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| Get ready for Lion Dances and Fireworks - both designed to chase away Bad Luck |
Lunar New Year began on this side of the planet yesterday on
Friday the 16th but don’t despair if you missed it. The main
festivities last for seven days and additional celebrations continue until
the Lantern Festival on March 2.
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| Hobart recycles it's Christmas Tree in Salamanca Place in honour of "Chinese New Year" |
Though commonly called “Chinese New Year” it is essentially
a Spring festival celebrated by many countries including Korea, Indonesia,
Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Mauritius, Singapore, Taiwan and Macau,
Australia and the Philippines and all those other places where migrants from
these countries have made their home. In fact, it is one of the most important and widely celebrated
events in the world. While each country has its own variation, common to all is
the desire to spend time with family and friends which causes huge traffic jams
in those countries, especially in China. It is also about remembering
ancestors, the thorough cleaning of homes to remove misfortune, and the eating
of traditional foods – dumplings or rice cakes being especially favoured, and to
reward a year of hard work.
In Korea and China at least, the latter takes the
form of an eagerly awaited red envelope containing money. In Korea
it is also the time for playing traditional games such as Yut No Ri which is a
gambling game. Fortune telling is also popular. For more on the various customs
click here.
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| Yut No Ri - a traditional gambling game played by the Koreans on Lunar New Year |
So what does the Year of The Earth Dog hold? According to an upcoming program at Curtain University the dog
is characterised by" loyalty and generosity and an idealistic energy," and the
signs point to financial success, but this must be tempered by social
awareness and ethical consideration.
In other words, according to KarmaWeather.com, fortune will
flow to those “who choose honesty and fairness in their dealings." There is also considerable emphasis on reducing pollution and improving the
quality of life due to the earth element. All noble aims, whether you believe in fortune telling or not.
In Hobart the Lunar New Year will be marked by Lion Dances for
luck, calligraphy displays, dragon dances, firecrackers and cultural displays
and most of them will occur on Sunday the 18th. Check out the full program here.
For all those going home to celebrate with their families we
wish you safe travels and a prosperous, happy and healthy New Year. Welcome to
the Year of the Dog!
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