones.
Wealth And Fortune 999 Pure Gold Bar
There is no better way to usher in a prosperous Chinese New Year than with this Wealth and Fortune 999 Pure Gold Bar. This gold bar is meticulously crafted with pure gold and features a 3D background that accentuates the stunning design of Cai (财) – the Chinese character for wealth.
The dragon – a symbolic creature representing strength and good luck – etched on the surface of the Cai (财) is the icing on the cake, making this 999 pure gold bar even more stunning. This is undoubtedly the perfect gift for all ages.
Fortune Yuan Bao 999 Pure Gold Charm Bracelet
In Feng Shui, gold ingots are widely believed to be lucky charms that bless their wearers with great wealth. So this Chinese New Year, why not reinforce your loved one’s fortune with this wealth ingot (Yuan Bao) charm bracelet? You can even customise the bracelet in your loved one’s desired colour of choice, blessing them with an abundance of wealth for the Year of the Tiger.
999 Pure Gold Mantra Of Wealth Exquisite Pixiu Bracelet
This Lunar New Year, demonstrate your sincerity to your loved ones by blessing them with wealth, good fortune, and protection with this 999 Pure Gold Mantra of Wealth Exquisite Pixiu Bracelet. This bracelet is crafted with pure gold and adorned with a Pixiu charm and an Auspicious Cloud motif charm that is sure to bless your loved ones with good fortune all year round.
A stylish gold ring set in 22K gold, this stunning piece of jewellery is meticulously crafted with a delightful pattern that is sure to wow anyone lucky enough to receive it as a gift. It also comes with a complimentary white agate bracelet, which is believed to be beneficial for mental wellness. The perfect combo gift to bless your loved ones with safety and prosperity this Chinese New Year.
Conclusion
The Chinese New Year traditions and customs are crucial to the Chinese. This is evidenced by the fact that these customs have endured for thousands of years and have been passed down through countless generations. And now you are aware of the importance behind them too!
At SK Jewellery, we carry a wide array of contemporary jewellery to commemorate any special occasion. From chic tennis bracelets to timeless diamond earrings, you are sure to find the ideal gift for your loved ones. Book an appointment with us for a complimentary consultation today!
