Part 3 of 3 series on Chinese New Year preparation
At New Year’s eve, Chinese families gather all at the table laden with festive and mouth-watering food. Fish is the last course but not to be eaten, the fish symbolizes abundance. The first 5 days of the year, Chinese people eat long noodles as a symbol of long life.
Now, we have come to the 3rd series of Chinese New Year preparation, Chinese New Year – part 1 covers how I get rid of clutter at the house and do the thorough cleaning. While in Chinese New Year – part 2 covers the planning and shopping of Chinese New Year essentials.
Pre-Chinese New Year
1 – day before
Arrange and decorate
After a quick clean-up in the morning, I move some furniture to re-arrange. Then decorate a party backdrop to be used for a mini program activity, as well as good for photo shoot background.
To add some fancy, scatter a flying balloons (with string on it) up to the ceiling all over the house. Insert money at the red envelope that sums up of 8; example 8, 80, 800, etc. This money is for safekeeping to bring good luck for the whole year.
Table set-up
Of course, food preparation is one of the most exciting parts of the event. This time, the kitchen gets busy for the cooking.
Must have food on the table:
- Biko – sticky rice
- Pansit or noodles
- Steamed fish
- Patatim – pork knucles
- Vegetables or chop suey
- Fruits and cakes
- Vegetable salad
- Barbeque chicken
- Beef short ribs
When done cooking, the table shall be set-up beautifully with a fresh and colorful flowers as centerpiece. Accordingly, the arrangement of food on the table must be done perfectly in balance to get an appetizing appeal.
Arrival of extended families and guests
At the doorstep, awaits the arrival of guest and welcome everyone with a warm greetings. While waiting for dinner time, each one of them shall receive one balloon and instruction to write down all their wishes to the balloon. After writing set it freely to the ceiling. And for the best part, request everyone to join the long table for a very sumptuous dinner.
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Short program
While waiting for midnight, a short program is prepared like somebody is called to say his greatest achievement of last year or another to tell how his failures had overcome. Likewise, kids are enjoined to participate on the games and get some prizes. Some dances, while other sings. Ten minutes (10) before 12 midnight everybody gathered, pick a colored candle of his choice according to his wish for the year, light the candles and offer a prayer.
Chinese New Year Day
As soon as the clock ticks 12:00am, everyone is yelling “happy new year” or “gung hay fat choy”, grab anything that will create a sound; like flute, trumpet, whistle, bells, chains or anything that clangs and produce noise. After all the merriment, everyone grabs his/her own balloons with wishes written on it. Then, we gather in big circle and pray altogether then release the balloons on air.
Before the festivities is over, each one of them receives a money luck in red envelope coming from my family.
Post Chinese New Year
The next day after breakfast, we send-off goodbye all our extended families, friends and guests. Later on, with the help of my household, clean all the mess and put back everything in order. Take a break and re-energize to get ready with the first day of work or business.
I love to hear your thoughts about Chinese New Year, please post your comment below. Thank you.
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