As a study abroad student in Singapore in February, I was lucky enough to experience this year's Chinese New Year. It marks the beginning of the lunar new year, which usually falls between January 21 and February 20. The city comes alive with bright decorations, traditional performances, and an enchanting festive atmosphere. On Chinese New Year's Eve, the city is alive with anticipation as people gather for reunion dinners and plan for the upcoming festivities.
The Chinese New Year is one of the most important traditional festivals in Chinese Culture. It is celebrated by Chinese communities all over the world. Also known as Spring Festival, Chinese New Year marks the beginning of the new year according to the Chinese calendar. Here are some of the key traditions:
• Reunion Dinner: Families gather for dinner on New Year’s Eve with traditional dishes that are symbol of luck and prosperity.
• Red Decorations: Red is the color during the Chinese New Year, as it represents good luck, and it wards off evil spirits. The city is thus adorned with red decorations and red lanterns.
• Fireworks and Firecrackers: At midnight, the festival is marked with fireworks and firecrackers.
• Giving Red Envelopes: It is tradition that parents or adults in general give red envelopes containing money to their children or unmarried relatives as a symbol of prosperity and luck.
• Lion and Dragon Dances: The streets of Singapore are alive with the rhythmic beats of drums and the vibrant colors of lion and dragon dances.
• River Hongbao Festival: The Marina Bay area is transformed into a beautiful show during the River Hongbao Festival, which includes stunning lantern displays, cultural performances, and a spectacular fireworks display.
This Chinese New Year was the year of the Dragon. In the Chinese zodiac, the Dragon represents power, strength, and good fortune. Those born in the Year of the Dragon are thought to be confident, intelligent, and ambitious. Immersed in the Dragon Year festivities, my experience was captivated by the mixture of ancient traditions and modern celebrations. From the fireworks to the mesmerizing dance of dragons, every moment was filled with strong energy, capturing the spirit of the Dragon Year.
All this was not only a moment of celebration for me but truly a cultural journey that enriched me with a deeper understanding of some of the traditions of this vibrant city. Gong Xi Fa Cai! 🧨🐉
P.S. You may think that Gong Xi Fa Cai! translates into “Happy New Year”. However, it translates into “wishing you happiness and prosperity in the coming year”.
Giulia Folli
Spring 2024
GW Exchange - Nanyang Technological University
Milken Institute - School of Public Health
Public health and International Affairs Major