The 15 Days
Blessings to you! That is what the above Chinese Character means. Traditionally, the Chinese New Year Celebration lasts for 30 days, 15 days before the 1st day of the new lunar year and 15 days after. Well in modern times, this has reduced to 2 days officially but people still take 7 days off. I remembered in the 50’s and 60’s all the Chinese business outlets were closed for at least 2 weeks and for construction companies a whole month.
Reunion Dinner is on the Eve, and everyone rushes back to their hometowns and also to their respective families just for that. On the 1st day, there will be another family meal. This shows that to the Chinese food is utmost on their agenda for any celebrations. After this meal, everyone is sort of dismissed and free to do what they want. Usually it will be visitations to friends and relatives whom we have not seen for the past one year or so. There is some form of protocol in these visitations, starting with the senior to the junior of uncles and aunties in their rankings!
Then there is the practice of giving money wrapped in red paper in the past, or red envelopes in modern times. It is given by the elders to the younger unmarried family members, relatives, children and close friends. For the children it is always a joy to receive as much red packets as possible and it is also a time where they are really well mannered and happily greeting the uncles and aunties addressing them respectfully by their positions.
Then there are special days throughout this period for specific celebration depending on whether you are a Cantonese, Hakka, Hainanese or Hokkien. For the Cantonese and on the 7th day they celebrate the birthday for humanity. This is the time for raw fish and salad. For the Hokkien, the 9th day is very important where they pray to the God of Heaven. Finally all the celebrations culminate on the final night on the 15th day and for some it is also some sort of Chinese Valentine’s Day! The single girls will make a wish and throw Mandarin oranges into the sea or pond or river hoping for the special person to appear this year! It is also a very romantic day where in the past scholars will compose poems, riddles on lanterns and compete for the most unique and romantic of all.
After the 15th night, it will be time to say our goodbyes and return to the city where we make a living. Next year, the whole cycle repeats itself. Today it is the 6th day and tomorrow me and my family will have a meal of raw fish and salad to celebrate everyone’s birthday!
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It sounds like quite a celebration! I never realized it lasted so long. Truthfully I always thought it was a one day affair. The internet is a wonderful medium because you can learn so much about different cultures and traditions and I find that so exciting! Thanks for sharing the details!