The Philippine Online Chronicles

For the multitude of Chinese people across the globe --- including their billion-strong cousins in the economic powerhouse that is the Middle Kingdom (that’s China to the uninitiated) --- today will mark yet another auspicious day, as they welcome the year 4709, more popularly known as the Year of the Rabbit, in the Chinese calendar. Also known as the Spring Festival despite its winter occurrence, the New Year festivities begin on the first day of the first month in the traditional Chinese calendar, and end 15 days later with the Lantern Festival.

The longest and most important holiday in the calendar, it is, in essence, a time for family reunions and thanksgiving, as well as renewal and reconciliation. It is also that time of the year when old debts are settled and, for the sake of a fresh start, grudges are all but forgotten… at least for the time being.

While not nearly as universal and as widely celebrated as the Western New Year’s Day celebration, at nearly 5,000 years old it is one of the longest and perhaps the only surviving ancient festivity that is still continuously celebrated. And while much of the festivals of the ancient world have been all but lost in history, the festival that had its origins at a time when Europeans in loincloths were still painting themselves blue continues to this day, proof of the resilience and endurance of the Chinese culture.

Sadly, in this archipelago, where it has been celebrated for centuries by early Chinese migrants who have long been part of the country's history, little importance is given to the festivity save for the usual tikoy (sweet rice cakes) that is customarily given to friends and families. And although the Chinese, as a community, has had a tremendous impact on the country, economically and historically, this most important day in their calendar has never been recognized as a public holiday. In other countries in Southeast Asia such as Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei, where there are equally large Chinese communities, it is observed as a holiday.

That is about to change, however, as Congress is now working out a measure that will declare Chinese New Year a public holiday in recognition of the Filipino-Chinese’s contribution to Philippine society. But until the bill recognizing CNY as an official holiday is passed, Tsinoys will have to be content with celebrating the day within the community.

Unfortunately, while there seems to be a resurgence of interest in everything Chinese these days (thanks obviously to China’s newfound powerhouse status), not much is known about this festival outside the community. This is quite sad, because there is more to CNY than sweet rice cakes, dragon and lion dances, and the ubiquitous red envelopes (Ang Pao) that are given away during the season.

Here are some interesting trivia about CNY:

What important activity happens on New Year’s Eve?

A reunion dinner for family members.

According to tradition, who do families visit on the first day of the Chinese New Year?

The oldest members of the family.

Which fruit representing luck and prosperity is traditionally handed out on the Chinese New Year?

Mandarin oranges (tangerines)

Which festival concludes the celebration of the New Year?

The Lantern Festival.

Which calendar is the date of the Chinese New Year based on?

The Lunar Calendar.

During the celebrations, what do Chinese people often paint with birds, animals, flowers, zodiac signs and hang in temples?

Lanterns

Who is Nian?

Nian was a beast who attacked villages once a year, on New Year's day. He was scared of the color red and loud noises such as firecrackers, which is why these are part of the festivities.

Traditionally, red envelopes or red packets are passed out during the Chinese New Year's celebrations from married couples to unmarried juniors. What do they contain?

Money

How long do the celebrations last?

15 days

What object used in New Year Celebrations, is typically made of silk, paper, and bamboo?

A dragon

What is the Chinese New Year also known as?

Spring Festival

Why might you feel old on the seventh day of the New Year?

The seventh day is known as "Everybody's Birthday" and people are considered one year older on that date. In traditional China, individual birthdays were not considered as important as the New Year's date.

Why are black and white clothes avoided during New Year?

They are the colors of mourning and funerals. Red is the color of the day.

According to legend, how was the order of the 12 animals of the zodiac decided?

The animals would race across a river; the first to win headed the cycle. And in case you’re wondering, the first to cross the river was… who else but the wily RAT.

Here’s an interesting side note to this 15-day festivity: it is not a uniquely Chinese tradition.   The Spring Festival is also celebrated and is an important holiday in Vietnam, Korea, Tibet, and Bhutan as well as in feudal Japan before the Meiji dynasty decided to adopt the western calendar.

Oh, and lastly, should you decide to greet a Tsinoy on this day, avoid saying Kung Hei Fa Chay. Not only does it not mean Happy New Year; it’s Cantonese. Tsinoys are mostly Hokkien, from the Fujian province in China. The proper way to say it is “Kiong Hee Huat Tsai,” loosely translated as “Congratulations, and be prosperous.” However, if you wish to greet one in the traditional western style, you can just say: “Sin Ni Khoai Lok," which literally means: Happy New Year!