Year of the Dog

So the Chinese New Year is almost upon us and I find myself curious to the lore and superstitions surrounding a holiday that most people in America recognize as a fireworks display and parade.
The fact of the matter is this is a holiday with a rich and diverse history. Unlike the New Year’s Eve that is normally recognized by copious amounts of alcohol accompanied by a half hearted attempt to verbalize “resolutions” that not only are bound to be forgotten as the hangover fades but are unrealistic in nature…the Chinese New Year is 15 days long with each day having it’s own symbolic meaning.
I am here dear reader to share what I’ve learned about this:
Chinese New Year begins on the first New Moon of the year (and as such the date is altered accordingly), it ends 15 days later on the Full Moon that follows. Tonight being New Year’s Eve there will be a place setting at the dinner table for the ancestors of the family. The spirit of the ancestors celebrates on this night with the family for one communal celebration. The communal feast called "surrounding the stove" or weilu. Symbolizes family unity and honors the past and present generations.

I also discovered the following superstitions regarding this holiday (please note, these are a general collection and not reflective of all regions of China):

All debts are to be paid prior to the New Year starting and nothing should be lent on this day, as anyone who does so will be lending all the year.

Everyone should refrain from using foul language and bad or unlucky words. Negative terms and the word "four" (Ssu), which sounds like the word for death, are not to be uttered.

Death and dying are never mentioned and ghost stories are totally taboo.

If you cry on New Year's day, you will cry all through the year. Therefore, children are tolerated and are not spanked, even though they are mischievous.

On New Year's Day, you are not supposed to wash your hair because it would means you would have washed away good luck for the New Year.

Red clothing is preferred during this festive occasion. Red is considered a bright, happy color, sure to bring the wearer a sunny and bright future.

It is believed that appearance and attitude during New Year's sets the tone for the rest of the year.

Children and unmarried friends, as well as close relatives are given lai see, little red envelopes with crisp one dollar bills inserted, for good fortune.

The first person one meets and the first words heard are significant as to what the fortunes would be for the entire year.

It is a lucky sign to see or hear songbirds or red-colored birds or swallows.

It is considered unlucky to greet anyone in their bedroom so that is why everyone, even the sick, should get dressed and sit in the living room.

Do not use knives or scissors on New Year's Day as this may cut off fortune.

The entire house should be cleaned before New Year's Day. On New Year's Eve, all brooms, brushes, dusters, dust pans and other cleaning equipment are put away. Sweeping or dusting should not be done on New Year's Day for fear that good fortune will be swept away. After New Year's Day, the floors may be swept. Beginning at the door, the dust and rubbish are swept to the middle of the parlor, then placed in the corners and not taken or thrown out until the fifth day. At no time should the rubbish in the corners be trampled upon. In sweeping, there is a superstition that if you sweep the dirt out over the threshold, you will sweep one of the family members away. Also, to sweep the dust and dirt out of your house by the front entrance is to sweep away the good fortune of the family; it must always be swept inwards and then carried out, then no harm will follow. All dirt and rubbish must be taken out the back door.
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I like this celebration; I like the cultural fecundity of the whole thing as well as the chance for New Beginnings. I am going to embrace the following tradition with my whole heart as I welcome the Year of the Dog: It is believed that references to the past year are to be avoided as everything should be turned toward the New Year and a new beginning.

SO here is to new beginnings and to all my friends and family I wish you all: Xin nian yu kuai!