The Lunar New Year is one of the most popular festivals in China. It represents the beginning of a new year in the Lunar calendar.
Before the Lunar New Year, people will stick “Fai Chun” (long and red paper with wishful words) on the wall, plant Narcissus and clean their houses as a tradition. They will also go to flower markets to shop.
During the Lunar New Year, people will wear new clothes with fresh colours. They will also pay visits to their relatives and enjoy the festive moments together. Candies and puddings are usually served at home. Those who are married will give red packets out. At some places with permissions given, people will also burn red bangers.
There is a story behind all these customs: Once upon a time, there was a monster called “Lian” (which means “year” in Chinese). Lian always sleeps in a cave, but will come out and attack villages nearby in the Lunar New Year. An old man knew that “Lian” hated red things and was scared of the sound of bursting. To scare “Lian” away, people stuck red paper on the wall and burn firecrackers during the Lunar New Year.
(Mr SO Ming-lim, JPC member of Tai Po District)
| JPC Monthly Newsletter | |
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