Guide to Fables, Customs, and Practices Related to Chinese New Year's Eve in Hong Kong

Chinese New Year’s Eve (農曆新年除夕) is one of the most significant cultural celebrations in Hong Kong. It is steeped in rich fables, traditional customs, and unique practices that bring families together to usher in good fortune, health, and prosperity. This HK florist guide explores the key fables and traditions associated with this festive evening.

Fables and Legends of Chinese New Year Eve

1. The Legend of Nian (年獸)

   • Story:
     The mythical beast Nian would emerge on New Year’s Eve to wreak havoc, destroying crops and scaring villagers. To protect themselves, people discovered that Nian was afraid of loud noises, bright lights, and the color red.

     • Impact on Practices:
       This story explains the origin of firecrackers, red decorations, and vibrant celebrations. These elements are believed to drive away evil spirits and misfortune.

2. Zhao Shen (灶神) – The Kitchen God

   • Story:
     According to folklore, the Kitchen God ascends to Heaven just before New Year to report on the household’s behavior to the Jade Emperor. Families would offer sweet treats like candy to “bribe” him into giving a favorable report.

     • Impact on Practices:
       This explains why some families in Hong Kong hold symbolic rituals or offer sweets to honor the Kitchen God on Chinese New Year’s Eve.

3. The Fortune of the Red Packet (紅包的由來)

   • Story:
     A tale tells of a demon named Sui that would frighten children at night. To protect them, parents gave children coins wrapped in red paper, which scared Sui away.

     • Impact on Practices:
       This tradition evolved into giving lai see (利是) or red packets filled with money for luck and protection against evil spirits.

Customs and Practices on Chinese New Year’s Eve

1. Thorough Cleaning of the Home (大掃除)

• Meaning: Sweeping away bad luck from the past year and preparing the house to welcome good fortune.

• Timing: This is usually completed before Chinese New Year’s Eve. Cleaning on the day itself is avoided to prevent "sweeping away" incoming luck.

2. Reunion Dinner (團年飯)

• Key Event: Families gather for a lavish dinner at home or at a restaurant.

• Symbolism of Foods:

  • Fish (魚): Represents surplus and prosperity (“年年有餘,” meaning "may there be surplus every year").

  • Dumplings (餃子): Shaped like gold ingots, they symbolize wealth.

  • Glutinous Rice Cake (年糕): Represents progress and a higher year ahead.

  • Spring Rolls (春卷): Resemble gold bars, symbolizing wealth.

3. Setting Up Red Decorations (掛紅裝飾)

• Examples of Decorations:

  • Couplets (春聯): Pairs of red paper scrolls with auspicious phrases are placed around doors to invite blessings.

  • Fu Character (福字): Often hung upside down, it symbolizes that fortune has “arrived” (倒福).

  • Lanterns (燈籠): Represent a bright and prosperous year ahead.

4. Flower Markets and Shopping (年宵市場)

• What to Expect:
  Temporary flower markets spring up across Hong Kong on New Year’s Eve. People buy flowers and plants with specific meanings:

  • Peach Blossoms (桃花): Symbolize love and romance.

  • Kumquat Trees (金桔): Represent wealth and good fortune.

  • Narcissus (水仙): Bring prosperity and career success.

5. Offering to Ancestors (祭祖)

• Practice:
  Many families visit temples or make offerings at home to honor their ancestors. This act expresses gratitude and seeks blessings for the year ahead.

6. Red Packets (派利是)

• Custom:
  Although primarily distributed on New Year’s Day, preparations begin on New Year’s Eve. Red packets are filled with money and exchanged with good wishes 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.”

7. Avoiding Bad Omens

• What to Avoid on New Year’s Eve:

  • Breaking Objects: Considered a sign of bad luck.

  • Quarreling: Negative words or arguments are avoided to prevent bad luck from lingering.

  • Using Sharp Objects: Sharp tools are believed to "cut" your luck.

Unique Hong Kong Practices

1. Fireworks Displays (煙花表演)
   While most public fireworks displays occur on the second day of Chinese New Year, families often set off smaller fireworks or sparklers on New Year’s Eve to ward off bad spirits.

2. Visit to Wong Tai Sin Temple (黃大仙祠)
   Many Hong Kongers visit this famous temple late on New Year’s Eve to be among the first to offer incense sticks at midnight, believed to increase the blessings they will receive.

3. Midnight Countdown (除夕倒數)
   In modern Hong Kong, many families or friends gather at iconic spots like Victoria Harbour to count down to the New Year.

Chinese New Year’s Eve in Hong Kong is a vibrant mix of ancient traditions and modern celebrations. From observing fables like the story of Nian to decorating homes with red, enjoying a family reunion dinner, and avoiding inauspicious acts, each custom holds profound meaning. Participating in these practices allows people to welcome the New Year with joy, gratitude, and hope for prosperity.