Chinese New Year, also called as Lunar New Year, is one of the most important festivals and the most anticipated holiday of the year in Taiwan. For locals, it’s the perfect opportunity to come back to their provinces and visit their family as it actually is a long-week holiday here. Of course, no work and no classes. Having Taiwanese friends are even better. So before you travel to Taiwan, here are the 8 facts you should know about about Chinese New Year.
1. It is the longest holiday in Taiwan.
The Lunar New Year, as the name suggests, is based on the traditional Chinese lunar calendar. It begins on the first day of the first lunar month. It usually falls at the end of January or the first 2 weeks of February – however, national holidays in Taiwan begin on Chinese New Year’s Eve and run until the following week, making it one of the longest holidays here in Taiwan. People normally return to their provinces during New Year’s Eve and celebrate the upcoming New Year with loved ones.
2. Before the start of Chinese New Year, locals do spring cleaning.
It is believed that cleaning every corner of your home before the new year starts will cast away all the bad luck you accumulated for the past year. And by getting rid of the junk and unused things, you are actually making a room for new luck this coming year. The trash should also be thrown out at the back door not the front. However, cleaning on the first few days of the New Year should be avoided as it will sweep away any fresh luck of the new year.
3. Using negative words is avoided.
Taiwanese people stay away from using negative terms especially if its related to death, ghosts, and sickness. They use euphemisms instead just to prevent them in saying offensive terms in the process. So, don’t forget to say “Xiè xie” to show politeness and receive bountiful blessings for the upcoming year.
4. Celebrating New Year with a New Year’s Eve meal.
Chinese New Year will not be completed without a New Year’s Eve meal. It is usually served up pretty late in the evening together with the family as they believe parents would live long for doing this. The dishes on the table are often chosen depending on its importance and luck for the whole year. Still, due to convenience, Taiwanese are now choosing to dine out in restaurants as long as their family is complete.
5. Wearing red is preferable during this time of the year.
Red symbolizes prosperity and wealth. Wearing it fends off evil spirits and bad luck during the festival. In contrast, locals avoid wearing white and black as these colors are associated with funerals and bad omen.
6. Releasing a sky lantern with wishes for the coming year.
When Chinese New Year arrives, most locals expect to light a lantern during this time to wish for health, intelligence, wealth, success, love, happiness, and luck for the year. It is one of the most popular traditions in Taiwan. There is also a festival for this and normally starts on the 15th day of the first lunar month, after Chinese New Year. If you’re planning to attend the sky lantern festival though, you need to pay attention as dates change every year in order to follow the lunar calendar.
7. Stores and restaurants close very early on the eve of Chinese New Year.
Though you’ll still find some stores that are open, most of them close very early to celebrate this important holiday with their loved ones, it includes offices and establishments. It is a problem especially for tourists however, don’t be sad as night markets are still open during this important season.
8. Of course, the red envelopes.
Chinese New Year is the most awaited festival to receive red envelopes with new banknotes inside. While it is obvious that mostly, children are given red envelopes by their grandparents, parents, uncles, etc. Companies in Taiwan are also giving these envelopes to their workers and employees as well. These envelopes are given as a sign of appreciation and respect.
Overall, Chinese New Year is a beautiful celebration for the Taiwanese people and as we stay longer here in Taiwan, we are happy and blessed enough to witness and be part of this wonderful festival each year.
Happy Chinese New Year everyone! 新年快樂 (Xīnnián kuàilè) !
