Year of the Pig
It’s may be Carnevale in some parts of the world, but all over the world, another major celebration is about to start. The Chinese New Year, or Lunar New Year, is about to kick off on February 18.This is the most important holiday in the Chinese calendar, and is celebrated not only in China, but in neighboring countries and in cities with large Chinese populations all over the world. So expect lots of firecrackers, crackers and banging drums in cities all over the world very soon.
January 1st is celebrated with big parties and fireworks too, but with the Chinese New Year, there’s also a lot of tradition and superstitions to be followed. Right now is the time to clean out houses, and clear away all the bad luck of the last year. During the new year period, there are a lot of things to be careful of too – for instance, the Chinese believe that you shouldn’t cut your hair, as it’ll bring you bad luck. To make sure you have a prosperous new year, then remember to open your windows and doors to let good luck into your homes. Turn lights on at night and you can also scare away ghosts and misfortune of the new year too.
But it’s not all about superstition. It’s about spending time with family and eating some great food, all prepared and arranged to bring in a prosperous new year. (For instance, for a Chinese New Year banquet, you’ll always find bok choy and taro cakes.)
This year, the Chinese New Year welcomes in the Year of the Pig, a horoscope based on the Lunar Year. If you were born in the year of the pig (or boar), then expect a lucky year!
To join in on the celebrations, you don’t have to be in China. Just make sure that you head to a Chinatown near you, where there is a prominent Chinese population. You’re sure to find street parades, food stalls, firecrackers and maybe even some dragon dancing! All those bangs and loud noises will be sure to scare off any bad spirits for a great year ahead.
If you’re not in China (or Vietnam, Japan or Taiwan!) then head to big cities like Sydney to catch some dragon dancing or night markets; Singapore, with a huge Chinese population; London for some great dumplings and perhaps a reunion dinner of your own, or even San Francisco, where you’ll find the biggest street parade in the world for the Lunar Festival.
