2010 Chinese New Year Greeting from Pearl Huang
Dear Friends:
 Happy New Year of the Tiger - 4707
On February 14th, 2010, people will celebrate Chinese New Year all over the world even though they are not descendents of Chinese ancestors. Chinese Lunar New Year has almost become a world culture these days since early immigrants introduced this practice in their chosen new worlds all over the globe. It is a celebration of the coming spring and a positive energetic approach to a new year. Each New Year is represented by a specific animal from one of the twelve zodiac animals. Each of the twelve animals represents special powers and teachings passed down from ancient times. Traditionally Chinese people believe in these animal signs from birth and conduct their daily living carefully according to the indications from these signs.
In China, celebration for the Lunar New Year will start long before the arrival of the New Year. Chinese traditional practice is to repay all one's debts, clean house and make a set of new clothes for everyone in the family. As a rule preparation of food for the feast can start as early as fall harvest to preserve certain foods from winter throughout spring. Livestock, fresh catch from the river or the sea are prepared and salted. Before sitting down to enjoy the feast on New Year's Eve, most families will observe an Ancestral Worship Ceremony to pay respect and thank their ancestors with incense, candles, fresh flowers, food and wine. The head of the family will lead the women and children in a ritual of genuflection, bowing and prayers. After midnight firecracker will go off to chasse away any evil spirit which may affect the New Year. Fireworks can also bring good energy and good luck for the new season.
As a rule no work or business can be conducted during the first few days of the New Year. People visit back and forth to eat and play games and enjoy good food and relaxation. Small amount of money in a "red envelope" are given to children and service people as a token gesture when one visits another house during New Years. Gifts of exotic food, wine or collector's items can also be given according to rank and wealth. For entertainment, Lion or Dragon dancers will come to the house or dance in the town square. Opera and singing troops, puppet shows can also be engaged to come to a village or a household to offer music and theater.
In many big cities all over the world Chinese New Year is celebrated. I was not surprised last winter in York, England when a local man told me they have Chinese New Year celebration at their university annually. I know big cities in America like San Francisco, New York, Los Angeles are certainly famous for their China Town New Year events. For the New Year of the Tiger, may the powers of this fantastic animal energize your life and open up new vistas.
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