Chinese New Year celebrations are, admittedly, kind of a big deal. While enormous family gatherings take place on Thanksgiving and jolly cheer is spread during Christmas time, this holiday combines the joy (and meal sizes) of both for a wholly loud and festive time.
Nowadays, the fifteen-day holiday commonly adopts the more inclusive name of "Lunar New Year", as those of Korean, Vietnamese, and Malaysia descent take part in celebrations as well. Rituals tend to vary across countries, and even more so between the Northern and Southern parts of China, as well as in Hong Kong and Taiwan. For example, Northerners may partake in dumpling feasts while those from the South employ whole fish and barbecued dishes.
Nowadays, the fifteen-day holiday commonly adopts the more inclusive name of "Lunar New Year", as those of Korean, Vietnamese, and Malaysia descent take part in celebrations as well. Rituals tend to vary across countries, and even more so between the Northern and Southern parts of China, as well as in Hong Kong and Taiwan. For example, Northerners may partake in dumpling feasts while those from the South employ whole fish and barbecued dishes.
Festivities kick off after an evening of cleaning the house, commencing with a family dinner celebrating the theme of unity.
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Attending Chinese New Year Markets is another activity that allows the complete immersion of oneself in a cheerful, bustling atmosphere. Most decorations will don a lavish coat of bright red with highlights of shimmering gold.
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Traditional markets are held outdoors and comprise of vendors retailing various food items, New Year plants, ornaments, balloons, and other relevant knickknacks of sorts. The one that earns our annual attendance is more compact and held in the basement of a temple, making the experience significantly warmer.
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View the full album HERE !
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Interestingly, wagon wheel cakes (with fillings of chocolate chips and red bean) were offered as part of this year's fair. The Taiwanese street snack isn't particularly traditional, but was enjoyed by the younger generation nonetheless.
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Celebrations aren't limited to only East Asian households and temples though - Holt Renfrew's Square One location took to holding a lengthy Lion Dance on the afternoon of New Year's Day.
It was a tremendous celebration that encouraged mall-goers to actively participate in the ritual while venturing throughout the entire store.
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On one hand, I did find it quite amusing that they opted to use kale as an alternative to lettuce.
Happy Year of the Rooster!! Here's to wishing everyone a year full of prosperity, luck, and good health!
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