CHINESE CULTURE

Chinese New Year:

Chinese New Year, Lunar New Year, or Spring Festival is the most important of the traditional chinese holidays. The festival traditionally begins on the first day of the first month (正月) in the Chinese calendar and ends with lantern festival which is on the 15th day. Chinese New Year's Eve is known as chú xī. Ancient Chinese New Year is a reflection on how the people behaved and what they believed in the most. Ancient Chinese New Year is a reflection on how the people behaved
and what they believed in the most.

Animal		New Year dates
鼠 Rat		February 19, 1996	February 7, 2008
牛 Ox		February 7, 1997	January 26, 2009
虎 Ti		January 28, 1998	February 14, 2010
兔 Rabbit		February 16, 1999	February 3, 2011
龍 Dragon		February 5, 2000	January 23, 2012
蛇 Snake		January 24, 2001	February 10, 2013
馬 Horse		February 12, 2002	January 31, 2014
羊 Sheep		February 1, 2003	February 19, 2015
猴 Monkey		January 22, 2004	February 8, 2016
雞 Rooster		February 9, 2005	January 28, 2017
狗 Dog		January 29, 2006	February 16, 2018
豬 Pig		February 18, 2007	February 5, 2019

Colour Red:
Red is the emblem of joy, and this colour also symbolizes virtue, truth and sincerity. it is believed that red will scare away evil spirits and bad fortune.

Clothing:
Clothing mainly featuring the colour red is commonly worn throughout the Chinese New Year because it is believed that red will scare away evil spirits and bad fortune. In addition, people typically wear new clothes from head to toe to symbolize a new beginning in the new year. Wearing new clothes also symbolizes having more than enough things to use and wear in the new year.

Red Packets:
Red packets are passed out during the Chinese New Year's celebrations, from married couples or the elderly to unmarried juniors. It is also common for adults or young couples to give red packets to children. Red packets contains also known as 压岁钱 (Ya Sui Qian). the money is used to suppress or put down the evil spirit during this period.

Firecrackers:
Firecrackers are usually strung on a long fused string so it can be hung down. Each firecracker is rolled up in red papers, as red is auspicious, with gunpowder in its core. Once ignited, the firecracker lets out a loud popping noise and, as they are usually strung together by the hundreds, the firecrackers are known for their deafening explosions that are thought to scare away evil spirits. The burning of firecrackers also signifies a joyful time of year and has become an integral aspect of Chinese New Year celebrations. Lion and Dragon Dance: Dragon and lion dances are common during Chinese New Year. It is believed that the loud beats of the drum and the deafening sounds of the cymbals together with the face of the dragon or lion dancing aggressively can evict bad or evil spirits.


Filial Piety:

In Confucian ideals, filial piety (孝, xiào) is one of the virtues to be held above all else: a respect for the parents and ancestors. In somewhat general terms, filial piety means to be good to one's parents; to take care of one's parents; to engage in good conduct not just towards parents but also outside the home so as to bring a good name to one's parents and ancestors; to perform the duties of one's job well so as to obtain the material means to support parents as well as carry out sacrifices to the ancestors; not be rebellious; show love, respect and support;display courtesy; ensure male heirs, uphold fraternity among brothers; wisely advise one's parents, including dissuading them from moral unrighteousness; display sorrow for their sickness and death; and carry out sacrifices after their death.