How to Get Ready for Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year, or the Spring Festival 【春节】begins on January 31st this year. In the weeks leading up to the holiday, the whole of China will be on the move. From east to west, people, especially migrant workers, will return to their home villages to spend the time with families they haven't seen the rest of the year. On the 29th, families all over Asia will gather together to eat a special meal, perhaps watch the Spring Festival Gala on TV, and give each other gifts. In the days following they will visit relatives, and especially in China, take a break from work for 1-2 weeks.

Even though I am spending the holiday in the U.S., the Spring Festival is a special time of year for me, too. I enjoy sharing my host culture with people here at home. This year to celebrate I'll be presenting on China in my younger siblings' classes. However, creating a presentation fit for 5-8 year-olds takes a lot of preparation, as does the Spring Festival itself. If you haven't prepped your home or family for this holiday, I'm here to help. Here is my list on how to get ready for Chinese New Year. Keep in mind that my recommendations are all based on my own observations of preparations in China, and should, by no means, be taken too seriously. Especially if you live outside of China, just have fun with it!

Spring Clean

Before the new year arrives, it's important that your home be ready for all the good spirits and prosperity that is sure to come. More importantly, one must take care to sweep away all the bad luck from the year before. After you've got your house spick-and-span, don't forget to hang your traditional couplets around your door frame.
 

 

Buy Red

Buy red underwear in particular. Not only is this a lucky color in Chinese culture, but it is also a great preparation for Valentine's Day. Buy some for yourself. Get a few for your spouse. Stock up for your kids. Don't forget the grandparents! While you're at it, go for red sheets and duvets, too. Go big or go home, right?

 

Make Dumplings

This is a must. Because of their similar shape to ancient gold currency, dumplings represent fortune and prosperity. At the new year, people sometimes hide small coins inside the filling to be found by some lucky eater. Even without the coin, dumplings are a delicious main meal and fun to make at home or with friends. It's a common Chinese question to ask foreigners if they know how to "bao jiaozi," or make dumplings. Why not get a head start this year by making some of your own?
 

 

Set Off Firecrackers

As you ring in the new year, your ears should be ringing--there should be a Chinese idiom for that. Chances are, you're not going to be doing this in your backyard in the States, but a few sparklers or a bonfire would do, too!
 

 

If nothing else, you can wear my Chinese-English original design for your Chinese New Year celebration! Find it on my Etsy shop at the top of this page or here. Leave a comment and you'll get 10% off your order! Who can say no to more holiday deals?