Chinese New Year 2023 – Its Origins

Chinese New Year is one of the most important holidays in the Chinese calendar, and has been celebrated by Chinese folk all around the world for centuries. It begins with the first new moon that occurs between the end of January. It then spans the first 15 days of the first month of the lunar calendar until the full moon arrives.

People around the world celebrate Chinese New Year a little differently, but the core concept is always the same. The season is celebrated with food and traditions that symbolises prosperity and abundance, while bringing the family together for a reunion. 

Some households perform traditional rituals to offer food and burn paper for their ancestors, while others put up red scrolls and banners with calligraphy to bring in good health and fortune. Of course, we mustn’t forget – one of the most iconic practices of Chinese New Year is the red envelope –angpow– which is given to family members, friends and children as a blessing for their good health and fortune.

The Origins Of Chinese New Year

The very first origins of this festival date back all the way to the Tang Dynasty in China (618-907). The Emperor of China declared the first day of the first month to be a special holiday for his people. In the Shang Dynasty around 1766-1050 BC, people would use this time to devote themselves to praying and making offerings. They wished for good luck and fortune in the upcoming year, and for good harvests to come. Over time, these traditions eventually evolved into celebrating Chinese New Year.

Around the early 16th century, Chinese immigrants brought the traditions of Chinese New Year to Singapore. The festivities were quickly embraced by the local community, and the holiday has since become a major part of the culture in Singapore.

Today, Chinese New Year is a festive holiday celebrated in Singapore and many other Asian countries. The holiday is steeped in tradition, and is also a time for reflection and renewal. People take this opportunity to forgive and forget past wrongs, and to look to the year ahead with renewed optimism.

Traditions for Chinese New Year in Singapore

Modern families celebrate by spring cleaning the house, lighting fireworks and firecrackers, exchanging red packets and honouring their elders. One of the most important traditions is the practice of lou hei. It’s a traditional Chinese New Year dish that is made with a variety of raw ingredients, including raw fish like salmon, pickled vegetables, crisps and sauces. The ingredients are mixed together and eaten with chopsticks. It is believed that the more you mix the ingredients, the more good luck and fortune you will have in the coming year!

On Chinese New Year’s eve, families will hold a reunion dinner, also known as the tuan yuan fan (团圆饭). It symbolises the reuniting and coming together of family, as extended family members will gather together to celebrate. They visit with red packets, along with CNY hampers and gifts for the elderly and children. After the meal, families traditionally stay up together until after midnight to usher in the New Year and enjoy fireworks.

Celebrate Chinese New Year with FlowernBalloon SG!

If you’re planning on reuniting with your family this upcoming Chinese New Year, bring along a CNY gift as a gesture of goodwill! We’re here to help make it an easy experience with our Chinese New Year hampers. They make the perfect gift for visiting family and friends.

Shop our upcoming CNY hampers in 2023 at FlowernBalloon today! We offer free delivery services for our beloved customers, on the same day for orders before 3PM.

Still caught up with Christmas? Shop last-minute Christmas gift hampers here in our store today!