The Chinese Lunar New Year, or Spring Festival as it is also known is a very important occasion for all people of Chinese origin around the world. Hong Kong is no exception in this regard, with its people involving themselves enthusiastically in the celebrations. Since the lunar calendar differs from the Western Gregorian calendar, the date of the festival varies each year on the Western calendar. For 2013 the date of the occasion falls on February 10th, but celebrations often extend for as long as 15 days.
Many fascinating customs and traditions are observed at this special time of the calendar. People of Chinese origin reunite with their extended families, ushering in the New Year with good fellowship and solidarity. It is considered auspicious to eat special foods at this time of the year, which will bring good fortune in the months to come. People clean their homes and decorate them with Spring Couplets, New Year scrolls and paintings as well as freshly cut flowers. All members of the family attire themselves in new brightly coloured clothes.
Hong Kong is well known for its culinary traditions and many of these are associated with the New Year. The supper enjoyed on New Year’s Eve is the most significant meal of the year for the Chinese. People travel great distances to their home areas to enjoy this meal with their relatives. This repast often includes specialty dumplings, fish and sweetmeats.
Traditional Chinese dragon dances and lion dances are conducted at this joyous time. In Hong Kong on the second evening of the Spring Festival a grand fireworks extravaganza is conducted at Victoria Harbour.
The festivities are much looked forward to by the children as they receive presents of ‘lucky money’ in red envelopes from their parents and elders. At this time children are expected to demonstrate respect for their elders and receive blessings and presents in return. If you are planning a visit to Hong Kong there is no better time than the New Year when the entire community embraces the festive spirit.
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