Rudolph the red-nosed who? If there were an award to be given for a holiday season that is incredibly over-the-top, scrumptious and heart-warming all at the same time, Chinese New Year would win it by a mile. Don’t believe us?
Here are 8 ways Chinese New Year beats every other holiday.
1. Supermarkets Make Sure You Won’t Forget It’s Coming
Fancy a giant rooster greeting you at the supermarket? Chinese New Year is the best because you will always be reminded which zodiac year it is, even if you don’t celebrate it.
2. It Is An Excuse To Refresh Your Wardrobe
Shopaholics, rejoice! Believe it or not, donning a new set of clothes at the beginning of Chinese New Year is traditionally believed to bring good luck. With a plethora of stores giving out special discounts, this is truly a treat for shopaholics (and those who love to indulge in some retail therapy).
3. We Are Safe From The Wraths of Secret Santa
Remember that recycled pair of socks you got last Christmas? Or that mug that said “Best Friend Forever”? Well, so do we. Which is why our souls rejoice during Chinese New Year, not from an impressive secret Santa but the great gift of Ang Baos. No awkward moments, just pure happiness (and fortune) from our loved ones!
4. Our Streets Brighten Up For A Month
Besides supermarkets, the Chinese New Year celebrations take to our streets and neighbourhoods, lighting up famous places like Chinatown and Bugis Street with an infectious red hue and a lineup of delicious street snacks! With these night markets opening as early as a month before Chinese New Year, you ought to pay them a visit and soak up the good vibes!
5. We Finally Get To Play With Our Food
With almost 17 types of ingredients in the Yu Sheng, the elaborate dish is an integral part of the celebrations that is typically assembled and TOSSED to commemorate the auspicious New Year! If you have ever participated in the infamous Lo Hei, then you would agree when we say that it takes us back to our childhood (only the mess is allowed this time)!
6. FOOD. SO. MUCH. FOOD
If there is something we love the most about Chinese New Year, it would be the glorious food that comes with it! Reunion dinners are often the best time to chow down on delicious classics like the Xiao Long Bao, Prosperity Treasure Hot Pots and some crackling Suckling Pig. Families usually order at least 8 dishes during dinner as a symbol of good luck too (which means more goodness for your bellies).
7. Family Comes First
It is a tradition for families to come together during reunion dinners (as it is aptly named). If you do not see your family members often, Chinese New Year is one of the best times to catch up and unwind with them! Pro tip: When faced with the question of marriage just take a deep breath, smile and reach out for the nearest tub of pineapple tarts.
8. Mahjong
What happens when the entire family comes together for dinner after not meeting for a long? They continue the festivities with a charged-up game of Mahjong of course! Though gambling is nothing uncommon during Chinese family gatherings, more families play Mahjong during Chinese New Year as it is slightly more tactical and requires some memory work –perfect to tackle the food coma!
A food lover with inquisitive taste buds, documenting his culinary experiences through the lens with every bite.
