CNY 2008 Chinese New Year

CNY 2008 will be the year of the 鼠 Rat. Chinese New Year or some call it the Spring Festival, is the most important of the traditional Chinese holidays. On the days before the New Year celebration, most Chinese families give their home a thorough cleaning - also known as Spring Cleaning. It is believed the cleaning sweeps away the bad luck of the preceding year and makes their homes ready for good luck. Some people give their homes, doors and window-panes a new coat of red paint. Homes are often decorated with paper cutouts of Chinese auspicious phrases and couplets.

During these 15 days (7, 8 to 22 Feb 2008) of the Chinese New Year one will see... New clothings are usually worn to signify a new year. The colour red is liberally used in all decorations. At times, gold is the accompanying colour for reasons that are already obvious. One best and common example is the red diamond-shaped posters with the character 福 "fook or in pinyin: fu", which are displayed around the house and on doors. This sign is usually seen hanging upside down, since the Chinese word 倒 (pinyin: dǎo), or "upside down", sounds similar as 到 (pinyin: dào), or "arrive". Therefore, it symbolizes the arrival of luck, happiness, and prosperity. Red packets (Ang Pow) are given to juniors and children by the married and elders. See Symbolism below for more explanation.

This is the only time of the year the Shopping Malls around the island will close for the day.

Updated On: 08.03.20