Chinese New Year is, I believe, in many ways the perfect holiday. It arrives at an optimal time — well after the Christmas rush, and usually occurs sometime between late January and mid-February, when we are all in dire need of a happy diversion.
Additional attributes are that since it is not an American holiday, nothing is closed when I have anticipated it will be open, and I am free to celebrate Chinese New Year or not, according to my own personal whim.
Since the lunar cycle is 295 days, in order to catch up with the solar calendar, the Chinese insert an extra month once every few years, (7 out of a 19-year cycle) which is why the New Year falls on a different date each year. It starts with the new moon the first day of the new year and ends with the full moon and the Lantern Festival 15 days later. This year, it begins on Thursday, and its sign is the rabbit.
The rabbit is considered a very lucky sign. Those born in 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1987, 1999 and 2011 are under that sign. They are talented and articulate, affectionate, known for their diplomacy and orderliness. Detail-oriented and reserved, careful with money, they seek peace at all costs. Their desire to remain safe means they miss many opportunities.
However, the Chinese also divide “rabbit years” into water, wood, fire, earth and metal, and since this is the year of the metal rabbit, those born this year have more strength and resilience, although they still will not do well in a competitive environment.
Some famous people born under this sign are Cary Grant, Jane Seymour, Angelina Jolie, Harry Belafonte, Ingrid Bergman, Arthur Miller and Bob Hope. Our equivalent zodiac sign would be Pisces.
The Chinese New Year is celebrated not only in mainland China and Hong Kong, but also in Indonesia, Macu, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan and Vietnam. It is a time for families to share, and the highlight is a religious ceremony for household gods and family ancestors.
Food is varied and plentiful, with pig, duck and chicken often on the menu. Children will receive money in red paper envelopes, and people will try to reconcile old grudges. Firecrackers and noise are thought to scare away evil spirits; although in many countries, the firecrackers have now been banned.
Each of the 15 days which constitute the holiday has a special significance. No one would clean on the first day of the New Year, as it would be very bad luck to sweep your good fortune out the door. Day two is a special day for married daughters to visit their parents, and it is also a day to be extra kind to dogs, as it is believed the second day is the birthday of all dogs. The fifth day is the birthday of the Chinese god of wealth, and a special prayer is said for good luck and prosperity.
I especially like the 7th day, known as renri, as it is the day when everyone grows a year older (imagine, never having to remember anyone’s birthday anymore). Days 9 and 10 are celebrated as the Jade Emperor’s birthday, and on the 13th day, everyone eats vegetarian food to counteract their previous overindulgence.
The 15th and final day marks the Lantern Festival. However, in Malaysia and Singapore, it is somewhat like Valentine’s Day for those searching for a partner. Women will write their contact number on a mandarin orange and throw it into the river where single men will collect them.
You can join in celebrating Chinese New Year in Connecticut:
‰The Bushnell, 166 Capitol Ave., Hartford, on Feb. 9 and 10 at 7:30 p.m. Shen Yun Performing Arts presents classical dance and music, distilled from 5 millennia of Chinese civilization. Call 860-987-5900 for information.
‰Jani’s Chinese Restaurant, 187 Cherry St., Milford, 203-874-1199. Fabulous entertainment and a special New Year’s menu at 6:15 p.m. on Feb. 13 and 20. Martial arts demonstrations, drummers and famous Chinese Lion dance troupe. Ask for Kevin and reserve early.
‰Farmington Public Library, 6 Monteith Drive, Farmington, 860-673-6791, 1 p.m. Feb. 19, a family event celebrating Chinese New Year with food, music and fun. All are welcome.
Contact Jean Cherni, founder of the retirement advisory service, Senior Living Solutions, at jeancherni@sbcglobal.net or 15 The Ponds at Hotchkiss Grove, Branford 06405.
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