Rituals for new beginnings
FOR THE CHINESE community in the Philippines, the Lunar New Year is the most festive and most important time of the year. Although it is typically celebrated between February and March, the precise origin of the Chinese New Year remains undetermined.
According to studies, this Chinese holiday was believed to have begun during the Shang Dynasty ( 1766 BC – 1122 BC). Meanwhile, some people think that it originated from as early as Emperor Yao and Shun (2300 BC). Legend has it that the birth of the Chinese New Year started with a battle against a mythical creature named the “Year.” This beast was described to appear like an ox with a lion head and lives in the ocean.
The “Year” comes out on the eve of the New Year and brings harm to animals, people, and properties. Soon, people discovered that the creature feared the color red, loud sounds, and fire. Thus, people made the habit of posting red Dui Lan in front of their houses, as well as initiate fireworks and hang lanterns for selfprotection.
In the country, and depending on the year, the Lunar New Year can last up to 15 days. Chinese Filipinos commemorate this well-loved holiday through attending parades and watching dragon dances in different neighborhoods where there is a big Chinese presence such as Binondo. During these two weeks, people hope to bring in good fortune and prosperity for the entire year.
Based on tradition, the first day of the New Year is for the welcoming of the deities of the heavens and earth. It is also customary for the Chinese to light fireworks, burn bamboo sticks and firecrackers, and make a lot of sounds and noises to chase away the evil spirits as summed up by the nian.
Buddhists refrain from eating meat during the first day of the New Year because they believe that this will ensure them of longevity. On the other hand, a number of people think that lighting fires and using knives will bring in bad luck on New Year’s Day. That is why some Chinese cook their meals days before the holiday. It is also said to be unlucky to use brooms as it will sweep off the positive energy.
The value of honoring one’s families and elders is taken seriously during the first day of the Chinese New Year. Most Chinese families get together and celebrate as one during the first day. It is also a time for visiting the oldest and most senior members of the clan and their extended families like their parents, grandparents, and even great grandparents.
Inviting a lion dance troupe is a symbolic ritual for some Chinese families as they believe that this could evict evil spirits from the premises of their homes and businesses. Besides that, married members of the family give away red envelopes or angpow (ampao) containing cash known as lai see to the younger or junior member of the brood. This tradition is a form of blessing and a way of suppressing the aging and challenges associated with the forthcoming year. Furthermore, business owners and managers give bonuses through these red packets for good luck, smooth-sailing, good health, and prosperity.
The biggest event of the Chinese New Year is the Reunion Dinner called “Nian Ye Fan.” During the Nian Ye Fan, dishes comprising of special meats are served on the tables of Chinese families as a main course and as offering to the coming 365 days. In spite of that, a prayer of thanksgiving is said prior to the reunion dinner to mark the safe passage of the previous years. Although some people do not give Buddhist prayers due to the large influence of Christianity in the country, a Christian prayer is said instead. Confucianists, however, take this time to remember their ancestors and those who have lived before them.
On the 15th or last day of the Chinese New Year’s festivities, candles are lit outside people’s houses as a way to guide the spirits home and where they belong. This day is celebrated as the “Yuanxiao Festival” or the Lantern Festival. Families walk the streets carrying lighted lanterns and eat rice dumplings or tangyuan, a sweet glutinous rice ball brewed in a soup. — Erika