
BoomerTECH Adventures guide Chris Toy shares with us the traditions of the Chinese New Year.
According to legend, The Chinese Lunar New Year started with a battle against a mythical beast called the Nian.
This year it is celebrated from February 11 – 26 on the Western calendar. It is the Year of the Ox representing strength and determination. On the Chinese calendar, 2021 is the Lunar Year 4718.
The Lunar New Year is marked by many customs relating to beginnings, endings, good fortune, and of course, food. Here are just a few customs and a favorite recipe you can prepare for the New Year!
- Exploding firecrackers on Chinese New Year’s Eve is the Chinese way of sending out the old year and welcoming in the new.
- Many people also abstain from eating meat on the first day of the Chinese New Year festival because it is believed that this will ensure a long and happy life.
- Some may eat a whole fish which represents togetherness and abundance, or a chicken with its head and feet intact, which symbolizes prosperity.
- Any noodles in your bowl should be left uncut, as a sign of long life.
- Plants and flowers also play a significant role in symbolizing rebirth and new growth. A home is thought to be lucky if a plant blooms on New Year’s Day, as this foretells the start of a prosperous year.
- On New Year’s Eve, all brooms, brushes, dusters, dustpans, and other cleaning equipment are put away. Sweeping or dusting should not be done on New Year’s Day for fear that good fortune will be swept away. After New Year’s Day, the floors may be swept.
- Spring rolls are traditionally served during the New Year. They represent wealth because they look like ingots of gold bullion.
Here’s a quick video showing you how to make egg rolls, spring rolls, and duck sauce. They are perfect for making with the whole family!
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