Talk of the town : Year of the Rabbit
【明報專訊】Chinese New Year is a festival that celebrates the beginning of a new year on the traditional Chinese calendar. It is the most important festival in Chinese culture. We will be celebrating our Chinese New Year, a year of the rabbit, on 22 Jan 2023. Although the traditions vary from different places, it is always a time for reunion dinners, blessings and fireworks. Let's go through the customs and traditions for the celebration of the CNY.
Why Rabbit? — the Chinese zodiac
In Chinese culture, each year is represented by an animal, namely the Chinese zodiac, for a repeating cycle of 12 years. In order, the twelve animals are Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig. Since this year is the Year of the Tiger, next year will be the Year of the Rabbit.
Taboos during CNY
There are many taboos that people avoid on Chinese New Year, to name but a few:
˙No unlucky words such as“death”
˙No crying
˙No black or white clothes
˙No breaking dishes
˙No sweeping
People believe that by doing these things, bad fortune will befall us throughout the whole year.
■What do people do on CNY?
On the 28th of the last month before the Chinese New Year, known as nin ya baat (Chinese:年廿八), people have a spring clear-out to sweep away the bad luck of the last year and makes their homes ready for next year's good luck. On the night before the Chinese New Year, people enjoy a reunion dinner with their family. During the Chinese New Year, people visit relatives and make wishes to each other (as well as give out red packets!). It's time to equip yourselves with some CNY greetings!
˙Wishing you prosperity and wealth, or kung hei fat choi! (恭喜發財)
˙May everything go as you hope! (萬事如意)
˙(For your Mum!) May you always be blessed with youth and vigour! (青春常駐)
˙(For your grandpa and grandma!) Be energetic like dragons and horses!
(龍馬精神)
We hope that happiness will always be with you, and you will excel at your studies in the coming year!
■Game
In what year were you born? Draw out your Chinese zodiac!
■Gear up
Fill in the corresponding Chinese zodiac!
1. Last year is a year of the _________.
2. This year is a year of the _________.
3. Next year is a year of the _________.
(Answer on next text)
■Glossary
custom (n) 習俗
Chinese zodiac (n) 生肖
taboos (n) 禁忌
fortune (n) 運氣
(Criticisms on this publication, if any, are aimed at pointing out the errors or defects of certain systems or policies with a view to rectifying or eradicating such errors or defects, as well as prompting improvement or remedy for them via lawful means. There is absolutely no intention of inciting hatred, discontent or hostility towards the government or other classes of the community.)
[Smarties' Power English 第365期]
Story : It's New Year again!
【明報專訊】Brother Bear came home from school to find Little Sister turning... 詳情
