Guide to Chinese New Year Day Customs and Practices in Hong Kong
Chinese New Year Day (農曆新年初一), also known as the "Spring Festival" (春節), is the most important and joyous day of the Lunar New Year celebration in Hong Kong. It marks the beginning of a new lunar year and is filled with customs and practices that reflect themes of renewal, prosperity, and harmony. This Hong Kong Flower Delivery guide highlights the key traditions, activities, and cultural nuances of this festive day.
Morning Practices
1. Wearing New Clothes (穿新衣)
Symbolism: Wearing new clothes, especially in bright colors like red, signifies a fresh start and attracts good fortune. Red is particularly favored as it is believed to ward off evil spirits and bring joy.
Avoidances: Black and white clothing are avoided, as these colors are associated with mourning and bad luck.
2. Greetings and Well-Wishing (拜年)
Custom: Family members and friends exchange warm greetings with phrases such as:
恭喜發財 (Gung Hei Fat Choi): “Wishing you wealth and prosperity.”
身體健康 (San Tai Gin Hong): “Wishing you good health.”
心想事成 (Sam Seung Si Sing): “May all your wishes come true.”
Younger Generations: They show respect to elders with bows or words of gratitude, often receiving red packets (利是) in return.
3. Offering Red Packets (派利是)
Who Gives and Receives: Married couples or senior family members distribute red packets containing money to children, unmarried adults, and even employees or service workers.
Meaning: Red packets symbolize the sharing of blessings and good luck. The amount of money usually ends in an even number (e.g., 8 or 88 for good luck), while amounts with 4 are avoided (4 is considered unlucky due to its association with death).
Family Activities
4. Visiting Relatives (走親戚)
Custom: Families spend the day visiting relatives, particularly the homes of the husband’s family. This practice fosters family connections and harmony.
Hosting Guests: Families prepare snacks, tea, and symbolic foods to welcome visitors. Popular snacks include:
Candied fruits (糖果): Represent a sweet year ahead.
Melon seeds (瓜子): Symbolize fertility and abundance.
5. Ancestral Worship (祭祖)
Practice: Families may pay respects to their ancestors by offering incense and food at home altars or temples. This practice honors the deceased and seeks their blessings for the year.
Symbolic Foods for Chinese New Year Day
6. Traditional Foods and Their Meanings
Turnip Cake (蘿蔔糕): Represents prosperity.
Sweet Rice Dumplings (湯圓): A symbol of family unity and togetherness.
Mandarin Oranges (橙): Associated with wealth and success (the Cantonese word for "orange," 橙, sounds like "gold").
Noodles (長壽麵): Eaten to symbolize longevity.
Cultural and Public Festivities
7. Visiting Temples for Blessings (參拜廟宇)
Popular Temples:
Wong Tai Sin Temple (黃大仙祠): Famous for granting wishes.
Che Kung Temple (車公廟): Known for its “lucky windmill” ritual to attract good fortune.
Practices: Worshippers offer incense sticks, make wishes, and pray for health, happiness, and wealth. The first worshipper of the day is believed to receive the most blessings.
8. Lion Dances (舞獅)
Where to See Them: Lion dances are performed in shopping malls, streets, and business districts.
Purpose: The lion is believed to bring good luck and drive away evil spirits. Its lively movements, accompanied by drums and cymbals, enhance the festive atmosphere.
9. Floral Displays and Fairs
Popular Flowers: Many families decorate their homes with lucky flowers purchased before New Year, including:
Peach Blossoms (桃花): For love and romance.
Orchids (蘭花): For elegance and fertility.
Bamboo (竹): For resilience and strength.
Behavioral Customs and Superstitions
10. Auspicious Behaviors
Spreading Positive Energy: On the first day, people focus on saying and doing positive things to set the tone for the year.
Acts of Generosity: Donating to charities or sharing food is considered particularly auspicious.
11. Avoiding Taboos
Sweeping or Cleaning: Cleaning is forbidden, as it is believed to “sweep away” good luck.
Using Sharp Objects: Scissors, knives, and other sharp tools are avoided to prevent “cutting off” fortune.
Arguing or Saying Negative Words: Quarreling, scolding, or using unlucky words (e.g., “death,” “loss”) is avoided to maintain harmony.
Evening Celebrations
12. Family Gatherings
Families may continue their reunion celebrations by enjoying leftovers from the reunion dinner on New Year’s Eve, a tradition that symbolizes surplus and abundance (年年有餘).
13. Firecrackers and Festive Lights
Firecrackers were traditionally set off to ward off evil spirits, but in Hong Kong, large-scale public displays are often replaced with festive lighting and celebratory decorations in areas like Victoria Harbour.
Modern Celebrations
14. Parade of Floats (大巡遊)
Though officially scheduled for the second day of Chinese New Year, many areas organize smaller parades on the first day with dragon dances, music, and cultural performances.
15. Exploring Hong Kong’s Festive Attractions
Cultural Sites: Visit places like Ngong Ping’s Big Buddha or Chinese gardens to experience serene moments during the holiday.
Shopping and Dining: Many shopping malls host special Chinese New Year promotions, performances, and themed decorations.
Chinese New Year Day in Hong Kong is a day of celebration, joy, and renewal. From wearing new clothes and visiting relatives to worshipping at temples and enjoying lion dances, every tradition and practice is imbued with deep cultural significance. It’s a day to honor the past, embrace family ties, and look forward to a prosperous year ahead. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, participating in these customs offers a meaningful and festive experience.
