Chinese New Year

[Gibs960]

At school our class is doing an assembly on Chinese new year, can anyone give me any interesting facts about chinese new year? Thanks :)

[Special]

1. A traditional “octagonal tray” is used to contain a variety of goodies for visitors during the Chinese New Year. The eight-sided tray also symbolises fortune as “8” sounds like “发” in the Cantonese dialect, meaning prosperity.

2. Singapore celebrated Chinese New Year with the first Chingay Parade in February 1973. Chingay comes from the words zhuang yi or ‘dressing up for a masquerade’. In 2005, an astonishing number of 40 dancing dragons in the multi-cultural Chingay festivities made it to the Guinness Book of World Records.

3. On the 5th day of Chinese New Year, Chinese businessmen set off firecrackers and put up lion dance performances at their place of business to welcome the God of Wealth and Prosperity. It is believed that the God of Wealth and Prosperity descends to earth from the heavens on this day, bringing prosperity and good fortune.

4. Spring-cleaning is done to usher in the Chinese New Year. When spring cleaning is completed, the brooms will be kept out of sight, as it is believed that brooms will sweep away one’s good luck.
5. Nian Gao is a snack made from glutinous rice flour and sugar. The name sounds like “going upward”, implying a rise in status. The round shape symbolizes friendship, its sticky texture loyalty, and its sweetness a sweet life.
6. On lunar new year’s eve, after the family reunion dinner, children are encouraged to observe new year vigil by staying up till midnight and beyond. Some Chinese believe that this will prolong the lives of their parents. In return, the young ones get gift money before turning in.

7. 2009 is the year of the ox, one of the 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac. People born under this sign are believed to be responsible and hard working.

8. Fire crackers are used by the Chinese community in many countries to usher in the new year. A legend says that it was used to drive evil spirits away.

9. The colourful yusheng that we eat today was actually created by four chefs while they were working in Singapore back in the 1960s. This dish is unique to Singapore and Malaysia.

10. Dumplings or jiaozi is a common dish for some reunion dinners. Do you know that some families wrap a coin in their dumplings? It is believed that the one who eats that dumpling will be richer in the New Year!

[Gibs960]

Do you know what the year of the tiger means if you're born under that year? Thanks so much by the way +rep :)

[MrGazet]

Do you know what the year of the tiger means if you're born under that year? Thanks so much by the way +rep :)

The Tiger is said to be lucky vivid, lively and engaging. Another attribute of the Tiger is his incredible bravery, evidenced in his willingness to engage in battle or his undying courage. Maybe he’s so brave because he is so lucky. But the Chinese say a Tiger having a Tiger in the house is the very best protection against the evils of fire, burglary.

Years of the Tiger

Tiger Years are third in the cycle and recur every twelfth year. The Chinese New Year does not fall on a specific date, so it is essential to check the calendar to find the exact date on which each Tiger year actually begins.

THE SIGN OF THE TIGER

Tigers do not find worth in power or money. They will be completely honest about how they feel and expect the same of you. On the other hand, they seek approval from peers and family. Generally, because of their charming personalities Tigers are well liked. Often, failing at a given task or being unproductive in his personal or professional life can cause a Tiger to experience a depression. Criticism from loved ones can also generate this type of Tiger reaction. Still, like all felines, Tigers always land on their feet, ready for their next act in life, pursuing it with unyielding energy and hunting it infallibly.



Tigers are also incorrigibly competitive - they simply cannot pass up a challenge, especially when honor is at stake, or they are protecting those they love. Tigers are unpredictable and it would be unwise to underestimate their reactions. They may appear cool, but they have the Big Cat's instincts to pounce at a moment's warning. Natural leaders, they have a strong sense of their own dignity, and if they find

themselves in the ranks, they can be stubborn and obstinate. In positions of power they can be difficult though stimulating bosses. Tigers are intelligent, alert, and farsighted. They have their fingers on the pulse. Good strategists and tacticians, they often have a hidden agenda. As long as they do not risk their luck too often, and keep their restless nature under control, their tactics usually pay off in life.

TIGER FACTS:

People born in the year of the Tiger share certain characteristics. The Tiger sign is an abbreviated way of characterizing that individual’s personality. Following are features associated with the sign of the Tiger.

Third in order, Chinese name - HU, sign of courage

Hour--am-4:59am Month--February

Western counterpart—Aquarius

CHARACTERISTICS

Courage, Vehemence, Self-Reliance, Friendliness, Hopefulness, Resilience, Vanity, Disregard

IN YOUR ELEMENT

The characteristics of the Tiger are tempered by one of the five Chinese elements of Metal, Water, Wood, Fire and Earth overlaying a 5-year cycle of characteristics on the original 12-year cycle.

there u go,found it at a website

[Black_Apalachi]

My mate is actually in China the lucky sod! I'm 99.9% sure you would find anything you want to know on Wikipedia.