The Year of the Rooster is nearly upon us and unless you live the life of a recluse, or indeed you haven’t left the office for the last two weeks, then you will certainly have noticed the red paper cutouts and lanterns adorning shop doorways, the miniature mandarin trees lining your neighbours’ driveways, or heard the din of a lion dance as it chases away the evil spirits. The Lunar New Year, so-called because it is based on the lunisolar Chinese calendar, is nigh.
Chinese New Year, also called the Spring Festival, traditionally, is the time for the Chinese to mark the end of the coldest part of the year and to look forward to the beginning of spring. It is symbolic of letting go of the past and welcoming new beginnings. It is a time for honouring one’s elders, reconciling and making amends, avoiding offence and establishing old ties. It’s also the time when China lights more fireworks than any other country of the world at any given point during the year.
Chinese New Year, also called the Spring Festival, traditionally, is the time for the Chinese to mark the end of the coldest part of the year and to look forward to the beginning of spring. It is symbolic of letting go of the past and welcoming new beginnings. It is a time for honouring one’s elders, reconciling and making amends, avoiding offence and establishing old ties. It’s also the time when China lights more fireworks than any other country of the world at any given point during the year.
More than 70 per cent of Singapore's population is ethnic Chinese
Singapore is one of 12 countries to have public holidays this weekend alongside Hong Kong, Taiwan, Philippines and South Korea. In fact, one fifth of the world’s population will be celebrating the Chinese New Year, from London’s Trafalgar Square to San Francisco’s Chinatown. In Singapore’s Chinatown, residents and tourists alike can enjoy the hubbub of the lively markets, or see hand-crafted lanterns and eat Chinese delicacies at River Hongbao at Marina Bay. Or, you can experience the largest street performance and float parade in Asia, the Chingay Parade at the Formula one Pit Building, to celebrate the many cultures of our local communities: Chinese, Malay, Indian, Eurasian.
If you aren’t going to be celebrating Chinese New Year this year (and will be avoiding the crowds), but still want to honour our host nation and support your local community, then check out the latest volunteer postings on Expatgiving. You can give as little or as much time as suits you, but your help will most certainly bring you, and the people that you are helping, a new beginning.
If you aren’t going to be celebrating Chinese New Year this year (and will be avoiding the crowds), but still want to honour our host nation and support your local community, then check out the latest volunteer postings on Expatgiving. You can give as little or as much time as suits you, but your help will most certainly bring you, and the people that you are helping, a new beginning.
Author
Emma Nobes
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