We want to wish you all a Happy Chinese New Year. There is a significant Chinese-Filipino population here in the Philippines, and there are many celebrations taking place here, especially in Chinatown. New Year's Eve and New Year's Day are celebrated as a family affair, a time of reunion and thanksgiving. Various foods with special meanings are consumed, such as whole fish, to represent togetherness and abundance, and a chicken for prosperity. The chicken must be presented with a head, tail and feet to symbolize completeness. Noodles should be uncut, as they represent long life.
Shooting off firecrackers on New Year's Eve is the Chinese way of sending out the old year and welcoming in the New Year. On the stroke of midnight on New Year's Eve, every door in the house, and even windows, have to be open to allow the old year to go out.
On New Year's Day, you are not suppose to wash your hair because it would mean we would have washed away good luck for the New Year. Red clothing is preferred during this festive occasion. Red is considered a bright, happy color, sure to bring the wearer a sunny and bright future. It is believed that appearance and attitude during New Year's sets the tone for the rest of the year. Children and unmarried friends, as well as close relatives are given lai see, little red envelopes with crisp one dollar bills inserted, for good fortune.
The celebration was traditionally highlighted with a religious ceremony given in honor of Heaven and Earth, the gods of the household and the family ancestors. Chinese New Year is actually a 15 day celebration with different people (such as family, ancestors, in-laws, or friends) or gods honored on different days.
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