Ever since I moved to the UK for work, I’ve found it difficult to keep up with or properly observe the Chinese New Year traditions my mum used to teach me. Part of it is because I’ve forgotten what it was like, as I haven’t been back to Singapore during this festive period for eight years. Another part is that I like to think of myself as a modern woman who doesn’t need to follow every superstitious rule.
Most of my Chinese friends, however, are still quite superstitious about these traditions. They often share articles or videos on Facebook about topics such as the fortunes of the 12 zodiac animals, the best time to deposit money on Li Chun Day, or the most auspicious day to return to work—anything to ensure a good start to the year.
Despite my scepticism, I still find myself spending at least 10 minutes watching these so-called fortune tellers predicting how the year will unfold. I can’t remember them ever saying anything particularly good about my zodiac sign, even since I was young. That said, they always offer advice on how to ward off bad omens—which, of course, leads to recommendations on which crystals to buy to boost wealth, along with various talismans and lucky charms. It has all become quite commercialised. The sceptic in me thinks it’s unrealistic to group everyone into just 12 categories and assign them the same fortune. I don’t truly believe in it, but I do find it entertaining. Growing up, my aunties and uncles would make it a point to watch the zodiac fortune segment on Channel 8. They wouldn’t bother with variety shows, performances, or even fireworks—but when the New Year fortune segment came on, everyone would gather around the television. Even now, I still find that amusing.
Now, let’s talk about some of the Chinese New Year traditions I still remember.
Before the big day, cleaning and decorating the house is very important. Every corner must be cleaned—even the windows. Most of us lived in flats or apartments, and the windows could be large and tall, often with many panels.
My mum loves decorating the house with auspicious banners. I wrote about this in an article a few years ago. She would also buy a mandarin orange plant, but before purchasing it, she would carefully count the number of fruits on it. The number must be even, and naturally, she would use that number to buy TOTO or 4D (four-digit lottery numbers), which are similar to the Lotto in the UK.
Next comes food and snacks. Families stock up on various goodies, each symbolising something auspicious. My mum is less particular about this now, as not many people eat those snacks anymore—except me. If I’m not around, she won’t buy much. Last year, when she visited me, she packed an entire suitcase full of snacks! I love them all, especially egg rolls—they’re absolutely delicious. I’ve also written about Chinese New Year goodies and Chinatown treats in another article.
Make sure you clear your debts before the New Year! I know this isn’t easy, especially for homeowners. Many Singaporeans rely on dual incomes and often work until retirement just to pay off their mortgages.
On New Year’s Eve, everyone is expected to return home for the reunion dinner (or lunch, depending on schedules, especially in larger families). Attendance is obligatory—no matter where you are, you should be there. It’s very much like Christmas dinner. The meal typically includes symbolic dishes such as fish, spring onions, abalone, and a whole chicken.
After dinner, unmarried children present two mandarin oranges to their elders in exchange for red packets (ang bao) for good luck. Then, children change into new pyjamas, including new underwear. Many will stay up until midnight or even the next morning as a sign of wishing their parents longevity. Traditions vary by family—some visit temples, while others celebrate late into the night. My mum always preferred visiting temples—we would go to at least two or three to pray.
Chinese New Year lasts for 15 days. Historically, this was because travelling to visit family in China could take several days, so the extended period allowed more time for visits and exchanges of blessings and red packets. So instead of the 12 days of Christmas, we have 15 days of Chinese New Year.
On the first day, it’s important not to sweep the floor or do any cleaning, as this is believed to sweep away good fortune and blessings. The same applies to washing clothes. Essentially, everyone takes the day off. You should avoid swearing, arguing, or saying anything negative. Even if you accidentally break something, you should say auspicious words to counteract any bad luck. Wearing black or dark colours is discouraged—many people instead follow advice on which colours will bring them luck for the year. The list of dos and don’ts goes on: don’t cut your nails, don’t wash your hair, don’t lend or borrow money. Visiting hospitals is also avoided, which is why they tend to be unusually quiet during this time. Ultimately, I think these traditions serve as a reminder to start the year on a positive and mindful note.
So, what traditions do you follow on New Year’s Day?
I was lucky enough to spend Chinese New Year in Hong Kong, amazing sites, smells and sounds,
An interesting post. As a non-Brit, I sometimes miss the traditions of my upbringing, too.
This is just wonderful such fantastic traditions!
Wishing you all a Happy Chinese New Year. I believe 28/01/2017 is Chinese New Year. Interesting to read information regarding Chinese New Year, as I am British and not familiar with Chinese traditions etc. I think it is worthwhile to know of others :- Cultures, traditions, beliefs, Celebrations etc. So I am interested in learning more.
Thank you so much!
It’s so interesting. I had no connection or knowledge of the Chinese culture before moving to Liverpool, beside going to a Chinese restaurant once. Now I’ve attended every New Year Celebrations we have in Liverpool when I wasn’t away with work and I find it so interesting.
I think, if you don’t mind me saying, that traditions are important. I don’t agree with the meaning behind some of our traditions, but keeping them alive it’s lovely for our family, even without children. We’ve also adopted British traditions, as they are interesting and fun. If you think of the traditions as family activities where you can learn from your past and culture or about a new culture.