For more on Lunar New Year also check out Chinese New Year’s Eve & the Lovelorn Expat and Red Envelopes.
People on both sides of the Pacific naturally compare Christmas and Lunar New Year. There are good reasons for thinking of the two holidays as parallel. They are both the most special holidays of their respective calendars, each emphasizing family togetherness and food. Pagan festivals that eventually became Christmas celebrated the winter solstice while Lunar New Year celebrates the coming of spring.
In modern practice there are some differences. Lunar New Year is a longer holiday, depending on the vagaries of the lunar calendar, people may have vacation for 4-9 days (including weekends). Here in Taiwan, workers get New Year’s Eve plus the following three working days off. Depending on your job that may be extended.
Historically the celebrations ran for fifteen days with certain designated activities for each day. In Taiwan, with some variance for differing family traditions, most people at least observe some of the following.
1). Sometime before festivities begin, there is often a vigorous spring cleaning of the family residence. The purpose is to get rid of any lingering bad luck lurking in the dust bunnies under the sofa. Many New Year’s customs seek to chase away bad luck and increase luck and fortune for the next year.
2). 除夕 [chúxì] Lunar New Year’s Eve – This is when close family gathers to eat and drink. Traditionally it is the time to return to the father’s family home, if no longer practicable the extended family will gather at an appropriate home. There are often specific dishes served that are associated with good luck for the next year. Most families have their own food traditions, likely from the regional traditions of their ancestral homes. It is common to give offerings to the ancestors, pray at the family altar, and burn joss sticks. People should wear warm-colored clothing, red, gold, pink, etc., starting on New Year’s Eve and extending throughout the celebrations. Some families encourage the children to stay up as late as possible to 守歲 [shǒusuì] “guard the year” and ensure the longevity of their elders. Meanwhile, middle aged and older members of the family gorge on food and drink, then fall asleep around 9 PM watching New Year’s Eve broadcasting on TV. Admittedly a modern tradition, but tradition nonetheless. At midnight fireworks are set off to welcome the new year and scare away the 年獸 [Niánshòu], an evil New Year’s Eve monster from Chinese folklore.
3). 初一 [chūyi] Day 1 of the New Year – A time for temple visits, offerings, and prayers to the gods. The early evening is again filled with food and drink: and then the gambling begins. Depending on the family it may begin New Year’s Eve, but it really gets rolling on Day 1 and continues through the holiday. Many New Year’s activities aim to predict the luckiness of the coming year. There’s no more efficient way to judge if the gods, good fortune, or luck are on your side than with dice, cards, or mahjong tiles, and a handful of red envelope money. [You’ll soon find out if God loves you]. Friends may begin to join the festivities at this time. On this day it is good luck to have a little outing, 走春 [zǒuchūn], this jaunt is usually very small, like to a local park, etc. Traditionally married daughters should not return home on Day 1.
4). 初二 [chūèr] Day 2 of the New Year – The day for married daughters to return home to their families, 娘家 [Niángjiā]. The daughter’s return is greeted with food, and traditionally, ancestor worship and prayer.
*The above are the three most important days of Lunar New Year.*
5). 初三 [chūsān] Day 3 of the New Year – Familial pressures begin to recede and this is a more relaxing day. It’s considered bad luck to awaken too early—you should sleep until you can’t sleep anymore, 睡到飽 [shuì dào bǎo]. Usually this is a day for friends. You just do the normal things you might do with your friends; restaurants, pubs, visit each other’s home, hike,…whatever. And of course, the gambling continues unabated.
6). 初四 [chūsì] Day 4 of the New Year – A time to go to the temple and pray. Day 4 is when you should 安太歲 [ān tàisuì], give the temple money to provide prayers and services for your good luck in the coming year. It is important to 安太歲 on the years of your Chinese zodiac, during sensitive times, or if you had a bad year; but, really, why wouldn’t you do it every year?
7). 初五 [chūwǔ] Day 5 of the New Year – Celebrations begin winding down and businesses start opening again. It is the God of Money’s birthday, which is a propitious time for businesses to reopen. Offices usually choose to reopen on this day. The process involves placing large tables full of offerings in front of the business, a line of staff bowing and praying in unison, and enough firecrackers to implode a small house.
8). 初六 [chūliù] Day 6 of the New Year – Shops traditionally reopen. Shops start the year in the same manner as offices: with a storm of firecrackers, to scare away evil spirits and help ensure good fortune; offerings are placed in front of the shop and prayers are done. Generally it is smaller in scale than an office opening, but still during these these two days Taiwanese streets are cacophonous and smell of black powder.
In modern urban Taiwan, festivities end here, with most people not knowing the traditions associated with subsequent days. Lunar New Year officially ends with the Lantern Festival, which is ushered in by the new moon.
Wishing each of you love, togetherness, wellness, and happiness. Or to be a little more Chinesey about it, wishing you good fortune and prosperity for the New Year…
恭喜發財