Holiday Announcement: Long Weekend for Chinese New Year 2024!
All about Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival or Lunar New Year, is one of the most important and widely celebrated festivals in Chinese culture. It marks the beginning of the lunar new year on the traditional lunisolar Chinese calendar and is a time for family reunions, cultural festivities, and the welcoming of a new year with hope and optimism.
Chinese New Year has a history that spans over 3,000 years. It originated as a way to celebrate the end of winter and the beginning of spring. The festival is deeply rooted in Chinese mythology and folklore and has evolved over the centuries to become the grand celebration it is today.
2024 is the Year of the Dragon according to the Chinese zodiac. Each year in the Chinese zodiac is associated with an animal sign, and the Dragon is considered a symbol of strength, courage, and good fortune.
Celebration of Chinese New Year falls on different dates each year as it follows the lunar calendar. In 2024, Chinese New Year begins on February 10th and continues for 15 days, with the Lantern Festival marking the end of the celebrations.
A Historical Connection
The Philippines’ deep connection with China dates back centuries leaving clear Chinese influences accross the nation. Trade flourished between the two countries as early as the 9th century, leading to a gradual migration of Chinese people to the Philippines. Over time, the Chinese community merged into Philippine society, contributing significantly to the country’s economy, culture, and cuisine. As such, the Philippines, embraced a unique blend of traditions and influences and celebrates Chinese New Year as one of the most colorful and joyous celebrations in the country. Celebrated by both the Filipino-Chinese community and Filipinos alike, Chinese New Year is a time for family reunions, feasting, and ushering in good luck and prosperity for the coming year.
Here are some of the highlights of how Chinese New Year is celebrated in the Philippines:
- Lion and Dragon Dances: Energetic lion and dragon dances are believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck. These colorful and lively performances are a major attraction of the festivities.
- Feasts and Food Offerings: A grand reunion dinner is a central part of the celebrations. Families gather to enjoy a traditional feast featuring dishes like roast pig, spring rolls, tikoy (a sweet rice cake), and noodles for long life. Food offerings are also made to ancestors to show respect and gratitude.
- Lucky Charms and Decorations: Homes and businesses are decorated with red lanterns, lucky charms, and symbols of the zodiac animal for the year. Red envelopes containing money are given to children and unmarried adults for good luck.
- Fireworks and Parades: The celebrations often culminate in a dazzling display of fireworks and colorful parades. These vibrant events add to the festive atmosphere and bring communities together.
Trivia about Chinese New Year in the Philippines:
- The Philippines was the first country in the world to declare Chinese New Year as a national holiday in 1993.
- Binondo, Manila, is home to the oldest Chinatown in the world, established in 1580.
- Tikoy, a popular rice cake eaten during Chinese New Year, is said to bring good luck and prosperity.
- Chinese New Year in the Philippines is a testament to the strong cultural ties between the two countries. It is a celebration of family, tradition, and the hope for a prosperous New Year.
Photo and Source: GOVPH Website
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