Preparing to welcome the Lunar New Year

It is that time of the year again… straight after Christmas, everyone is back to preparing and welcoming the Lunar New Year. This year, the Chinese New Year falls on 10th February 2024.

Chinese New Year is one of the biggest events for the Chinese Community all over the world; we welcome the Spring festival or the Lunar New Year, where the celebrations will go on for 15 days.

Like any big celebration, there are many things to prepare before the big occasion. The focus is on spring cleaning the house, preparing food, finalising any repair or paint work at home, and ordering new furniture if needed. It also entails cleaning and hanging bright (or new) curtains, as well as shopping for new clothing and accessories.

After the spring cleaning, auspicious red coloured decorations will be added to the home. Red symbolises auspiciousness, good fortune, joy, and happiness. So, before and during the Chinese New Year, red lanterns and red door banners are hung at the main door to represent good fortune and to bring in good luck for the new year, while at the same time they ward off the bad spirit or energy.

During this time, family and friends will be exchanging gifts, such as sweet cakes and cookies, or fruits such as mandarins.  Every household will aim to have at least some gifts prepared during this time.

Most of all, you cannot forget the reunion dinner, which is held on Chinese New Year’s Eve. Family and friends all over the world will be travelling back to have dinner together with the family, and to celebrate and welcome in the new year.  This is the day of massive cooking and preparation, and mostly celebration – to welcome the new year together as a FAMILY.

Chinese New Year 2024 is just around the corner. What are your rituals leading up to Chinese New Year? How are you celebrating Chinese New Year 2024?

Have a wonderful festive season with your family.

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