New Year’s Eve Vigil and Fireworks
The celebration of Chinese New Year begins at home with the traditional New Year’s Eve Vigil (Shou Sui). On Chinese New Year’s Eve, the whole family gathers together, lighting candles or oil lamps, and stay up in an all-night vigil awaiting the arrival of the Chinese New Year. In some countries, the Chinese New Year is greeted by fireworks before dawn.
Solemn Tribute to Ancestors
Solemn tribute to ancestors during Chinese New Year is a cultural tradition based on filial piety, where families honor deceased relatives to ensure their blessings for health and prosperity in the coming year. The offering of food, wine and flowers, along with burning incense and bowing thrice demonstrate the deep respect of families towards their deceased relatives and ancestors.
Giving Red Envelopes
Giving red envelopes (hong-bao) during Chinese New Year is a deeply rooted tradition in which the giver wishes good fortune, health and prosperity to the recipient. These red envelopes contain crisp, new banknotes and are commonly given by parents, grandparents, relatives and friends to children, unmarried adults and employees to wish them a good and happy year ahead.
Cooking and Eating Dumplings
A delicious way to welcome the New Year is the tradition of cooking and eating fresh dumplings. Eating dumplings has become a cultural tradition among Chinese people in many countries to usher in the Chinese New Year with good wishes and bright expectations for the New Year.