Unlike most New Year celebrations, Chinese New Year is celebrated over 15 days! Feb 10, 2013 marks the first day of the Year of the Snake.
It starts on New Year's eve when, traditionally, family members converge on the spring-cleaned ancestral home for the all-important family reunion dinner. Auspicious red packets with money in even numbers are given to all unmarried family members. Children especially look forward to receiving their extra cash gifts from all married elders! Traditionally, you are not considered a full adult until you are married and have the full responsibilities of having a spouse and later a family of your own. Once married, you would be obliged to give red packets when you are respectfully greeted ---usually with a gift of Satsuma-type mandarin oranges --- by "Xin Nian Kuaile" (Happy New Year) or "Gongxi Fa Cai" (May Prosperity Be Yours" - loosely translated!)
Local customs vary somewhat, and I highly recommend this site to fully appreciate the diasporic variations in Chinese New Year celebrations : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_New_Year
This Wiki site explains very well the differences between the Chinese lunar calendar and Gregorian calendar. It also has a more accurate dating for the Chinese animal year you were born in. Finally, it explains the symbolism of many traditional Chinese foods served during Chinese New Year ... many to do with everyone's wishes for a sweeter, happier, more prosperous, healthier New Year!
It always amuses me to see so much gambling among family and friends --- whether it is playing cards or mahjong --- that goes on during Chinese New Year. From a cultural anthropological perspective, the Chinese generally believe in a time cycle of good and not-so-good luck. Winning in gambling is often interpreted as one's good luck is on the up-cycle, which is very important for business persons contemplating new business deals or venturing into new investments :) But, of course, playing cards and mahjong is also just plain social fun among friends :)
In the greater Los Angeles area, there are Chinese New Year parades in downtown Chinatown as well as in Monterey Park. Here's the link to all the events in downtown Chinatown:
http://www.chinatownla.com/calendar.php?eventId=202
Don't miss Hammer Museum's celebration of Chinese New Year complete with a cultural appreciation of Chinese ensemble music, discussion of Chinese food, and some arts and crafts for everyone.
Wishing everyone a happy and prosperous New Year!
- February 10 2013, 02:00pm
- Hammer Presents SAVE TO CALENDAR
CHINESE NEW YEAR FESTIVAL
CHINESE NEW YEAR FESTIVAL
Ring in the Year of the Snake at the Hammer’s Chinese New Year’s Day festival. Make or decorate your own paper lantern, learn to write Chinese characters, discuss the Los Angeles Chinese food scene with Pulitzer Prize-winning L.A. food critic Jonathan Gold, and enjoy a concert of traditional Chinese music by the Music of China Ensemble of UCLA. Ammo at the Hammer will have a selection of Asian teas and Chinese inspired fare available for purchase.
Co-presented by the UCLA Center for Chinese Studies and the UCLA Confucius Institute.
