This Blissful Life!

Chinese New Year (or Spring Festival) is considered one of the most important events in China. It is the first day of the lunar year that marks as Chinese New Year. It falls on late January and early February. For this year, the Chinese New Year falls on January 26; the Year of the Ox.

Chinese people prepares for this holiday by making sure that life is in order or at least under control, like the house should be clean; problems have been resolved, clothes should be clean or new, etc.

Usually, a sticky rice pudding called Nian gao (or tikoy) is present in the feast, as well as dumplings. Nian gao is also given to family and friends, in the belief that the stickiness of the rice pudding will hold the family together. It also brings good fortune and sweetness to one’s life, as to its round shape and sweet taste.

During this time, houses are being decorated with lights and lanterns. Red is also the popular color when celebrating Chinese New Year. There are also lots of musical parades; the most famous of which is the dragon and lion dance. The dragon is the deity of water ensuring that no drought will come. The lion, on the other hand, helps ward off evil spirits since it symbolizes power and courage.

Happy Chinese New Year!