Xin nian Kuai Le!

It’s Chinese New Year again! The Extroverts’ Escapade went to Binondo! 

The most important holiday for Chinese around the world is undoubtedly Chinese New Year -- and it all started out of fear. Though the holiday is only about a week-long, traditionally it is a 15-day holiday during which firecrackers are lit, drums can be heard on the streets, red lanterns glow at night, and red paper cutouts and calligraphy hangings are hung on doors. Celebrations conclude on the 15th day with the Lantern Festival.

Children are also given red envelopes with money inside. Many cities around the world also hold New Year parades complete with a dragon and lion dance.

Food is an important component to New Year. Traditional foods include nian gao or sweet sticky rice cake and savory dumplings - which are round and symbolize never-ending wealth. 

One of the highlights of Chinese New Year is the food. On Chinese New Year's Day,a huge feast is served. Since Chinese New Year is a national holiday in China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan, nearly everyone returns home for Chinese New Year. For some families, it is the only time each year that the entire family will be together. In some cases, not all family members can return so a place setting is set in their honor.

Each item eaten has special symbolism. The Chinese New Year’s feast includes:

·         Dumplings = wealth because shaped like ancient silver and gold ingots. 

·         Fish = surplus because 鱼 (yú, fish) sounds like 餘 (yú, surplus). Leaving a little extra fish on the plate is customary as it symbolizes there will be enough for the family in the coming year. The family is careful not to break the bones of the fish as this could bring bad luck.

·         Hard liquor = longevity because 酒 (jiǔ, alcohol) sounds like 久 (jiǔ, longevity).

Mahjong (麻將, má jiàng) is a fast-paced, four-player game played throughout the year but particularly during Chinese New Year.

Fireworks of all shapes and sizes are launched at midnight and throughout New Year’s Day. Firecrackers with red paper are the most popular. The fireworks tradition began with the Legend of Nian, a ferocious monster that was afraid of the color red and loud noises. It is believed the noisy fireworks scared the monster. Now, it is believed the more fireworks and noise there are, the more luck there will be in the New Year.