The Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year , is one of the most important traditional holidays celebrated in many East Asian countries, including China, Korea, Vietnam, and others.
Each lunar year is associated with one of the 12 Chinese zodiac animals, and 2024 is the Year of the Dragon.
Angels' Share Glass was delighted to attend a fusion of Chinese and Scots Culture at The C.B.B.C annual Burns Supper in Edinburgh.
Enjoying a mix of Rabbie Burns in Chinese Poetry and celebrating all things that unite Scotland to China.
Here are some traditions associated with Chinese New Year and the meanings of the animals in Chinese history:
-
Zodiac Animals: The Chinese zodiac operates on a 12-year cycle, with each year represented by a different animal. The 12 animals are Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. Each animal is believed to influence the personalities and destinies of people born in its year.
-
Reunion Dinner: Families typically gather for a special reunion dinner on the eve of Chinese New Year. This meal is considered the most important of the year, symbolizing unity and prosperity. Traditional dishes include fish, dumplings, spring rolls, and various other symbolic foods.
-
Red Packets (Hongbao): Red packets filled with money are given to children and unmarried adults as a symbol of good luck and prosperity. The red color of the packets is believed to ward off evil spirits.
-
Fireworks and Firecrackers: Fireworks and firecrackers are set off to drive away evil spirits and welcome the new year with good fortune. The loud noise is also believed to scare away the legendary monster "Nian."
-
Lantern Festival: The Lantern Festival marks the end of the Chinese New Year celebrations. People hang lanterns, solve riddles written on them, and enjoy various cultural performances and activities.
As for the meanings of the animals:
- Rat: Quick-witted, resourceful, and versatile.
- Ox: Diligent, reliable, and determined.
- Tiger: Brave, competitive, and confident.
- Rabbit: Gentle, kind-hearted, and cautious.
- Dragon: Ambitious, charismatic, and passionate.
- Snake: Wise, intuitive, and graceful.
- Horse: Energetic, independent, and adventurous.
- Goat: Calm, gentle, and creative.
- Monkey: Intelligent, witty, and innovative.
- Rooster: Honest, hardworking, and confident.
- Dog: Loyal, faithful, and sincere.
- Pig: Compassionate, generous, and diligent.
Each animal has its own unique characteristics, and people born in the year associated with a particular animal are believed to share those traits. The Year of the Dragon, for example, is considered particularly auspicious as dragons are symbols of power, strength, and good luck in Chinese culture.
We wish all our customer all over Asia a Prosperous New Year
