Hoppi Noo Jeer!
Happy New Year!
If I just made you double-check your calendar, then you’re probably not Chinese. Today is Chinese New Year, and it is the year of the Ox.
Not Chinese?
Don’t fret. There will be plenty of weird entertainment for all to enjoy. I promise.
Growing up as an ABC (American born Chinese), my family has always made a big deal about this holiday. It is deemed the most important holiday of the year. But growing up in the U.S. with few Asian friends, I never really got too excited about it. First of all, the Chinese follow a lunar calendar, while the U.S. follows a solar calendar. End result- I never have any freaking idea when Chinese New Year’s Day is since it changes every year.
This brings me to my parents. The folks born in China, and then immigrated to the U.S. in their early teens. Over the past few decades they have managed to adapt to an American life and blend in (despite the occasional poor use of tenses and mispronunciation of consonants- “Sandy, why you don’t like it? What’s wrong wif’ you?”), but have always clung tightly to many Chinese New Year traditions and superstitions. In fact, that is precisely what I have associated Chinese New Year with throughout my life. So every year around mid-January, I make a Chinese New Year consultation call to my parents to remind me of the hocus pocus, do’s and don’ts, of the big holiday. Ya know. Just in case.
Here is a breakdown of the top 13 traditions and superstitions for Chinese New Year (this was tough narrowing down to only 13).
1) Red Envelopes- During Chinese New Year, red envelopes filled with crisp dollar bills are typically given to children and the unmarried by the married for good fortune.
- These were the highlight of every holiday, birthday, and event growing up. It was like trick-or-treating, but everyone gave out money. Now, I’m married. It’s not nearly as exciting now.
2) No cleaning- On New Year’s Eve, all cleaning equipment is to be put away. Sweeping or cleaning is strictly forbidden in fear that good fortune will be swept away. – This, I can deal with.
3) No cutting- Do not use knives or scissors on New Year’s Day as this may cut off fortune. – Does this mean no cooking, too?
4) Firecrackers- Lighting firecrackers on New Year’s Eve sends out the old year and welcomes in the New Year. It is also a way to scare off the mythical beast called the Nien. On the stroke of midnight, every door in the house, and even windows, must be opened to allow the old year to go out. – Um, it is approximately 5 degrees Farenheit outside. I choose life, thankyouverymuch.
5) No tears- If you cry on New Year’s Day, you will cry all through the year. Therefore, children are tolerated and are not spanked, even though they are mischievous. – I should have stocked up on Advil.
6) Watch what you say- No foul language, negative terms and the word “four”, which sounds like the word for death, are not to be uttered. Death and dying should not be mentioned and ghost stories are totally taboo. References to the past year should also be avoided, as everything should be turned toward the New Year and a new beginning. - Yikes. Please pardon the entire first half of this post.
7) Pay it off- All debts must be paid off by this time. If you start the New Year in the red, you’ll finish it the same way.- Rock on! Everyone is unemployed in our house.
8 ) Hair washing- Do not wash our hair on New Year’s Day because it may wash away good luck for the New Year. – Every year before midnight on New Year’s Eve, I wash my hair so I don’t feel so incredibly gross the next day. I’m a daily hair washer, so this is the one gives me the most grief every year.
9) In the red- Red clothing is preferred on New Year’s Day. Red is considered a bright, strong color, and is thought to bring the wearer a bright future. – I have 1 red shirt because I look awful in red. I have kept it in my closet for years because of this day. I’m wearing it today… with my unwashed hair. I am so hawt.
10) No shoes- Avoid rough seas in the New Year by not buying shoes over the holiday period. In Cantonese, shoes are a homonym for ‘rough’.
– This one drives me crazy. I am a woman! Shoes. Are. Paramount.
11) No bedroom- It is considered unlucky to greet anyone in their bedroom. So everyone, even the sick, should get dressed and sit in the living room.
- I had never heard of this one before. Too bad Dadisodes and Babisodes came into the bedroom this morning to pull me out of bed. *sigh*
12) First words- The first person one meets and the first words heard are significant as to what fortunes will be for the entire year. – Dadisodes asked this morning, “Are you still awake?” That can’t be good.
13) Sweetness- Eating candies during this time is said to deliver a sweeter year. – What if I eat candy all year long?
There you have it folks!
No shoes, cleaning, bathing, cussing, cooking, crying, or funny business in the bedroom.
See why I never got too excited about this holiday?
At least I can have candy.
Gong Hei Fat Choi!
(kinda-sorta means- “Congratulations and be prosperous”)
Don’t worry. I won’t wash her hair either.
Gong Xi Fa Cai!
Babisodes looks so beautiful in her cheongsam…
Mariposa’s last blog post..Gong Xi Fa Cai 2009!
January 26th, 2009 at 2:52 pm
On the positive side, I am wearing a red shirt and have not purchased any shoes…but I was watching some blathering head politician this morning on the cable news channel and she made me said bad words. Repeatedly and loudly.
I think the first words said to me today — “Mom! It’s 6 am! Are we going to Burger King?” — not exactly auspicious I fear. (And yes, we did go to BK for breakfast before school, since I had been stalling on a promise to take her for several days. Now I remember why we never ever go to fast food places for breakfast. Ugh ugh ugh.)
I do have to clean today, because I started reorganizing and cleaning the kitchen cabinets and the kitchen is currently a disaster, and we definitely are not free of debt.
Good thing I am Norwegian American!
julie’s last blog post..Weekly Winners
January 26th, 2009 at 3:03 pm
Ha – remember this well – the doormen always wanted their red envelopes!!
January 26th, 2009 at 3:04 pm
Great posting!
mike golch’s last blog post..prayer request.
January 26th, 2009 at 3:26 pm
I’m glad I don’t celebrate, it would be heck on my OCD. Seriously. This sounds like the kind of stuff my brain would come up with and obsess over and that is why I skimmed most of it. (I always told myself I wasn’t superstitious. Now I know I’ve been lying to myself.)
But seriously love the picture! Too sweet!
Natalie’s last blog post..The Power of We
January 26th, 2009 at 3:30 pm
Alright then, Happy New Year! I hope it is sweet and prosperous. My second grade daughter, is going to a Chinese restaurant in another week. I get to be a chaperone. I can’t wait! My husband’s office in Taiwan is closed for two weeks.
Joyce-Anne’s last blog post..An Evening In
January 26th, 2009 at 3:35 pm
Very cool post! My son is just dying to learn Chinese. They don’t offer it at his high school, so they said they will send him to the community college to study it in his junior year. He’s very excited!
sheila’s last blog post..Absolutely Awesome Cheesecake Recipe
January 26th, 2009 at 3:37 pm
that is so cool. I never knew any of that. I love to learn about other cultures. The hardest part for me would be to not speak negatively. In my world the glass is EMPTY LOL
happy new year
January 26th, 2009 at 4:03 pm
She is so beautiful.
I will not wash my hair or my house today. And since I can’t use a knife…no cooking either.
P.S. The gift is coming…I haven’t had time to go to the post office yet…but I’ll get it there I promise!
Dejoni’s last blog post..Life of Leisure
January 26th, 2009 at 4:17 pm
Happy New Year! That cracked me up — only you could find something threatening in “Are you still awake?”
And that cute little face on Babisodes! Loved it.
Dot’s last blog post..Question for Subscribers
January 26th, 2009 at 4:31 pm
Happy New Year!! No cleaning and you get to have candy? I can deal with that.
Jeanne’s last blog post..How Cold Is It?
January 26th, 2009 at 4:44 pm
she looks adorable!! i used scissors first thing this am. booo. since it’s 75 today i can open the doors and windows. sorry. i’m gloating. i don’t remember what the first words were. HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
jameil’s last blog post..PUABBS
January 26th, 2009 at 4:52 pm
Happy new year to you and yours!
I’ve been especially unlucky in that I’ve both cut and washed my hair today. Oops.
Solomon’s last blog post..Things I’m Grateful For on Monday 26 January
January 26th, 2009 at 4:58 pm
Oh, so adorable! I love her red qi pao. Happy Chinese New Year!
Asianmommy’s last blog post..Happy New Year! (Mandarin)
January 26th, 2009 at 5:04 pm
ps – I tagged you
January 26th, 2009 at 5:06 pm
Aw, Babisodes is so cute! Did she get a red envelope? Thanks for sharing these traditions. I hadn’t heard of them.
Gong Hei Fat Choy! I think it’s worth going around with unwashed hair.
Holly at Tropic of Mom’s last blog post..Driving in the snow, South Florida style
January 26th, 2009 at 5:07 pm
That was so fun! And now you gave me plenty (more) reasons not to cook or clean!
Happy New Year!
Kat’s last blog post..WW- Ten Below
January 26th, 2009 at 5:18 pm
I was born in the year of the ox!
…But…that’s about all I’ve ever known about Chinese New Year. Except one year, when I was working at a daycare, a mom gave me a red envelope with a shiny penny in it (not a dollar…?) and told me it was Chinese New Year that day.
Happy day to you!
Tabitha’s last blog post.."Just put your lips together and blow."
January 26th, 2009 at 5:30 pm
I must wash my hair. But, I’m all about free money – and the envelope doesn’t even have to be red. Happy Chinese New Year.
Anglophile Football Fanatic’s last blog post..Celebratory Mimosas
January 26th, 2009 at 5:57 pm
I remember when you did this last year and thought it was so interesting. Happy non-hair washing!
texasholly @ June Cleaver Nirvana’s last blog post..Snow Scenes
January 26th, 2009 at 7:18 pm
I love these annual posts. That photo of Babisodes is incredible!
Tara R.’s last blog post..Weekly Winners ~ forest
January 26th, 2009 at 8:02 pm
sounds like a good holiday, especially for kids, money, candy, no cleaning, getting spanked, having to take a bath! My kids would LOVE that!!
Babisodes eyes are to dye for, those big brown eyes! just adorable!
Amanda’s last blog post..Word of the day…….ICE
January 26th, 2009 at 8:31 pm
LOL! Thanks for the very helpful list. I am happy to say that I have done just about everything that I’m NOT supposed to do or have not done the things I AM supposed to do. Except eat candy. I’m good in that department. Yup, it’s gonna be a good year. Kung hee fat choy!
Busymama Kellie’s last blog post..Blog Break
January 26th, 2009 at 9:55 pm
Makes me wish I weren’t such a wasp. And I were a better photographer.
Sus @ wigglerooms’s last blog post..The (Finely Dressed) Elephant in the (Drawing) Room
January 26th, 2009 at 10:31 pm
That was REALLY interesting to read! I wish I had my culture in my life! Happy New Year! Only a few more hours until you can wash your hair again!
Jenni Jiggety’s last blog post..Honest Crap!
January 26th, 2009 at 11:11 pm
Friends and I planned to celebrate at our favorite Chinese restaurant. The weather had other ideas and we are iced in! Happy New Year to you anyway!
January 26th, 2009 at 11:23 pm
Well, I certainly learned a lot. I knew red was important on this day, but the rest was all new.
Love the shot of Miss Babisodes. She is such a doll.
You are still in my prayers concerning your job situations.
Patsy’s last blog post..It Tickled Her Funny Bone & Unconscious Mutterings
January 26th, 2009 at 11:43 pm
Cool…I enjoyed learning about the New Year traditions. I didn’t cry today, but I swore, didn’t buy shoes, didn’t wear red, washed my hair, avoided firecrackers, still have debt and cleaned the kitchen…damn.
My daughter did greet me first this morning in the bedroom with a hug and a “mama I love you so much” so I guess I’m good, huh?
Michelle’s last blog post..Comment on The Best of 2008… by Jessi
January 26th, 2009 at 11:48 pm
thanks for sharing this – my boys will learn so much – how long do you put the cleaning supplies away for?
Love the picture, beautiful!
Kathy’s last blog post.."Just a little sugar, mom"
January 26th, 2009 at 11:52 pm
Happy New Year! Awesome post, Sandy. So interesting and also so much fun because you’ve added the Sandy touch and made me laugh. Hope the day was fun and full of all good things headed into the new year.
Oh, and Babisodes just gets cuter.
Maggie’s Mind’s last blog post..Weekly Winners Sunday 1/25/08
January 27th, 2009 at 12:11 am
My son came home from school today with a little red envelope with Chinese characters on it. He told me his teacher “taught us everything about the Chinese New Year except for the dance” … IS there a dance?
I looked in his envelope, but found no money. Dang it!!
Lana’s last blog post..Not Me! Monday
January 27th, 2009 at 12:17 am
Happy New Year! This is a great post, I love all the traditions that go along with the holiday!
perpstu’s last blog post..Sassy Is As Sassy Does….
January 27th, 2009 at 12:45 am
Thanks I didn’t know a lot of that. Happy New Year! We are not Chinese but my mom has always told us not to wash clothes on New Year’s because you wash someone out of your life. I don’t know where she got that from.
Hope your year is wonderful!
Valerie’s last blog post..Musical Monday!
January 27th, 2009 at 1:26 am
happy new year, sweetie.
that baby of yours is tooooo tooooo much!
the planet of janet’s last blog post..She loves me, she loves me not …
January 27th, 2009 at 1:36 am
And a happy New Year to you.
May it be a great one!
January 27th, 2009 at 2:41 am
LOVE that picture! Happy New Year.
dysfunctional mom’s last blog post..Weekend Wrap-up – 01.26.09
January 27th, 2009 at 4:31 am
Happy New Year! I could so dig this holiday…well aside from the cussing and funny business in the bedroom. Everything else is just like a regular day for me!
Christie-A Work In Progress’s last blog post..Thought Provoking Thursday, Forhead Smack Friday, and Monday Morning Announcements All Rolled Into One Post!
January 27th, 2009 at 7:20 am
Oh this sounds very Feng Shui like. I did this with the american new year.
**Wishing my great grand mother was still around to tell stories. She was a PBC-Puerto Rican Born Chinese**
January 27th, 2009 at 7:35 am
Happy New Year Sandy.
I too, have issues with that hair washing thing, each and every year.
Girlie really got into it this year, wore her Chinese PJ’s to school… as did about 4 other kids. Kinda cool
May you have a wonderful year of the Ox…don’t work too hard
January 27th, 2009 at 10:56 am
I LOVE this!! My sister quit her job as an attorney in LA last May and packed up and moved to Beijing to have an adventure for a year or so. I am going to email her this link – she will love to get some scoop on the New Year I’m sure!
I love all of the good luck stuff – we need more of these types of superstitions in our American culture – especially ones that involve no cleaning. I love it.
Lee the MWOB Queen’s last blog post.."LO YO!" – An Honest Review of a Family Card Game
January 27th, 2009 at 11:48 am
Happy new year! I’m so not Chinese, I didn’t even know about not washing hair! But my kids were happy to receive their hoong baos from grandma. And Babisodes is so cute in her… OMG I forgot what they’re called!
Angela at mommy bytes’s last blog post..Twilight Zone Tower of Not-So-Much Terror
January 27th, 2009 at 12:13 pm
Kung Hei Fatt Choi to you too, Sandy! Oh yes, I do remember all these superstitions from my mom and grandma. Now that I’m here in the States, I don’t celebrate CNY anymore. #12 is darn funny. The first words my hubs asked me was “You want to get up now?”
January 27th, 2009 at 1:37 pm
Sun tai geen hong!
Nino’s last blog post..10 Favorite Articles of Clothing You Own
January 27th, 2009 at 2:02 pm
Oh how I wish I had know all of this sooner! Based on this information, 2009 may very well be the worst year of my life!
Thanks for another great post! I LOVE YOUR BLOG!
Tiffany’s last blog post..Happy Birthday To My Momsey!
January 27th, 2009 at 5:22 pm
You are way too cute lady. I never knew all those little things about the new year traditions. Thanks for the history lesson, and when can you wash your hair? I’m pretty sure I would concince hubby that I couldn’t clean for a year or it would be bad luck. I like that.
Grandy’s last blog post..How did you find me?
January 28th, 2009 at 1:24 am
Happy New Year!
January 28th, 2009 at 6:48 am
Gong Hei Fat Choi!
I’m late with my greeting. My new year has not started out well and I’m behind. Yuck.
I knew most of the superstitions but a couple were new to me.
Jen of a2eatwrite’s last blog post..What’s Cooking Wednesday: Why I Love Mark Bittman
January 29th, 2009 at 7:52 am
Because there are many Chinese communities in the Philippines, the celebration of the lunar new year is quite a familiar event. Unfortunately it’s not a non-working holiday (for us non-Chinese) but I happened to work for Koreans who observe it so I got half the day off last Monday. Those red envelopes (that we call Ang Pao, but I don’t know if that’s the right term) are seen not only on Chinese New Year, but Christmas as well. There were many parties and events last Monday that include Dragon Dances and eating a lot of a certain rice cake we call Tikoy (Don’t know if that’s the correct term as well.) And we greet each other Kung Hei Fat Choi even if we don’t know what that means. (Oh, well, now I know!)
There’s a place in our capital Manila which is called Chinatown because it’s pretty much like a mini-China and tourists flock there during Chinese New Year to get a feel of your rich culture.
kat’s last blog post..Ferdie, Kat, and the Eclipse
January 30th, 2009 at 10:06 am
I am Lee the MWOB Queen’s sister who is living in Beijing. I LOVED this post, but I just have one question – When will the fireworks STOP? They have been going off all week for several hours every night, including right here in my apartment complex. I am talking big fireworks too with embers that float a few feet from my window. It is crazy here, but serious fun as well!
Xin Nian Kuai Le!
January 30th, 2009 at 10:12 pm
I’ve arrived a bit late to learn more about this holiday, but I certainly enjoyed your post and wish you a belated Happy Year of the Ox now ;–)
Hugs and blessings,
storyteller’s last blog post..Saturday Haiku – Exciting Tennis Down Under
February 1st, 2009 at 10:06 pm