To some, Chinese New Year preparations begin weeks in advance. To others, they do it days before. Nonetheless, all preparations, whether big or small, are acceptable.
How you start your new year sets the tone for the 12 months that follow. Therefore, it is crucial to start off on the right foot to celebrate a year of luck, prosperity, and good health.
Most Filipinos, especially Cebuanos, celebrate on January 1 for self-reflection and on setting new goals. However, Chinese New Year is about having an opportunity for a fresh start.
Fret no more. We have enlisted long-standing traditions and superstitions on how to prepare for Chinese New Year.
1. ROLL KIAT-KIAT AND/OR SPREAD COINS AROUND YOUR HOUSE
This is advised to be done on the night of January 24, before the clock strikes 12:00MN. As mentioned, Kiat-Kiat or Mandarin Orange is like money, and rolling of this fruit symbolizes fortune entering your humble abode.
2. FILL IN YOUR CASH BOX AND PUT IN RICE, SALT, SUGAR, AND MILK
Filling in your cash box would also mean you will be full of luck for the whole year.
3. PLACE PAPER BILLS ON YOUR DOORS AND BEDS
Just like the rolling of kiat-kiat and coins, this will also attract wealth for everyone at home.
4. PLACE 12 KINDS OF FRUITS ON YOUR TABLE
To those who are not yet aware as to why 12 kinds of fruits are needed, it is because each fruit symbolizes each month of the year. One fruit symbolizes one lucky month. Twelve fruits symbolize twelve lucky months.
5. WEAR A RED OR POLKA DOTS DRESS ON THE DAY OF CHINESE NEW YEAR
Polka Dots symbolize money and red means luck. More than wearing the aforementioned during Chinese New Year, it is also advised to wear Classic Blue more often for the whole year because it is the color of the year.
6. DISPLAY LUCKY CHARMS LIKE THAT OF AN IMAGE OF A METAL RAT
However, please be guided not to display photos of anyone from your family who is born in the Year of the Horse because according to Feng Shui, Horse is the direct enemy of the Metal Rat.
7. GIVE RED ENVELOPES (ANG PAO) WITH MONEY TO THE CHILDREN
Giving out your fortune would also enhance your luck for the whole year.
8. CLEAN YOUR HOUSE BEFORE CHINESE NEW YEAR
It is said not to sweep your clutter and dirt during Chinese New Year because it is believed that luck will also be de-cluttered.
However, apart from the aforementioned, we also have to remind ourselves that these are only guides and practices believed to help us be luckier. It is still within us to practice and work harder for luck and fate to really be in our favour. May you all have a prosperous 2020!
